YOUR NEW NEWSPAPER

“After Many Years of Discord, Government GPC and Opposition JMP Sign New Agreement to Move Forward with Building a National Government--Much Like Two Elderly Women who Still Have Love For Each Other”

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The second Arab Anti-Cor-ruption and Integrity Network (ACINET) summit is to be held in Yemen for the year 2010.

The meeting will take place in the Movenpick Hotel from 26-27 July and will focus on ad-dressing the impact of corrup-tion in society. It will seek to

implement norms to eradicate it.

The conference will hold an ACINET member-only session as well as workshop on “Na-tional Anti-Corruption strate-gies”.

The goals of the conference,

which will be attended by gov-ernmental authorities and rep-resentatives from 13 Arab countries, high-profile political figures, and national and for-eign stakeholders is to create awareness of the detrimental role of corruption, and discuss-ing techniques for fighting and preventing it.

The United Nations is ex-pressing concern about the hu-manitarian situation in northern Yemen, where the needs of the local population displaced by ongoing fighting vastly outstrip the funds provided so far by do-nors.

Less than $70 million, or 36 per cent, of the $187 million sought this year by aid agencies

for assistance in Yemen has been received, the UN Office

“National Anti-Corrupt Strategies” Meeting to be Launched

UN warns that aid operations in northern Yemen remain drastically under-funded

The United Nations is expressing concern about the humanitar-ian situation in north-ern Yemen, where the needs of the local population displaced by ongoing fighting vastly outstrip the funds provided so far by donors.

At Least 69 Dead in North Yemen Clashes

SANAA (AFP)

Fighting overnight between Shiite rebels and army-backed tribes in Yemen’s restive north killed 20 people on both sides, a tribal official said on Thurs-day, raising the death toll in five days of fighting to over 69.

“Violent clashes took place overnight between Huthis and Bin Aziz tribes... leaving 20 dead from both sides,” the of-ficial said.

Yemeni army forces deployed

in the area intervened to break up the fighting in Harf Sufyan in the northern Amran prov-ince, he added.

The rebels used “different types of weapons” in their at-tempt to control several loca-tions and tighten a siege on Bin Aziz villages, said the official, speaking on condition of ano-nymity.

Fighting in the mountainous

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Sunday, July 25, 2010Volume 01 - ISSue 09

PrIce: yer 30

www.natIonalyemen.comNationalYemenThe Facts As They Are

Parent Child Relationships: Denial

and IngratitudeEuropean plastic artists (GPC) and (JMP) Reach

New AgreementEconomists Expect a

Rise in Food04 05 07 08

DUBAI, July 22- Gulf Air has announced that it will launch flights to Aden, the commercial capital of Yemen. The Gulf air-line said that the flights to Aden will be served by an A319 air-craft. It said it would also re-launch flights to Colombo.

Gulf Air Flies to Aden

Ministry of the Interior lead-ership circulated a communi-qué describing the type of truck, (white Hilux pickup with Saudi Arabia plate num-ber 659 A V – R), used in an ambush against a military con-voy on Thursday involving six soldiers from the Central Secu-rity Branch.

The ambush took place in near the homeland of Anwar al-Awlaqi in Ataq, Shabwa governorate. The dastardly crime led to the martyrdom of five soldiers and injury of one. The crime was carried out by unknown gunmen riding in the Hilux truck.

Ministry of the Interior offi-cials said that the truck entered Yemen on July 5th through Al-Wadee’ah passageway. The car belongs to a Saudi citizen named Ahmed Saleh Hidaig Al-Hammami, whose name

appears on the blacklist as he’s wanted by the Security Servic-es of Shabwa for the murder of five soldiers of the Central Se-curity.

The Central Security officials said that it had circulated a communiqué of the Saudi sus-pect’s name and information about the Hilux truck used in the crime. The communiqué was circulated to various prov-inces, airports, seaports, and checkpoints of Yemen.

There are orders to arrest the Saudi Arabian suspect and seize the vehicle on sight. An official in the southern prov-ince of Shabwa said that there is suspicion that al Qaeda was behind the attack. He said that the gunmen escaped after the ambush, despite the massive presence of security forces in Ataq and checkpoints set up around the city

Yemeni Soldiers Killed in Ambush

Eight people were killed and 40 others injured in 21 differ-ent incidents that occurred on various roads of the gover-norates last week. According to reports by the Traffic Ser-vices released yesterday, the accidents were as follows: six pedestrian accidents which resulted in the death of one person and injured of six others, three overturning ac-cidents killing two and injur-ing 14 others, 12 vehicle-on-vehicle accidents resulting in the death of 5 people dead and wounding 20 others in-jured. Traffic services attrib-uted the causes of these acci-dents to speeding, reckless passing, negligence, and dis-tracted driving due to cell-phone use and chewing Qat.

8 People Died in Traffic Incidents Last Week

Sunday, July 25, 2010 Issue09 www.nationalyemen.com2 National YemenADVERTISMENTS

It seems to be a fair agreement for most of the political parties. Last week

President Ali Abdullah Saleh announced to officials and the general public the new government strategy for establishing a national government as per the February 2009 agreement.

Since 1990, Yemen’s political landscape has witnessed dra-matic changes. It began with the unity of Yemen, the most significant and widely respect-ed event. Later came the war of 1994, the return of Yemeni immigrants during the first Gulf War, and many other local international crises. These all hindered Yemen’s develop-ment, and jeopardized a sus-tainable Yemeni economy.

People of Yemen now await a safer tomorrow. A day without significant economic challeng-es, hot political conflicts, wars in Saa’ad with the Houthi re-bellions, presence of al-Qaeeda in Marib, Shabwa, Abyen etc ,the eruption of the southern governorate movement, and unsustainable influx of Somali refugees. These and other challenges posed by rampant population growth, education disparity, and poor healthcare all directly affect the govern-ment’s ability to achieve its mission.

However, businessmen and people on the street are not so encourage by this ‘political breakthrough’ between the government, represented by

the JPC, and the opposition parties, represented by the (JMP). They public view is skeptical, and many feel that the agreement satisfies mem-bers of both parties who only really have their self-interest and personal power at heart. Despite the agreement, they will continue to ignore the de-mands of Yemeni citizens.

The agreement simply shows their satisfaction with greater power. The president said that the JPC and JMP would have 100 seats each. They view this step as progress. Yes, while from one perspective it is prog-ress, the process will continue to lack the principles and insti-tutions that would make for a truly democratic state. One that represents the people through competition and free and fair elections.

To the government and to the Opposition:

The people are not satisfied with their living situations. They do not wish to be the vic-tim of your political games. They want the right to live, the right to competitive education, affordable and quality health-care, economic improvements and investment, democratic governance, and loyalty from their elected officials.

Despite the recent fanfare, the

people are quite pessimistic, and they are demanding practi-cal improvements to their ev-eryday lives. You are fighting to rule over them, while they are simply fighting to survive. Their attitudes are formed by your failure, and they are be-coming increasingly angry. Always side with the people as the community is the partner with whom the government and opposition work with.

You’ve reached an agree-ment, and I concede it was an important one. But it was only an agreement. Now the real work, the work on be-half of the people, begins.

Fakhri al-ArashiPublisher & Chief Editor

W i n - W i n A g r e e m e n t

Government Gives First Compensation Package to the Bani Hushaish

The airline will start its flights to Aden via Sana’a from Sep-tember 22 with four weekly services. Colombo services will begin on October 5 with five flights per week by an A320 aircraft

“Launching services to this new destination further dem-onstrates our new business strategy. We seek to identify and expand our operations into niche and under-served mar-kets. In so doing we create po-tentially high yield city-pairs by providing direct service to Bahrain and beyond,” said Gulf Air CEO Samer Majali.

Gulf Air hopes such flights will attract businessmen, tour-ists, families, and diplomats.

“Gulf Air is establishing a leadership position as the first Gulf carrier to connect Aden to the region. Currently no other Gulf carriers are serving this

city. As the commercial capital of Yemen, Aden presents enor-mous opportunity for Gulf Air to establish itself in this new market,” he added.

The city has recently been in-cluded in the Yemen govern-ment’s development priorities with major plans to support the city’s trade zone, port, airport and private sector by attracting promising investments

Colombo is not a new loca-tion for Gulf Air. The airline flew to the Sri Lankan capital from 1976 until March 2005.

“I am glad the time has come for us to re-connect with the capital of Sri Lanka.

“Besides being the country’s

largest base for commerce and trade, Colombo is also a popu-lar tourist destination with fab-ulous cultural attractions,” Ma-jali said

ADEN, July 22 – A meeting was of officials from the Plan-ning and International Coopera-tion Office and the UK Oxfam GB was held on Thursday in Yemen’s business capital of Aden.

It discussed possible support the charity can provide for ac-tivities and projects in the city.

Director of the office, Samir Abdul Razaq, stressed the im-

portance of the role of donor organizations, such as Oxfam, in financing necessary projects in the outskirts of the city. Co-operation with the local autho-rites, the office, and the civil society is important.

Director of Oxfam in the country praised the partnership between the Yemeni govern-ment and civil society organiza-tions as well as engaging the civil society in preparing and

implementating developmental plans.

Furthermore, he expressed ad-miration for the experience of the local authority and the Plan-ning and International Coopera-tion Office in Aden in engaging civil society organizations. Such engagement is critical for successfully executing the fourth five-year developmental plan.

He voiced the readiness of

Oxfam to support gender issue projects, and other necessary projects in fields of healthcare, education and sanitation at poor areas.

After the meeting, the Oxfam delegation visited educational, health, and sanitation projects in two densely populated areas of al Emad and Code al Oth-mani in Dar Saad district.

