Defiant Yemen leader calls protesters "saboteurs"

SANAA May 13 (Reuters) - Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh said on Friday he would confront challenges from opponents, whom he called "saboteurs", and said they should use the ballot box if they want to end his nearly 33 years in power.

"We will confront a challenge with a challenge. Whoever wants power should head to the ballot box ... stop playing with fire," he said as tens of thousands of people rallied in counter demonstrations for and against his rule.

"I call on the opposition to join in a constructive dialogue under any organisation and in any place."

(Reporting by Mohamed Sudam; Editing by Michael Roddy)