"The Yemeni president is also preparing to address the nation on television within the next two days, probably after he goes back to Sanaa," said an Arab diplomat on the condition of anonymity.

He said that the Yemeni officials had "sought medical advice" in preparation for Saleh's return. Saleh is currently in the Riyadh-based Armed Forces Hospital receiving treatment for severe wounds he suffered in an attack on his palace early this month. His two sons, who command military units, have played a crucial role in protecting their father's regime and keeping his grip on power in his absence.

The diplomat did not give a return date for the president nor when he would make his televised address. He said Saleh has sought the advice of his aides, including Abdul-Karim Al-Eryani, on his future plans. Al-Eryani and some other top Yemeni officials have been in Riyadh for the last two days.

He pointed out that a number of senior officials are still in Saudi Arabia for treatment of injuries suffered in the attack on June 3 at a mosque where the president and senior officials were performing the Friday prayer.

Asked about a renewed move to approach Saleh to endorse a GCC-brokered deal while he is in Riyadh, GCC officials were tight-lipped on the issue. Saleh has three times retreated from signing a deal put forward by the six-nation GCC that calls for him to step down and hand power to his vice president. In return, Saleh would get immunity from any prosecution.

The GCC deal is still backed by the US and Europe whose main concern is the political strife in Yemen where non-governance could strengthen the cadres of Al-Qaeda.

Underscoring the chaos in the country, clashes between the militants and government troops on Sunday left three soldiers dead in the southern Abyan province.