The Australian Company, Oil Search, that holds the oil con-cession in blocks 3 and 7 in Shabwa Governate, unveiled initial indications of the pres-

ence of gas and oil wells (salt no. 1) in block 7 at a depth of 2,870 meters. A statement is-sued by the company said that the evidence of gas and oil

emerged as they conducted deep drilling this week. Drill-ing will continue to reach the base rock layer at a depth of 3,700 meters

Yemen, Oxfam discuss possible support for Aden

Oil Search Announces Yemen Oil & Gas Finds

Sunday, July 25, 2010 Issue09 www.nationalyemen.com 3National Yemen LOCAL

north between the two sides over the past four days had left at least 49 people dead, threat-ening a fragile truce, tribal and rebel sources had said on Wednesday.

Tribal sources had said the confrontations were between the Shiite Huthi rebels and sup-porters of tribal chief Sheikh Sagheer Aziz, but the rebels said the clashes were with the army, not the tribe.

“We are confronting military positions. These are not tribal areas,” Mohammed Abdul Salam had told AFP by tele-phone.

The tribal chief, Sheikh Sa-gheer Aziz is a member of the parliamentary bloc of the rul-ing General People’s Congress party.

Six MPs began a sit-in on Tuesday at the parliament in support of Aziz, demanding government action to end an alleged siege.

Meanwhile, 62 MPs had signed a petition demanding the government “assume re-sponsibility in ending the vio-lations committed by the

Huthis,” and threatening to suspend their parliamentary membership if the authorities failed to help Aziz.

The Amran region and the neighboring Saada province have been the scenes of spo-radic clashes between the reb-els and government-backed tribes.

The Huthis complain of po-litical, social and religious marginalization, and have re-peatedly fought with govern-ment forces in a conflict that began in 2004, killing thou-sands and displacing some 250,000 people.

The Huthis and the govern-ment have repeatedly ex-changed accusations of violat-ing a February ceasefire which ended a six-month round of bloody conflict between the two sides.

Neighboring Saudi Arabia became embroiled in the mili-tary fight in November after it accused the rebels of infiltrat-ing its borders, killing one guard and occupying two vil-lages.

SANA’A, July 23 – Egyptian authorities have released 20 Yemeni fishermen held since last month,almotamar.net re-ported on Friday.

21 Yemeni fishermen arrived

on Thursday at the port of fish-ing, Hodeidah, who have been detained with 3 fishing boats while in international waters during the few past days, theal-motamar.net added.

According Yemen’s embassy

in Egypt, the Egyptian authori-

ties released Wednesday 20 Yemeni fishermen, who were seized last month in interna-tional waters located between Sudan and Saudi Arabia.

The Interior Ministry said it

had asked the Foreign Ministry to discuss the repeated piracy by the Eritrean against Yemeni fishing boats. They asked for solutions to the problem through diplomatic channels with the Eritreans to put an end to attacks on the Yemeni fish-ing boats.

At Least 69 Dead in North Yemen Clashes1

Gulf Air Flies to Aden1

for the Coordination of Hu-manitarian Affairs (OCHA) re-ported today.

UN agencies and non-gov-ernmental organizations (NGOs) have been providing relief to civilians in Yemen”s north, where Government forc-es have engaged rebels in spo-radic armed conflict in recent years.

As many as 340,000 internal-ly displaced persons (IDPs) are living in the five conflict-af-fected governorates of Hajjah, Amran, Sa”ada, Al-Jawf and Sana”a, with most staying with host communities.

Health care is a major con-cern, with acute malnutrition, diarrhoea and anaemia all re-

ported to be on the rise among both IDPs and local residents, particularly in Hajjah. Food aid, water and sanitation are also priorities.§

Since a ceasefire was struck in February, aid workers have increased their efforts to reach areas hit by the conflict, espe-cially Sa”ada City and Mala-heet, where residents, return-ees and IDPs need assistance.

OCHA said the security situa-tion remains volatile, which is hampering aid workers” at-tempts to help locals.

An IDP profiling exercise is being carried out to help aid agencies target their assistance better across the region. That exercise is expected to be com-pleted by mid-August

UN warns that aid operations in northern Ye-men remain drastically under-funded1

On Thursday, Prime Minister Ali Mujawar and Sana’a Gov-ernor Numan Duwaid attended a ceremony marking the deliv-ery of the first compensation package for people affected by sabotage and vandalism at the hands of the Houthi Group in Bani Hussiash district, Sana’a, in 2008.

The total compensation amounts to YER 40 million and will be given to those whose homes and farms were partially or totally affected.

At the ceremony, Mujawar conveyed the appreciation of President Saleh to the people who faced the Houthi elements when the rebels tried to disturb the district and hamper devel-opment in it.

He underlined that the cere-mony coincided with the anni-versary of the election of Presi-dent Saleh. He acknowledged the contributions of the people to the rebuilding efforts in the damaged areas.

Release of 41 Yemeni fishermen held in Egypt and Eritrea

The Yemen Microfinance Network is holding its official launch on 1st August 2010, at the Movenpick Hotel, Sana’a, Yemen. It will be held under the patronage of H.E. Abdul Karim I. Al-Arhabi (Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Planning & International Co-operation and Managing Di-rector of the Yemen Social Fund for Development).

The Yemen Microfinance Network (YMN) is a member based association registered on 31 August 2009 under the Min-istry of Social Affairs and La-bor as a non-governmental or-ganization (NGO). It has its own board of directors that consists of microfinance mem-ber institutions.

The government of Yemen, represented by the Social Fund for Development (SFD) and the United Nations Develop-

ment Program (UNDP), initi-ated a joint three-year project to establish the first national microfinance network in the country, the Yemen Microfi-nance Network (YMN). It is charged with supporting a more “inclusive finance sec-tor” in Yemen, addressing the issue of capacity building and transparency, and increasing the reach of microfinance ser-vices in the country.

The project aims to build sup-portive infrastructure neces-sary to enhance the capacity of local institutions. The local in-stitutions can then provide a range of financial services and products to the entrepreneurial poor in a cost efficient manner. It will increase sustainable ac-cess to finance and enhance the scope of youth and women’s participation in economic ac-tivities.

Official Launching of Yemen Microfinance Network (YMN)

T h e F a c t s A s T h e y A r e e-mail: info@nationalyemen.comwibsite:www.nationalyemen.comaddress:al-qiada st.Contact

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National Yemen

Newspaper

Fakhri Hassan Al-ArashiPublisher & Chief Editor

Mohammed Al-AsaadiEditorial Consultant

Mansoor Al-RdaeiNews Editor

Fuad Al-QadhiBusiness Editor

Dr. Ahmed Al-QoyadhiEducation Editor

Najla’a Al-ShaibaniSocial Editor

Ali lah AjlanIT Editor

Wardah Al-shaweshGraphic Designer

Najeeb AbdulwahedTechnical Director

Abdul-Karim MufadhalSports Editor

Khaled Al-SofiSeniorTranslator

Collin StevensonAssistant Copy Editor

Hind Al-EryaniP.R & Marketing

Jihan AnwarStaff Journalist

Sunday, July 25, 2010 Issue09 www.nationalyemen.com4 National YemenSOCIAL

The French Ambassador to Yemen Mr. Joseph Silva held a reception party to celebrate the National Day of France. The ceremony took place at the am-bassador’s residence. Attend-ing were many diplomatic mis-sions in the Republic of Yemen, Ministers, government offi-cials, members of the business community and French compa-

nies, media representatives, and French nationals.

The French ambassador deliv-ered a speech to welcome his guests. He used the 14th of July celebration as a chance to highlight the development of Yemeni-French relations. He said that the values of French National Day—liberty, equality

and brotherhood—are more valuable in the world now than ever.

Mr. Silva, said that Yemen and France have enjoyed deep rela-tions since the arrival of the French people many years ago. He said that we now celebrate 40 years of excellent diplomat-ic relations.

The partnership of the two countries attracted French com-panies to invest in Yemen ener-gy sectors. France assisted Ye-men in the completion of the LNG project last autumn. Due to this project, Yemen is now a top exporter of natural gas.

The ambassador said that his country understand the chal-lenges facing Yemen. France is committed, in partnership with the Friends of Yemen and the European Union, to addressing sustainable development, secu-rity, and dialogue.

Sana’a, 24 July 2010 - Save the Children- Youth empower-ment Project (YEP) funded by USAID support the awareness campaign for youth under the banner “aware youth” which is arranged by Life Makers foun-dation in Sana’a. The campaign which is launched on Saturday 24 July 2010, aims to raise the youth awareness on the danger of chewing Qat, smoking , and drugs and targets boys and girls youth between 14 – 24 age.

This campaign is part of the summer activities for Save the Children and its partners in Sana’a and Ibb in which it in-cludes many events such as ar-ranging workshops, training course in life skills, TOT train-ings , distributing posters, bro-chures …etc. Marwan Al-Sha-bani , the coordinator of YEP project in Sana’a and Ibb en-sured the importance of such

events which target the vulner-able youth. “These activities aim to empower the vulnerable youth through building their capacity and raising their awareness in these issues espe-cially they are the most in-volved people in such issues.” Al-Shabani stated. “ The YEP project will also fund 15 youth organizations which are YEP partners in Sana’a and Ibb and 17 small projects will be imple-mented by youth for three months.” He elaborated.

In the same time, Shawthab foundation in its partnership with Save the Children launch-es on Saturday 24 July 2010 in Sana’a the training course un-der banner “towered to work with youth through participa-tion”. The training aims to pro-vide youth with skills in the youth volunteering work and how youth can play role in de-

veloping their communities through volunteering work. The training targets 40 boys and girls youth and continues for 6 days.

In Sana’a , and for four days, Save the Children – Siraj for youth leadership and develop-ment project funded by USAID arranges a training course in the life skills for the youth and or-ganizations working with youth which are partners for Siraj project with participation of 24 boys and girls youth from four governorates ( Sana’a, Aden, Ibb, and Abyan) in Al Mosafer Hotel – Sana’a. The training aims to train the participants in how to use the Siraj Toolkits of life skills trainings and how to arrange trainings for youths in their governorates using this toolkit as a step to make a posi-tive change in the youth com-munities.

