CRI听力:Yemen Government and Rebels Sign Peace Deal

The Yemeni government and Shia Houthi rebels have signed a peace deal following days of violence that left over 140 people dead.

The deal calls for an immediate ceasefire and the formation of a technocratic government within a month.

The rebels will nominate a new prime minister within three days.

Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi:

"The ceasefire will start immediately in Sanaa. We've come to this hall to sign this agreement in order to stop the Yemeni bloodshed which is taking place in every street. What is happening is not pleasing God and his prophet."

On Sunday, the rebels said they had taken over key installations in the capital Sanaa, including the Defense Ministry and the Central Bank.

The Hawthis have been pressing for a change of government after routing their Sunni Islamist opponents in a series of battles.

Yemen, one of the Arab world's poorest nations, is facing multiple challenges.

In addition to the rebels, an al-Qaida branch in the south poses a constant threat as it tries to impose control over cities and towns.