The U.S. State Department has granted a visa to Yemeni president and longtime U.S. ally Ali Abdullah Saleh to enter the United States to seek medical treatment. Prior to leaving Yemen on Sunday, Saleh apologized for “any shortcoming” in his 33-year rule.

Ali Abdullah Saleh: “I demand a pardon from all the sons of the nation, men and women. If shortcomings occurred during my 33-year term, then I ask for forgiveness, and I apologize to all the citizens of Yemen.”

Thousands of Yemenis protested on Sunday, calling on Saleh to be put on trial for the killing of hundreds of demonstrators over the past year.