French Embassy in Sana’a Celebrates French National Day

Youth are empowered through building their capacity and encouraging them to the volunteering work

Parent Child Relationships: Denial and Ingratitude

Some children witness the phenomenon of parents “dis-obeying” their children. They are concerned by the lack of mainstream attention to the is-sue despite the screams and complaints of many children.

The father’s largest concern is centered on providing for his household and accumulat-ing money. The mother, on the other hand, is preoccupied with other things besides raising and observing children. She is no longer able to follow up on what’s happening within the family. This creates one model that leads to rebelliousness and disobedience of children. Other models and cases differ in form, but they produce similar conse-quences.

Children are an important part of the family unit, and are nega-tively affected by problems and disruptions that may happen to the family.

Too much pressure exercised on family members through imposing strict rules without explanation, discussion, or un-derstanding the personalities of the children. Children then dis-obey their parents when as they become adults in retaliation.

Mohammed Abdo, 21, says, “My father made me a disobe-dient son. Since childhood, he has beaten me and restricted my freedom. When I became a young man, he threatened to kick me out of the house. One day I came home late at 3:00 a.m. and my father did throw me out of the house without having mercy on me or trying to understand.” He goes on, “Since that day, I have never gone home. I left school about three years ago, and my life is lost. How can I ask about, or visit him today, after I became homeless because of him?!”

Hussein Al-Romaim, 30, says that the cruelty of his father

hardened his heart against him. He says, “My father used to smell my mouth and set time when I could go out or come back. He used to choose my friends. Beatings and humilia-tion were simpler ways for him to deliver advice. I decided to be patient, so that I can now stand on my feet. Today I have a life; not exactly like the one I was wishing for though. I have a job, a wife, and I have children. To this day I have not been able to forget what my fa-ther did to me. I visit him only on special occasions and holi-days. I offer him some money if he needs it. I don’t spend too much time at the house when I visit. I dash out so as not to remember the difficult and cruel days I have been through there.”

Saleh Al-Raimi, 26, a univer-sity student, came to town after running away from his father. He believes that parents are the cause of their children’s disobe-dience. Parents, in his view, have their outdated customs and traditions that they stubbornly cling to. He says, “When I asked my father to allow me to go to the city to pursue my study, he refused and said to me, ‘Stay in the village to guard the land with me.’” He adds, “My father seemed not too concerned about my future or my study. When I tried to convince him, he threatened he would disin-herit me. He said that he would disown me if I go to town. So, I decided to run to the city, now I am working in a telecommuni-cation center and studying at the university. Until now, my father does not want to hear my voice. Likewise, I can’t stand hear-ing his name, especially when I hear my colleagues talking about how they have no money troubles, thanks to money they receive from their parents in the country. What makes this more painful is that my father can af-ford the expenses of my study. He simply refuses to. He rather

I suffer in a place where I feel like a stranger.”

Mohammed Alwan was honest with us when he said, “I do not hate my parents at all, and I nev-er disobey them. However, I’m a poor man and responsible for a family. My wife is concerned about the interest of the chil-dren. She says that the money I plan on giving to my parents is better used spending on our children. She argues for me to let my siblings assist them. She knows that my father is in need for help as he once asked me for it. She argues that my brothers earn better money than I do. For her, my children deserve all the money I get.”

Search for Love

Mariam, a level-2-University student, was supposed to be in level four if not for the bad treat-ment of her family. She said she was abused by her family, and this caused her to fall behind in her studies. She reflected on the neglect she feels, “My mother is so immersed in her own friend-ships and work. My father nev-er asks about me. I wish I had parents present with me spiritu-ally as well as physically.”

Mona was crying while talking about her father’s long absence. She has not seen him since she was little. “All he cares about is money to make me live in lux-ury,” Mona says. “I hate to be rich and I wish I were poor, pro-vided that my father was beside me, and I could feel his love and compassion.”

Dr. Ghailan Al-Sharabi, Pro-fessor of Psychology at Sana’a University, says, “Young people at this stage have superficial views that are far from being scientific or realistic. The safe-ty of a child’s mental health is largely dependent on their par-ents. A child’s personality in early years is easily influenced and susceptible to the child’s

surrounding.

He says that cruelty is not the right way to modify behavior. This approach often damages children and exposes them to future underlying psychologi-cal issues that the parents may not be aware of. These issues may manifest in disobedience later on. “Family disputes often create inner conflict in children based on how they will respond. Intense pressure from parental directives may force children to choose the route of disobedi-ence. Consequently, we have to deal with our children respect-fully from the beginning of childhood. Familiarizing them with the discussion allows them a healthy avenue to express their views. This will help to keep them from rebelling.”

Youth at early stages need parents who are educated and capable of establishing healthy discussions based in sincerity and honestly, but who can still portray discipline through firm-ness and strength. Times have changed with this new genera-tion. Dialogue based in under-standing, forgiveness, and per-suasion is an important means of modern education.

The Art of Dialogue

Children’s rebellion starts with the word ‘NO’. It can manifest itself in the form of harming themselves or others, or in gen-eral disobedience. To prevent this, says Dr. Abdul Hakim Al-Sharabi, Professor of Sociology, parents have to learn the art of dialogue and good education. He adds, “This art can be rein-

forced by media and satellite channels, and through schools’ educational curricula by infus-ing moral and social values in our children. Adolescents, in general, have a tendency to run to rebellion and disobedience for trivial reasons. The family plays a key role in the children’s adoption of good manners.”

Obedience is a Must

Islam urges children to obey parents. This is a divine mat-ter. Disobedience has to be punished, even if means that the father or mother act in a cruel way. However, it is possible to keep from resorting to punish-ment if parents work to teach their children the art of dialogue so that they don’t become dis-obedient in the first place.

- Parents deny their children’s rights, and abuse from childhood- Cruelty is not the correct way to raise children, nor to correct their behavior

Najla’a A. al-Shaibani

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Sunday, July 25, 2010 Issue09 www.nationalyemen.com 5National Yemen

European plastic artists take part in Sana’a Summer Festival

* Draft interview with Charles Foster Hall-participating artist in the Sana’a Summer Festival:

Can you tell us who you are and where you’re from?

My name is Charles Fos-

ter Hall and I’m from the London,England. I came to Yemen to paint and show my artwork. I’m having a lot of inspiration because there are so many things to paint in here.

What is that you like painting the most?

I like painting Sana’a very much. Some of my works were done from the hotel I’m staying in. This picture is from my ho-tel room window.

The best thing is that I don’t even have to leave the room to paint. I also like painting Hadramout. I have a painting of Shebaw, which I think used to be called the “The Chicago of the Desert”. I have been read-ing and studying a lot about Ye-men and enjoying being in here.

Seems that you prefer painting buildings over people...

Though I really like land-scapes and architecture, I also draw people. Here’s a water-color the palace of the Cathedral with a busy crowd in front of it. Seyoun,in Hadramout seems to be a very busy place.

What about the colors you choose?

I choose these colors because they are very warm and earthy colors since everything is made out of brick. I like the reds, yel-lows and oranges.

What style are you using in your paintings?

I paint with watercolors using a traditional British technique of paintings. It’s quite realistic and I try to make the colors har-monize as much as possible.

Where did you study painting?

Most of my art studies were conducted in Paris, after study-ing microbiology. I’ve always wanted to paint, but microbiol-ogy interested me during Uni-versity. I after that I wanted to travel…I wanted to pain…so

off I went.

I hope we can show these works in England and show people a little bit about Yemen so they get to see what wonder-ful country Yemen is

Jihan Anwar-NYpaints: Charles Foster

Culture

The 5th Annual Sana’a Summer Festival wows and surprises the public with multiple shows, exhibitions and activities. This year the symbol of the old city, Bab Al-Yemen, experiences a revolution of color. Eight artists from across the world give their own interpretation of Yemen through classic and innova-tive artistic techniques.

His Excellency, President Ali Abdullah Saleh, together with Dr. Abu Bakr Al-Miflihi, Minis-ter of Culture, Abdul Qadir Ali Hilal, Member of the Ministers Council, Salem Al-Khanbashi, Governor of Hadramout, and Khaled Sa’eed Al-Dini, Secre-tary General of Local Council in the governorate, opened the Cultural Village and its activi-ties for the 7th Al-Baldah Tour-ist Festival in Al-Mukalla.

His Excellency toured the Vil-

lage Suites, which lie on an area of 3000 sq/m. The village re-flects the Bedouin cultural heri-tage that characterizes Hadram-out. He learned of the diversity of crafts and popular cuisine of Hadramout. A number of pop music bands performed a num-ber of folk dances. 13 Women handicraft associations are also participating in the Village Suites.

His Excellency praised the ef-forts made by those in charge of

the Cultural Village, which wonderfully portrays the beauty of Hadramout. He expressed his pleasure with what he saw of the historical and cultural legacy of Hadramout. He stressed the need for preserving this heritage, for it will famil-iarize generations to come of the legacy left by their parents and ancestors.

He will attend a formal cere-mony called ‘Hadramout Cele-brations’. It is to be held in the

Shows Square this evening.

The opening ceremony was at-tended by the governorates sec-retary generals, Engineer Abdullah Ahmed Buqshan, chairman of Bait Al-Khibrah Foundation (organizer of the festival), Engineer Mohammed Badr Ba Salmah, members of local councils and executive of-fices, businessmen and cultural and social figures, and a gather-ing of citizens.

