Photo handed out on July 7, 2011 shows Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh speaking in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Yemen's state television on Thursday aired a speech by President Ali Abdullah Saleh, the first appearance after he was attacked by a bomb on his presidential palace on June 3. [Xinhua]

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh said he welcomes the partnership with opposition in the framework of the Yemeni constitution in a speech he delivered to the nation on Thursday evening.

During the 10-minute-long speech, Saleh also vowed to remain steadfast in front of all political challenges, saying "we will confront the challenge."

Saleh, who has not been seen in public since he was injured by a bomb attack on June 3, seems has been applied facial make-up. He said he underwent eight successful medical operations for burns he sustained in last month's attack on his palace.

Meanwhile, very heavy gunshots and fireworks can still be heard in Sanaa.