President Attends ‘Hadramout Celebrations’ Event this Evening and Opens the Cultural Village As Al-Baldah 7th Tourist

Festival Continues, the National Band of Folk Arts Performs Folk Songs and Dances in Khor Al-Mukalla,

The National Band of Folk Art performed a number of folk songs and dances as part of the al-Baldah 7th Tourist Festival. They arrive from the capital Sana’a and are led by Mr. Ali Al-Mohammadi

The band entertained the at-tendees with traditional tunes played on drums and flutes. Most famous of the dances per-formed include the Yafe’ Dance, Al-Baidhani Dance, Al-Harazi Flute, and Sa’ada Folk Dance.

Singers Abdullah Makhrag, Salmin Ramadan and Moham-med Saleh Bin Hameed per-formed masterpieces of the Hadrami lyrical art, which won applause from the large audi-ences in the theater of Khor Al-Mukalla.

The event was attended by Ahmed Salim bin Dowais, Deputy Manager of the Execu-tive Bureau of the Tarim Ac-tivities Capital of Islamic Cul-

ture; Sa’eed Al-Shaddadi, the General Coordinator of the ac-tivities of Tarim (capital of Is-lamic culture in 2010); and Emad Addini, Head of the In-formation Committee of Al-Baldah Tourist Festival.

The Entertainment City for Recreational Games was full of children and families. Ev-ery evening at the Children’s Theater of Balfaqih Cultural Center there, games, cultural competitions, prizes, and shows by the Egyptian Circus Band and Al-Makhater Band are performed.

Upcoming events are dances from Al-Sahel that begin Wednesday in front of the Gen-eral Post Administration in Al-Mukalla and end at Al-Dallah traffic circle. The Culture Of-fice of Wadi Hadramout is holding an evening concert by a number of the brightest sing-ers of Al-Wadi in Khor al-Mu-kalla.

The medical tourism market in the world has been rapidly growing in recent years. In or-der to increase share of Turkish Health Care establishments in the market and support national economy, Turkish Airlines has prepared a support package for Health Care Establishments who invest in medical tourism.

Protocols have already been signed with majority of health care establishments in Medical Tourism. The package offers special discounts and incentives for those who come to Turkey for medical treatment purposes.

• Travels from the USA to Tur-key: Up to 25% discounts (1) on first, business and economy class system fares will be ap-plied.

• Travel from other countries to Turkey: 20% discount (1) on first and business class system fares, 10% discount (1) on economy class system fares will be applied(2)

• 10kg excess luggage allow-ance (3) will be issued.

• No rebooking penalty if the rebooking is required because of medical complications(4)

• Maximum 2 companions

traveling with the patient are entitled for the same discounts and rights.

Procedures: Passengers travelling for med-

ical purposes are required to present an acceptance letter made by receiving Health Care Establishment who signed the protocol with Turkish Airlines. (Patients travelling from the USA are also allowed for the discount by presenting a refer-ral letter from a Health Care Es-tablishment in the USA). Dis-counts are only applied at Turkish Airlines offices unless

otherwise specified.

(1) Discounts cannot be com-bined with other discounts. No discounts on promotional fares. No discount for stretcher.

(2) Flights must be TK only. Code share flights are not in-cluded.

(3) Piece concept (such as USA to Turkey): 2Pc, 32Kg per piece maximum luggage allow-ance on Turkish Airlines oper-ated flights only.

(4) Passengers will be charged if upgrade is necessary or other fees are required

Turkish Airlines Supports Medical Tourism

British Embassy

Sana’a

Vacancy: LE II Estate Manager

A full time post is now available in the British Embassy, Management Section, to fill the post of Estate Manager and to work as part of a busy team managing the day to day running of the Embassy and its properties. The post involves:

Management of all aspects of the official estate – recommendations on housing allocation to Post Management Committee. March in/March outs, inventories, rolling programme of furniture replacement, disposal of surplus stores.

The incumbent will, as Chairperson of the Post Housing Committee, be responsible for allocating all residential properties, locating new properties and overseeing the maintenance of both domestic and office accommodation.

Liaise with staff in respect of the purchase of furniture as part of the rolling programme of furniture replacement. Co-ordinate and oversee the disposal of surplus furniture ensuring that all staff have the opportunity to view and bid for any sale items

Co-ordinate all March ins and March outs, ensuring sufficient time between occupants to allow for refurbishment of the property.

Oversee and provide budgetary information to the Head of Corporate Services in respect of 26 budgets including profiling expenditure and ensuring value for money on all purchases. Liasing with Partners Across Government to ensure combined invoices are properly authorised and paid on time.

Together with the other Management Officers provide cover for the Head of Corporate Services during their absence from Post and assume budgetary responsibility to that officer’s financial limits.

Act as cheque signatory for any cheques issued by the accountant for invoices not approved by the officer.

Line management of 3 LE officers. Required Education & Qualification:

Minimum of four years of management experience. Bachelor Degree in an equivalent field. Excellent command of written and spoken English. Good IT skills (Microsoft packages) and sound knowledge of IT systems.

Sunday, July 25, 2010 Issue09 www.nationalyemen.com6 National Yemen

Mr. Abbas Ahmed Al-Basha, Chairman of the Project Unit of the Stock Market, speaks to Na-tional Yemen on the importance of implementing a stock market in Yemen quickly.

He spoke of its importance in mobilizing resources for invest-ing in economically feasible projects. The stock market is vital for allowing investors to clearly assess investment proj-ects and make sound decisions based in full transparency and disclosure made possible by the requirements of participation in the stock market.

He adds, “In order to get to this stage of transparency, there are many regulatory and legisla-tive reforms that must be under-taken.”

The most important is produc-ing the Securities Act, and es-tablishing key institutions of the market, he added.

What are the latest develop-ments for establish a stock market in our country?

The latest important develop-ment was a meeting of the Su-preme Supervisory Committee (SSC) under the chairmanship of the Minister of Finance and presence of the Minister of Le-gal Affairs, the Minister of In-dustry and Trade represented by Dr. Taha Al-Fusaiyl, Governor of the Central Bank, the Minis-ter of Communications, the Chairman of the General Au-thority for Investment, and the

chairman of the Banks Assem-bly last June.

During this meeting a draft re-publican decision for establish-ing the Securities Commission has been ratified as an organiza-tional, supervisory and legisla-tive authority to finalize the structure for establishing the stock market.

Jordanian experts assisted in the meeting. Previously, the government’s attempt to create a stock market was conducted through forming committees or units. This was problematic, for as soon as there was a shuffle in government, progress would stop.

In this meeting, we aimed to create a specific institutional structure and to implement the plan of establishing the market within this institutional frame-work to maintain continuity and sustainability.

The legislation aspect is vital for establishing the market. What have you reached so far in the law? And has it been submitted to the Parliament for approval?

In 2002, the Technical Com-mittee, headed by Mr. Ahmed Al-Khawi, reached an agree-ment with a Canadian consult-ing firm for the formulation of the Securities Act in our coun-try. They translated all relevant laws and similar laws in the Arab region to arrive at a draft Securities Act in 2002. Unfor-

tunately, the committee’s work stopped for various reasons.

A long time passed until the is-sue was reactivated in 2007 with the amendment of many laws including the commercial act, investment law, the compa-nies’ law, and the tax law. We hope to follow suit with the Se-curities Act.

Mr. Jalal Yaqoob, Deputy of Foreign Affairs Sector, moved this issue forward by communi-cating with the non-profit U.S. consulting firm Financial Ser-vices Volunteers Corps. The firm’s membership includes CEO’s and business leaders that volunteer their time.

They visited our country in March 2009 and met with all the parties represented in the SSC, the Society of Accountants, and other stakeholders in stock mar-ket formation. They provided a report on the steps to be com-pleted by the government. They established a schedule and key tasks that must be achieved.

Some of these tasks include fi-nalizing a draft Securities Act, reviewing and amending rele-vant laws, establishing key in-stitutions for monitoring and supervising the securities and stock market. Additionally they called for establishing norms around circulation and deposit-ing of money, clearing and set-tlement, and establishing the currency systems that will be the backbone of the market’s success. Lastly, they called for

privatizing some public sector institutions.

Those recommendations were taken into account, and we are now finalizing the preparation of a draft law to be submitted to the Parliament for discussion and approval. Perhaps it will take some time to produce the law in its final form into exis-tence.

Is the economic situation in our country presently ready to create a stock market?

As I said, the market cannot be initiated before approving the Securities Act, because it is this law will govern all the activities and ensure the rights of all par-ticipants: investors, companies and brokerage firms, and others in the market.

Implementation may be ham-pered for two primary reasons: Regulatory legislative and judi-ciary framework must be com-pleted, and we must establish corporate norms for companies such as clear accounting criteria and sound corporate gover-nance, as well as creating a monitoring agency that will hold firms accountable to these norms.

We are working on all these areas in tandem to expedite the process.

Can you tell us about Jor-dan’s assistance? Where did you reach in your work with the team? Is there similar co-

operation with other coun-tries?

We have reached a joint mem-orandum of understanding with Jordan Securities Commission, a governmental entity affiliated with the Jordanian Ministers Council, and a representative of the other Jordanian stock mar-ket institutions

The agreement offers an inte-grated and comprehensive plan for establishing an entire sys-tem, much like establishing a banking sector from scratch. This includes establishing regu-latory, supervisory, legal, train-ing, awareness, rehabilitation entities and mechanisms.

Before we went to Jordan, we had made a number of visits to the Emirates stock market and securities institutions and met officials in Dubai Financial Market, the Securities and Com-modities Commission, and Abu Dhabi stock market. They fa-miliarized us with their experi-ence and expertise in this area.

We went to Jordan due to our distinguished bilateral relations, and their sincere intention to of-fer assistance to us through an integrated system.

The draft republican decision for establishing the Securities Commission was sent to a num-ber of countries and organiza-tions such as Syria, the Arab Monetary Fund, and the U.S Fi-nancial Services Volunteer Corps. These are channels of

communication that we hope to continue to use for technical support. We always intend to learn best practices from experi-ments in other countries.

How important are the fi-nancial intermediation corpo-rations in creating a stock market? And how many of these companies are there presently in our country?

The financial intermediary corporations and companies are important and fundamental component of the activities of the capital market. They are the link between investors and com-panies. Therefore, they must have standards in terms of capi-tal and professionalism.

The securities commission is the entity that will set up the regulatory framework for capi-tal intermediaries. Firms work-ing in our country are the Arab Capital Brokers, the Financial Experts Company, and the In-ternational Bank of Yemen through trading, buying and selling stock, and currency speculation ‘Forex’. The activ-ity of financial intermediaries need to be organized by a set of criteria and conditions to pro-tect the rights of investors.

Preparations for the Draft Law Targeting Money Laundering to be Submitted to the Parliament for ApprovalJordan consultants presented an integrated system for Yemen to establish a stock market. Yemen takes into account the experiences of neighboring countries.

Mr. Abbas Ahmed Al-Basha

BUSINESS

Sunday, July 25, 2010 Issue09 www.nationalyemen.com 7National Yemen POLITICSThe General Peoples Conference (GPC) and the Joint Meeting Parties (JMP) Reach New Agreement

They described the accord as a new phase of national reconcili-ation that moves overall devel-opment and democracy in the right direction.

Striking such a deal was made especially difficult do to a toxic political climate caused by the war of Sa’ada, the separatist movement in some sourthern governorates, the economic cri-sis, rises in costs of living, and the the consequences all these issues pose for Yemenis at vari-ous levels in society.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh described the agreement as a positive step towards a political breakthrough. In his speech, he called on all sides to abstain from trivial matters in pursuit of broader cooperation. This country, he said, belongs to all people and not just ruling au-thorities or the opposition. Ye-men has room for all peoples and it is everyone’s responsibil-ity that we engage in productive dialogues. He called for a halt

to harsh media campaigns.

He added, “Under no circum-stances must anyone repudiate what we have agreed upon, nei-ther the opposition nor the au-thority.” He called on all parties to work to calm anxieties of the street and to reassure people of their progress. Past years have shown that such fear and politi-cal conflict restrained invest-ment and reduced tourism

He pointed out that in the case that items agreed upon are im-plemented, he is ready to form a national government inclusive of all political factions. He in-tends to move forward with holding parliamentary elections on time.

Dr. Abdul-Wahab Mah-moud, the JMP representative, hoped that the coming period would witness trust and cooper-ation. Yemen needs them both to accomplish important tasks and to begin to reunite all Ye-menis. He stressed that the JMP will hold to the February agree-ment and will implement all of its agreed-upon items.

Abdul-Karim al-Iryani, the Second Deputy of the President of the GPC said that the GPC and JMP agreed on the opera-tional mechanism of the first item of the February agreement, which states to give opportunity to the political parties, organiza-tions and civil society organiza-tions to discuss the constitution-al amendments necessary for improving the political and electoral systems, including the Quota. He added that it was agreed to form a joint commit-tee for the National Dialogue

consisting of 200 members di-vided equally between the rul-ing party and the JMP.

In response to the JMP’s call to postpone parliamentary elec-tions scheduled for next April, Al-Iryani said, “Constitutional-ly, the elections are not to be postponed. However, imple-mentation of the 2nd and 3rd items of the February agree-ment is subject to the political parties represented in the Parlia-ment. These two items require discussion of and legalizing constitutional amendments for the electoral law. They also call for restructuring the Supreme Board of Elections and Referen-dum.

The National Democratic Co-alition parties (NDC) blessed the accord signed between the GPC and JMP to implement the February agreement under the auspices and supervision of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, President of the Republic. They considered the timing of the signing as a proof of the Presi-dent’s wisdom, statesmanship and eagerness to unite political parties in Yemen. This was his approach since he was elected president on 17th July, 1978.

They expressed hope that the agreement signed between the JMP and GPC would be a means to end the political discord and differences, and will bring a new beginning for action to ad-dress the challenges facing the country. The NDC parties called on everyone to quickly set a specific schedule putting important items for discussion on the agenda. They hope to avoid wasting time as last year. They also stressed the impor-

tance of holding parliamentary elections on schedule on 27 April 2011.

Yahya Ali Al-Ra’ee, Chair-man of the Parliament, praised GPC’s signing of the joint min-utes for implementing the Feb-ruary 2009 Agreement. Al-Ra’ee said, “We find it an occasion to congratulate the parties on this historical nation-al political event and to wel-come the results. We consider it a new candle lit by His Excel-lency the President in the pro-cess of communication for na-tional development.

Al-Ra’ee called on all political forces to feel their national and historic responsibility, to pro-mote trust and cooperation among themselves, and to take subsequent steps to achieve their task. He also called them to value time and patience, tak-ing into account the nature of the challenges facing the coun-try. He asked for the democratic maturity required for action.

A number of politicians de-scribed the agreement as a posi-tive step that will eventually re-solve all the problems and challenges facing the country. They considered this meeting as a return to the right path.

Dr. Ahmed Obaid Bin Daghr, Assistant Secretary-General of the GPC for Thought, Culture and Information Sector says, “We, in the GPC, hope that this signature will be a positive step toward a political breakthrough. This agreement is an achieve-ment for the national movement and democratic governance in the country.” He went on to say that “there is no doubt that to-

day’s accord is the mechanism by which we will implement the historic February agreement”.

Dr. Abdul Rahman Ba Fadhl, Head of the parliamentary bloc of the Yemeni Reform Party, said, “I really want to congratu-late the Yemeni people on this breakthrough because it gives people who are unsure of Ye-men’s future some hope. Today we thank Allah for allowing us to reach a consensus. After completing the dialogue a na-tional government is to be formed, whose sole mission is to supervise the general elec-tions.”

He extends gratitude to the President, although he holds reservations about the Presi-dent’s belief that the elections are to be held on time. He views such a feat as impossible. “Cer-tainly the country can enter a new phase because everyone’s participation will give a strong impetus for a strong Yemen. In-sha Allah there will be a share for all, violence and bloodshed will stop, and dialogue will re-place bullets. Now after signing the agreement, dialogue will be-gin with 200 members (100 from the GPC and 100 from the opposition)”.

He adds, “As for the people suffering from high prices, un-employment, corruption, and poverty, there is no solution but to form a national government. I’ll also return to the parliament after a three month where I pro-tested the lack of movement on this agreement”.

Abdullah S’ad Al-Kamel,

Head of the JMP Executive Committee and Secretary of the

B’aath Arab Socialist Party Branch in Ibb Governorate, says, “It is a long-awaited, posi-tive move to resolve all the problems. The agreement cul-minates in victories on the basis of no victor and no loser. What is important is the supreme wellbeing of the country. We, in the opposition, will apply what we have agreed upon because it is everyone’s demand.”

Abdul Hafez Al-Faqih, Head of the JMP in Taiz governorate, said, “On behalf of the JMP in Taiz governorate, we applaud this agreement and we hope that there are good intentions and credibility in all parties to im-plement what has been agreed upon. The country can hardly take any political subterfuge from any party.”

Awadh Abdullah Hatem, Dep-uty Governor of Hadramout governorate, said, “Signing the agreement is an important be-ginning for wider prospects of constructive dialogue which must be focused on the best in-terest of the country. Various dialogue committees will emerge on the basis of constitu-tional changes. There is no doubt that Ali Abdullah Saleh, president and patron of these dialogues, is the one to whom this national initiative is attrib-uted in the first place”.

He adds, “President Saleh is the head of the nation as a whole and not just head of the GPC. We call on everyone to bury the past with all its negative effects, and open a new page for exer-cising democracy.”

Dr. Mohammed Saleh, Head

of the Executive Board and

spokesman of the JMP, said, “The agreement signed by the JMP and the ruling party, though late, is a positive step in the right direction, establishing the foundations for a political breakthrough necessary to cre-ate an appropriate atmosphere. It creates mechanisms for even-tually implement the agreement of February 2009, particularly as it coincided with the release of a number of detainees.”

He added, “The agreement emphasizes opening opportuni-ties for political parties, and civil society organizations to discuss the constitutional amendments necessary for im-proving the political and elec-toral systems—including a quo-ta.

The Houthis expressed satis-faction and support for the agreement signed by the JMP and GPC, considering that it “will create serious steps for a comprehensive dialogue that does not exclude anyone.”

A statement issued by the In-

formation Office of Abdul-Malek Al-Houthi, said that ter-minating the conditions and remnants of the war in the prov-inces of Sa’ada, Amran and Al-Jawf is among the basic pillars for normalizing the political situation there. He emphasized the need to releasing political detainees without delay or ex-ception in order to save them and their families more unnec-essary suffering.

The agreement consists of ten points, signed on behalf of the ruling party by Dr. Abdul-Karim Al-Iryani, the Second Vice-president of the GPC, and on behalf of the JMP by Dr. Abdul-Wahab Mahmoud, Secretary-General of the Ba’ath Arab So-cialist Party.

It opens opportunities for po-litical parties and civil society organizations to discuss consti-tutional amendments necessary for improving the political and electoral systems.

The agreement provides for the parties to form a joint com-mittee to prepare for the dia-logue. It provides for consulta-tions with other political parties, forces, and civil society organi-zations wishing to join the na-tional dialogue must be enacted without exceptions.

The agreement also authorizes the Joint Committee for Prepa-ration for the National Dialogue to prepare an agenda and define the regulations governing the dialogue. All decisions will be made on the basis of consensus, which shall be binding for all, provided that the committee’s work is open and transparent.

The recent agreement came as a result of internal, regional and international efforts including those of the European Union and the United States. They are actively pushing towards hold-ing elections and resolving the current political crises

Abdul-Hamid Al-Hejazi

The recent accord, signed by the GPC and JMP early last week, gained broad support by the representatives of political parties, organizations, as well as intellectuals and academics concerned with internal politics.

Dr. Abdul-Wahab Mahmoud, Dr. Ahmed Obaid Bin Daghr Yahya Ali Al-Ra’ee Abdul-Karim al-Iryani Dr. Abdul Rahman Ba Fadhl

Data suggests that the Central Bank has pumped more than 900 million U.S. dollars into the market this year to increase liquidity in meeting the needs of banks and foreign currency exchanges

Economic experts have warned that continued inter-ventions of the Central Bank will lead to a huge decline in reserves, which affects the Ye-meni economy as a whole. The decline in reserves was associ-ated with a decrease in the total budget of the Central Bank in May by 4.8 billion riyals.

A recent report issued by the Central Bank indicated that the government share of crude oil during last May had reached 226 million dollars compared with 239.7 million dollars in April this year. Thus, the gov-ernment’s share of total oil ex-ports from January through May of 2010 reached 14.46 million barrels at a value of 131 million dollars (average price per barrel USD 78).

The government’s share dur-ing January to May in 2009 reached 10.16 million barrels worth 483 million dollars (av-erage price per barrel 47 dol-lars).

The statistics indicate that the domestic consumption from January to May this year reached 8.65 million barrels, compared with a larger domes-tic consumption in 2009 which reached 11.59 million barrels.

The decline in the domestic amount of oil is due to recent rationalization policies adopted by the government, as reduc-tion in the oil share, and the choice among some citizens to use public transportation in-stead of private transportation due to increased fuel prices. These prices have risen do to the gradual lifting of oil subsi-dies in the beginning of this year.

The report pointed to the 34 billion riyals rise in consolidat-ed balance sheets of commer-cial and Islamic banks at the end of May this year, from 1.9% up to 1.807 trillion riyals. This is compared to an increase of 16.5 billion riyals from the previous month. The total con-solidated balance sheet of com-mercial and Islamic banks was 1.573 trillion riyals at the end of 2009.

However, they have predicted a rise in the markets by the end of this month due to local cur-rency devaluation. This deval-uation is largely due to traders’ demands for currency when ca-tering for the needs of Rama-dan imported from abroad in hard currency.

A recent report issued by the Ministry of Industry and Com-merce shows that steel prices have been stable at an average of 45,000 per metric ton, while timber prices declined slightly. The price of Malaysian timber is 83,615 per metric ton while the price of a metric ton of Ma-laysian timber declined from 80,170 to 79,750 by 0. 5%. Ce-ment prices have not under-gone any changes.

At the end of the 2nd week of this month, price indexes sig-

naled a variation in the prices of imported and local food-stuffs in the local market, wholesale and retail. The aver-age prices of retail wheat sales in private sector shops rose by 0.4% for Australian wheat. US wheat prices held stable. Over-all, wheat retail prices have been oscillating at variable rates ranging from 0.1% to 2.1% for the previous week.

Rice prices kept at the record-ed levels and have not under-gone any changes, whereas av-erage sugar prices have risen by roughly 2.5%. Some milk prices increased by 0.7% and 1%, while others prices saw a decrease of approximately 0.3%.

Retail prices of oil and ghee manufactured locally have been stable generally. Some

varieties of Ghee, however, have increased slightly.

World price indexes have ris-en in most of sales. The Amer-ican soft white wheat rose by 4.5%, $184 per ton, and Ameri-can hard red wheat to $258 per ton at the last point of sale in the ports of Yemen. The cost of freight at $3 dollars to $49 per ton and the total estimate cost at ports of Yemen rose slightly by 2.1%, 5 to $233 dollars per ton.

World prices of rice have de-clined in average. Thai rice prices have fallen by $1 per ton, while other types of rice have maintained average prices during the same period. World powdered milk prices have ris-en by about 2.6%, $75 per ton.

Economist attributed the past two week’s relatively stable prices to the stability of the dollar exchange rate, which held near 226 riyals a dollar for nearly a month.

Prices with the Devaluation of Local Currency against the Dollar

Yemen’s Foreign Exchange Reserve Falls to 5.918 Billion Dollars, Government Share of Crude Oil Rises to 1.131 billion dollars from January to May 2010

The foreign assets of the Central Bank of Yemen have fallen dramatically in May to 5.918 billion riyals, covering 7.9 months of imports, compared with 6.134 billion dollars from last month, covering 8.2 months of imports. This significant decline in foreign assets is largely seen as due to the Central Bank’s interventions in the market.

Sunday, July 25, 2010 Issue09 www.nationalyemen.com8 National Yemen

Most of these projects are fo-cused in the provinces of Hadramout, Aden and the Capi-tal Secretariat Sana’a.

Al-Attar pointed out that there were 34 UAE investment proj-ects at a total cost of 130,953,840 in Yemen in 2009.

The Chairman of the GAI said that foreign investment capital

is 14.59% of the total projects recorded during the past year. The value of fixed assets 15,066,699 riyals.

“There were 14 gulf invest-ments projects amounting to 113,571,878 riyals in 2009. This is an increase of 86% from 2008 when Gulf investment reached about 60,780,000 ri-

yals.”

He said the volume of all Arab investments totaled 130,444,000, up to 99.83% of the total foreign investment capital recorded in the GAI in 2009. Investment from Euro-pean and East Asian nations reached approximately 0.17%.

Arab investment is composed

of Qatari project amounting to 105,497,911 riyals, seven Saudi projects totaling 4,332,222,000, four Kuwaiti costing 3,582,095,000, and two Emirati projects at a cost of 159,650,000.

Other foreign investments in-clude four Iraqi projects total-ing 11,229,509 riyals, one Lib-yan project at a cost of

5,379,675 riyals, one Italian project equaling 151,206,000, two Lebanese projects amount-ing to 138,355,000 riyals, and one project from Holland equal-ing 122,126,000 riyals.

Additionally, there are three recorded Turkish projects at 93,072,000 riyals, two Jordani-ans projects at 76,141,000 ri-

yals, an Iranian project worth 55,041,000 riyals, a Chinese project worth 40,871,000 ri-yals, and an Egyptian project amounting to 28,801,000 riyals.

A Malaysian project was also recorded at 27,130,000 riyals, an Indian project worth 20,035,000 riyals, and a Syrian project worth 20,000,000 riyals

The statistics indi-cate that the do-mestic consump-tion from January to May this year reached 8.65 million barrels, compared with a larger domes-tic consumption in 2009 which reached 11.59 million barrels.

‘

BUSINESS

UAE’s Investment Projects in Yemen Rise to 55

Faoud al-Kadi

The General Authority for Investment (GAI) re-corded two additional UAE projects in the prov-inces of Al-Maharah and Hadramout at a total cost of 159,650 riyals. These projects bring total UAE investments in Yemen to 55 investment proj-ects at a total cost of more than 55 billion riyals. Such projects include those in the industrial, ser-vice and tourism sectors.

SPORT Sunday, July 25, 2010 Issue09 www.nationalyemen.com 9National YemenInternational Courses for Table Tennis Coaches Put our Country in a Critical Situation

Youth are empowered through building their capacity and encouraging them to the volunteering work

World Bank launches the Education Quality Improvement Project

the Sports Page of National Yemen newspaper has learned that the Egyptian lecturer of the World Course for Table Tennis, Ahmed Al-Dolitly ex-pressed strong dissatisfaction at the organizational shortcom-ings of the course organized by the Yemen Olympic Commit-tee (YOC), the Table Tennis Association (TTA) and the Women Sport Association (WSA). The shortcomings showed in not receiving the Egyptian lecturer at Sana’a In-ternational Airport and a lack of quorum for the course in terms of the number of partici-pants, 16 participants, which is contrary to the regulations of International Courses spon-sored and supported by the In-ternational Olympic Solidarity. The regulations specify the number of participants be-tween 20 to 25 participants. Also, some evening classes were not held due to absence of the supervisors and students and the lack of accommodation for young female participants from Aden governorate and the lack of the unified costumes for the participants. All these shortcomings put in the report of the International lecturer, which will put our country in unenviable situation with the International Olympic Com-mittee that refused to increase the number of international courses for our country due to violation of regulations.

To familiarize the reader and officials with the facts on who causes such shortcomings, the newspaper has made investiga-tions with the relevant authori-ties. Mohammed Al-Ahjori, Secretary General of the Na-tional Olympic Committee, said that the Olympic Solidari-ty grants the Yemen Olympic Committee 2 to 3 courses a year for sports associations, in-ternational training every 6 years. So, we are keen to orga-nize well for those courses, es-pecially in terms of the number of participants so that we can convince the Olympic Solidar-ity to increase the number of courses. Unfortunately, the in-ternational course for trainers of table tennis that was held last week was associated with some defects from the NOC, TTA and WSA and the lack of quorum of participants in the course due to the absence of coordination between the three parties. He pointed to the loss of 4 seats in the course out of the 20 seats will put our coun-try in an embarrassing situa-tion with the International

Olympic Solidarity and we will be held responsible. Al-Ahjori apologized in person to course lecturer for not receiv-ing him at the airport upon ar-rival, due to the circumstances that accompanied the date and type of the flight to Sana’a.

Mr. Mohamed Al-Mahbashi, Assistant Secretary-General of the association and General Supervisor of the course held the YOC responsible for the absence of quorum for the par-ticipants. The YOC is respon-sible for attending of 20 par-ticipants, four of whom were absent due to harsh conditions. If you ask us to provide 25 stu-dents, only 21 of them will at-tend. He also stressed that re-ceiving of the lecturer and accommodating the female participants from Aden is the Olympic Committee responsi-bility, as agreed with the Olym-pic Committee. Yet, we were surprised at not receiving the lecturer at the airport and also the non-provision of accom-modation for the female par-ticipants from Aden in the Olympic Center. We were forced to accommodate them in private hotels. We were also surprised at the failure to pro-vide unified costumes to the participants and lack of media coverage for the course except after 3 days have passed. He denied rumors about his ab-sence in supervising the course. Al-Mahbashi added that the Yemeni TTA has organized 2 years ago a similar internation-al course for the same Egyptian lecturer and expert in the game. That course was well-orga-nized for according to the lec-turer’s testimony, and praise of the International Tennis Asso-ciation. The lecturer published that on his website and 25 par-ticipants attended that course from different governorates of the Republic.

One female participant in the course said that she was de-pressed at and bored with the International course for the first time. She said that she was surprised by being accommo-dated outside the Olympic Center and also not to hold most of the practicum lectures in the afternoon due to the ab-sence of participants and su-pervisors because of their pre-occupation with chewing Qat. She also said that the female supervisor apologized for not attending the course because due to her preference to partici-pate in the activities of the Summer Center of Can’aan Society.

The 4th Annual Republic President’s Championship for Horsemanship for three age groups concluded last weekend with the presence of Vice Presi-dent Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi at Al-Wahdah Field for Horse-manship in the Military College in Sana’a.

The tournament for horseman-ship and camels was held from the 7th to 20th of July and in-cluded 128 participating horse-men. A

At the closing ceremony, 70 young men performed a musi-cal operetta and a parade under the title ‘Al-Asayel’.

In the final competition for high competence and skill, jockey Mohammed Al-Qamli from Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hus-sein Al-Ahmar Stud won the ti-

tle. Finishing as runners-up was jockey Mohammed Al-Khawi from the Guards Stud.

Following the closing ceremo-ny, the Vice President, the Min-ister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Hamoud Obad, and the Chair-man of the Horsemanship and Camels Association, Sheikh Hashed Al-Ahmar, honored the jockeys who won the tourna-ment.

The winners are as follows: Adult Category : Hurdling

- 1st Place: Jockey Jamal Al-Tawil – Special Guards - Horse Al-Ameerah (Prin-cess)

- 2nd Place: Jockey Mohamed Al-Raymi – Military College – Horse Al-Ghallab (Victor)

- 3rd Place: Jockey Ibrahim Al-Ghazali - Sheikh Al-

Ahmar Stud - Horse Najmat Saba (Sheba Star)

Children’s Category: Hurdling - 1st Place: Jockey Amjad Mo-

hammed Shadhan - Police College

- 2nd Place: Jockey Mohamed Al-Radhi - Sheikh Al-Ahmar Stud

- 3rd Place: Jockey Majid Mogaide’ – Military College

Junior Category: Hurdling- 1st Place: Jockey Munther

Al-Dubba - Military College- 2nd Place: Jockey Omar al-

Zubaidi – Special Guards - 3rd place: Jockey Anas Al-

Matari

Capture the Pegs - 1st Place: Jockey Murad Al-

Sharabi - Sheikh Al-Ahmar Stud

- 2nd Place: Jockey Mohamed Sevenfold - Police College.

- 3rd place: Jockey Hamzah Al-Dhobhani

The World Bank, together with Yemen government offi-cials and doctors, launched last week a report on education quality improvement in Yemen.

Mr. Abdulkarim Al-Arhabi, Deputy Prime Minister for Eco-nomic Affairs and Minister of Planning and International Co-operation spoke of the impor-tance of the project to develop the current educational process. Al-Arhabi said that the program involves collaboration between the World Bank and the Yemeni Government, and it aims to build an integrated vision for the education sector.

Al-Arhabi said the Govern-ment will not be able to deal with all issues without the col-laboration of the private sector. Comparison between Yemen and other countries shows that at least 40,000 more schools need to be built in the country. Such a goal is too demanding on the government alone.

Dr. Mourad Ezzine, represen-tative of the World Bank Hu-

man Development Department said that the informative cere-mony was to mark a turning point for change in the educa-tional system. “Yemen faces many challenges. The resourc-es are scarce, so Yemen needs to be very clear about the strate-gies and priorities for its future, as well as the role of the World Bank to supports it”.

The outcome of this effort will be a vision and strategy for the next 10 years. It will build a strong framework for education development policy, and it will assist donors in how to most ef-fectively mobilize resources.

The World Bank supported six educational strategies, said Ez-zine. The new action-plan was based upon the statistics, sur-veys and feedbacks collected in during a two year period. Some of the data revealed alarming facts about the disparities in education levels—especially at the district level.

Researches highlighted the fact that students who are either

poor, live in rural areas, or are female are most likely to never enroll in schools or drop out early. The difference in female enrollment for the various gov-ernorates is quite substantial: Sana’a 85%- Saadah 32%.

The most pressing and urgent action items can be summarized as follows: Setting long-term goals called for in the National Basic Education Development Strategy( NBEDS); recognizing the importance of a quality-ori-ented early education; and en-

suring timely distribution of academic texts and materials.

The ceremony took place at Sheba Hotel. Attending was Dr. Abdul-Salam Al-Joufy, Minis-ter for Education; Dr. Ibrahim Hugary, Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training; and Dr.Mohammed M. Mutaher , Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scien-tific Research. Also attending were representatives from aca-demia and doctors

Sana’a, 24 July 2010 - Save the Children- Youth empower-ment Project (YEP) funded by USAID support the awareness campaign for youth under the banner “aware youth” which is arranged by Life Makers foun-dation in Sana’a. The campaign which is launched on Saturday 24 July 2010, aims to raise the youth awareness on the danger of chewing Qat, smoking , and drugs and targets boys and girls youth between 14 – 24 age.

This campaign is part of the summer activities for Save the Children and its partners in Sana’a and Ibb in which it in-cludes many events such as ar-ranging workshops, training course in life skills, TOT train-ings , distributing posters, bro-chures …etc. Marwan Al-Sha-bani , the coordinator of YEP project in Sana’a and Ibb en-sured the importance of such events which target the vulner-able youth. “These activities aim to empower the vulnerable youth through building their ca-pacity and raising their aware-

ness in these issues especially they are the most involved peo-ple in such issues.” Al-Shabani stated. “ The YEP project will also fund 15 youth organiza-tions which are YEP partners in Sana’a and Ibb and 17 small projects will be implemented by youth for three months.” He elaborated.

In the same time, Shawthab foundation in its partnership with Save the Children launch-es on Saturday 24 July 2010 in Sana’a the training course un-der banner “towered to work with youth through participa-tion”. The training aims to pro-vide youth with skills in the youth volunteering work and how youth can play role in de-veloping their communities through volunteering work. The training targets 40 boys and girls youth and continues for 6 days.

In Sana’a , and for four days, Save the Children – Siraj for youth leadership and develop-

ment project funded by USAID arranges a training course in the life skills for the youth and or-ganizations working with youth which are partners for Siraj project with participation of 24 boys and girls youth from four governorates ( Sana’a, Aden, Ibb, and Abyan) in Al Mosafer Hotel – Sana’a. The training aims to train the participants in how to use the Siraj Toolkits of life skills trainings and how to arrange trainings for youths in

their governorates using this toolkit as a step to make a posi-tive change in the youth com-munities.

Save the Children works in partnership with Ministry of Sport and Youth towards the protection, fulfillment and re-spect for all young people’s right to participation in deci-sions and mainly Youth em-powerment that affect their lives.

4th Annual President’s Equestrian Championship Concludes Abdul-Karim Mufadhal

Sunday, July 25, 2010 Issue09 www.nationalyemen.com10 National YemenREPORTYemeni Center for Strategic Studies 2009 Report Addressed Political, Economic, Social, and Security Developments

The Yemeni Center for Strategic Studies (YCSS) has launched its 2009 Yemeni Strategic Report 2009. The report, issued by the center annually, deals with a number of political, economic, social and security developments in Yemen. The report reviewed the dialogue between the government and opposition parties. It analyzes the exacerbated differences between these parties, and how they view each other. It also addressed the establishment of the Consultative Meeting and the draft vision of national salvation.

Political Report

Domestic Politics —The re-port characterizes the relations between state and opposition parties as having a high degree of mistrust. It cites a lack of in-stitutional frameworks for pro-ductive dialogue. It claims that these entities agreed but one time this past year—on post-poning the elections. Rather than ameliorate the crisis, the agreement aggravated conflicts. It did not address tangible is-sues, or establish mechanisms to be followed.

The report indicates that the gap between the ruling party and the opposition continues to widen and it is unlikely that this gap will be narrowed for several reasons. The government is un-able to offer palatable policy options that the opposition can accept. The ruling party has been reluctant to cede its de-cades long control of all levels of government in the so-called “partnership in power and wealth” decision-making.

The report indicates the ruling party was attempting to achieve its objectives and attain legiti-macy in elections by allowing the opposition to take part. To obtain the opposition’s consent over constitutional amendments among other priorities of the PGC, they attempted to absorb the opposition into the political system. The reports that key events of the past year shaped the current political relationship between the two parties.

Yemeni-American Rela-tions—The report says there is an unbalanced security coopera-tion between Yemen and the United States. International at-tention towards Yemeni coasts and marine security in the Gulf of Aden has expanded. How-ever, political cooperation be-tween Sana’a and Washington has witnessed a notable decline in regard to U.S interest in sup-porting democratic and human rights development in Yemen. US attention has focused on se-curity and military issues. The US, instead, depends solely on the efforts of the Democratic In-stitute for International Affairs to promote democratic gover-nance.

Security Report

Sa’ada War –The report said that the 6th war of Sa’ada was one of the fiercest armed hostili-ties in Yemen’s recent history. The report pointed out that the Houthis misread the psycholog-ical changes that have occurred in the public’s attitude toward the events of Sa’ada. They have a relatively low level of public sympathy now. Their threat to expand the conflict to other provinces elicited a fierce re-sponse from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Southern Rebellion Move-

ment — The report discounts any breakthrough in the security standoff for two reasons. The government will refuse to allow secession, as it views this as a

threat to sovereignty. The tac-tics of the South have also left it unable to achieve success. One of the leading strengths of the rebellion movement, according to the report, is that the authori-ty does not have a sound nation-al strategy to correct the struc-tural imbalances in the country and to confront and resolve the problems and crises in general.

Al-Qaeda Terrorist Organiza-tion—The report claims the or-ganization was relatively suc-cessful in rebuilding its ranks, strengthening its presence in Yemen, and developing its op-erational and tactical capabili-ties. In the beginning of the year both the organization’s branches in Yemen and Saudi Arabia merged into a single en-tity ‘Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’. Its activities were more focused in the peripheral regions, especially in southern and eastern provinces. The pres-ence of Al-Qaeda members in these geographical areas makes them close to oil production fa-cilities and exportation centers in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. This aroused concerns in Wash-ington, being the first enemy of the organization and the first beneficiary of the oil fields in the Arabian Peninsula.

As for the repercussions of and reactions to the organization’s activity locally, the Yemeni government escalated counter procedures against al-Qaeda. In the period from December 17th 2009 to March 20th, 2010 the

government launched approxi-mately 40 air raids on the orga-nization’s targets, killing dozens of al-Qaeda members. The Government also strengthened its efforts to win the loyalty of the tribal areas by different means.

Economic Report

The budget made high expec-tations of high potential growth rate in the actual GDP during 2009 of 9.1%, but the result was disappointing as the growth rate did not exceed 4.6%. The re-port pointed out that when the government assessed the draft general budget for 2009, it was not realistic in estimating each of the public expenditures and revenues.

The report listed a series of ob-servations on the management of the State’s budget and the ex-tent of its consistency with the objectives of economic and so-cial development in Yemen, in-cluding the government’s deci-sion to reduce most public expenditures, except salaries and wages, by 50%.

The report said that the private sector suffers from increasing constraints and challenges, pre-venting it from developing ful-ly. Most of those problems are caused mostly by the official au-thorities. The government has failed to create an attractive en-vironment for investment.

The report pointed out that the economic partnership between Yemen and the Gulf Coopera-

tion Council is still fragile. It stressed the need to restructure the state’s general budget. The report remarked that the Tax Laws—the policies and conven-tions governing the action of the Ministry of Oil—must be re-viewed.

Social and Cultural Report

Corruption—The report points to many causes of cor-ruption including poverty, the public’s lack of knowledge of their rights, non-compliance with the principle of separation between the three authorities, and the weak oversight mecha-nisms systems in state gover-nance.

Other causes include lack of punitive measures and conse-quence for individuals engaged in corruption, low public sector salaries, absence of work rules, absence of freedom of informa-tion, and the weak role of civil society in monitoring corrup-tion. The report assesses that the National Supreme Anti-Cor-ruption Authority (NSAC) re-mains inefficient and did not achieve any real success.

Crime—The report stated that harassment crimes increased by 2.21% during the first half of 2009. Pick-pocketing crimes decreased by 0.55% during the first half of last year. Rape crimes recorded an increase by 9 crimes. The number of those convicted of rape reached 113 males and one female. Theft crimes fell during 2009 by 13.23%. Alcohol-related crimes

increased by 31.97% in the first half of 2009.

The report pointed to several causes of these crimes, includ-ing widespread corruption in the departments of the Civil Service Authority in Yemen, prolonged lawsuits in courts, Yemen’s geographical nature, Yemen’s borders with many Arab and African countries, and the lack of facilities for security systems.

Education—The report touched on the bitter reality of education in Yemen citing in-creasing challenges facing sec-ondary education. The most important of these problems are as follows: the inability of sec-ondary education to meet the needs of development, a defi-ciency of annual plans, a large gender imbalance, an absence of teachers, random distribution of teachers, complacency of ad-ministrative officials, school fees, poor curricula, and the lack of qualified teachers. Sec-ondary education is based on a theoretical and academic ap-proach – lacking science labs, financial resources, equipment and buildings that are required for a comprehensive education.

Electronic Media—The report said that the electronic press is suffering due to the lack of fi-nancial returns from ads and companies, lack of well-trained and qualified electronic journal-ists, and strict government con-straint and regulation.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Mr. Ferry de Kerch-hove, I am applying to you with this appeal and seeking for your support in the name of justice.

I am a citizen of Gaza Strip. Recently I had applied to the Canadian Embassy for the Student visa, which will allow me to follow up with my high-er education and implement gained knowledge in my na-tive country.

Few days ago I had provided Canadian Consulate in Cairo with all required documents and within 2 days received my passport back with a re-fusal letter, which stated that I didn’t satisfy Canadian party that I will leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for my stay. Though I had pro-vided all the documents, which stated that my family owns lots of land in Gaza Strip and I am leading one of the best dentist clinics in the area, I still was denied in ob-taining the visa.

This refusal made me con-vinced that this is an obvious discrimination of Palestinian

youth in terms of our right for higher education.

I am applying to Canadian side and International com-munity and seeking for your support. All of us understand that the youth is the future of Palestinian territories and if we are not able to gain higher education, the Elite sooner or later will be eliminated and the whole nation will become an object of manipulation in the hands of politicians.

I want to apply to all Interna-tional Organizations that de-fend the rights of the victims of political games, as well as Canadian Embassy; I am ap-plying to all the students and the states, which support the development of international system though the opportuni-ty of education.

I am speaking on behalf of Palestinian Youth, on behalf of Palestinian future. And I am asking you for support in this case.

Numan Aljadba

Ambassador to the Embassy of Canada in Cairo

THE CHAINFrench,1774-a young,good

intentioned but inexperienced Louis XVI ascended the throne with the popular title of “Sun King” and the promise to al-ways consult and pay heed to the public opinion.

The french society was divid-ed in Aristocracy,Clergy and the Third State(representing the majority of the population).The first two classes consid-ered working as not agreeing with their privileged status,this meant the “commons” were the only real bread-earners.Theirs was the burden to pro-vide and finance the lavish feasts and luxuries of the Im-perial Palace when they could scarcely sustain themselves.Theirs was also the duty,of course,to pay heavy taxes in order to reduce the great debt wars while trying to survive famine and malnutrition.

On the 5th October 1789,a frustrated and roaring mob marched on the court of Ver-sailles killing and wounding any noble or royal guard dar-ing to oppose it.When Louis’ wife,Queen Marie Antoinette witnessed the huge mob invad-ing the Imperial gardens,she was informed that the people were protesting and revolting against the further increase in the price of bread which they could no longer afford.The Queen is reported as to have dismissed the event by suggesting:”Let them eat cake,then”.

Even though inhabiting the same country,how distant were the rulers and the aristocracy to understanding the commons’ agony.King and Queen were the first monarchs to test the guillotine,their fate for not having recognized the basic needs of the people.

Economists target the capaci-ty of National food production as the key role for power and progress.Social studies reveal that for a society to develop and prosper,two factors are essential:safety-security from imminent danger- and food-adequate nutrition.

When a country produces its own goods,it significantly de-creases the need to purchase them from outside,saving a huge amount of money.Due to this,the country is able to sell home-made items lower prices,which in turn encourag-es citizens to buy and demand National production enhancing and directly financing their economy.The phenomenon has a great positive impact on the system when the govern-ment invests this money in ed-ucation.health care and further establishment and/or improve-ment of agricultural,industrial sectors.

Malnutrition and deaths caused by preventable diseases are some of the major issues in Yemen.

According to a UNICEF sur-vey dated 2008,the infant mortality was as high as 53%,1 every 5 newborns suffered

from low birth weight and 58% of children were affected by moderate to severe stunting.The report also calculated the central government expendi-ture on health from 1998-2007 to be a stunning 4% with re-spect to the 19% reserved to defense.With the occurrence of the recent civil wars,it’s im-probable that these statistics have changed in better,especially now that the Minister of Defense has initi-ated it’s own armored vehicles production.

George Bernard Shaw,a Ger-man critic and dramatic,said:”If history repeats itself and the unexpected always happen,how incapable must man be of learning from expe-rience”.

Yemen has natural gas as well as oil reserves,nevertheless is the poorest country in the Ara-bic Peninsula and one of the poorest states in ht world.How is this possible?One of the an-swers could be that tragically few are those gaining from the Black Gold,with the majority passively witnessing its envi-ronmental hazards.

Luckily,the Arabic Felix has a very fertile soil with the po-tentiality to tackle malnutri-tion.

Unfortunately-this absence of luck could more appropriately termed as lack of mind-, 97% of this green land is expected to undergo desertification,i.e. turn into a desert.Why?The main reason is soil erosion

caused by unplanned defores-tation and rough schemes and care for agricultural terraces.The damages could be limited with an intelligent water irriga-tion plan.

Ops,almost forgot we are suf-fering from a shortage of wa-ter..Well,actually there would be enough water to sustain a food source vegetation,but who cares about eating or feed-ing children when you can chew?Of the 100% of avail-able water,over 85% is des-tined to agricultural purpose,but by”agricultural” here is meant qat cultivation.

Even if we manage to direct 50%of the water to crop plan-tation we would still have to be cautious and aware of the sul-fur dioxide(SO2)emissions,which among other damages,is the cause for the formation of the acid rains re-sponsible for the death or en-danger of land and aquatic or-ganisms.SO2 emission due to fossil fuels combustion ex-ceeds 50%,of these,78% are the result of power stations and industries.

Billions are spent for the location,extraction of under-ground fuel reservoir while more then 13 out of the 25 mil-lions of the Yemeni population struggles to survive below the poverty line of 1.5USD.

Goods prices continue on ris-ing while the echoes of the roaring of the crowd keeps low...for now.Shams Al-Hani

APPEAL

Sunday, July 25, 2010 Issue09 www.nationalyemen.com 11National Yemen ADVERTISMENTS

National YemenSunday, July 25, 2010 Issue09 www.nationalyemen.com ADVERTISMENTS