Armies of Liberation

Sana’a, NewsYemen

The two-day conference of Exploring Investment Opportunities in Yemen came to conclusion on Monday without practical steps, but some promises and more requests from Yemen to make its investment environment more healthy through more reforms.

The final statement of the conference focused on “the importance of developing the financial sector in Yemen”. More than 20 participants, in different sessions with prime minister and finance minister, asked the government to quickly achieve “the stock market” project.

The statement did not identify specific projects to be implemented, but said that the participants listened to 100 investment opportunities offered by the government in different sectors.

The official media outlets which published the final statement of the conference talked only about “intentions” of some investors to invest in Yemen. Although the statement welcomed the Yemeni government’s pledge “to provide more suitable environment for investments and to melt all difficulties that face investors”, it
talked only about an investment agreement in Aden Free Zone and a number of agreements in field of mining and local transportation.

Deputy prime minister for economic affairs, minister of planning and international cooperation, Abdul-Karim al-Arhabi, announced the intention of the government “to annually hold a conference on investment”. “You will find in the coming conference to what extent the government is earnest to fulfill its promises of providing
facilities and making reforms,” said al-Arhabi.

The greatest result we could get in this conference is that the robust attendance of investors to check out investment opportunities in Yemen. “We have almost 500 participants from the Gulf states whose attendance reflects their interest to invest in
Yemen,” said al-Arhabi. “This is a very important message to us implies that our brothers in the Gulf are interested to merge Yemen in Gulf economies.”

The real challenge comes after the conference as we have to reach understanding between the government and investors from Gulf states on one hand and between the Gulf investors and local investors,” said al-Arhabi.

The final statement mentioned the pledges of president Ali Abdullah Saleh to prevent officials interference in investors affairs, to apply the system of “Single Room” to deal with investors and to review relevant legislations to be more expedient for investors.

A number of Yemeni and Gulf businessmen told NewsYemen their companies “will study the investment opportunities offered according to the needs and benefits. The conference is the second event organized by the Yemeni government in cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council after the Donors Conference held in London last
November focusing on Yemen’s needs of reforms and financial aids.

The GCC’s secretary-general Abdul-Rahman al-Attiya said in an interview with the official Al-Thawra daily that the economies of Gulf states depend upon competition and free economy system that depends on open the door for local and foreign private sector to play a key role in development. He said that Yemen and Gulf states
could move from traditional frames to modern ones and they should go ahead to “correct the past and build promising future.”

Chairman of the General Authority for Investment, Salah al-Attar said the authority will call for a meeting next week, to be headed by prime minister, to discuss measures to apply the system of “Single Room”.

70% of Yemeni women are beaten by their husbands or fathers, is that what this article says?

SANA’A, April 29 — Yemeni women are subjected to repeated abuses and violence, according to a survey conducted by Yemen Female Media Forum over the first three months of 2007 in 18 governorates. The survey results were discussed at a symposium Sunday in the presence of women leaders and activists from different civil community organizations.

The survey revealed that 31 percent of those interviewed (165 cases) complained that illiterate women are subjected to abuse more than other groups, followed by high school leavers from the viewpoints of 20.5 percent of the sample. 14.8 percent of the informants noted that girls enrolled in primary schools suffer human right abuses and violence mostly by their own families and male relatives. The post graduate students registered the lowest cases suffering abuse and violence while there is no even a single abuse case among women holding Ph.D. degrees.

The poll disclosed that women living in rural areas have no access to healthcare and most of them deliver at home unattended due to the lack of medical staff in their areas, coupled with the indifference and poor living standards of their husbands. While those living in cities, the survey clarified, enjoy good access to healthcare but don’t escape abuse and violence.

The survey showed the type of disabilities among women, which are symptomatic of abuse, violence and mistreatment. Such disabilities include speaking and hearing impairments, limp, fracture of arms and mental disorders. Based on the survey’s results, women are denied the right to work after marriage, particularly in rural and remote areas where there is no enough awareness about human rights and equality.

More than 87 percent of those surveyed said that families are responsible for abuse and violence against women, as 191 of the registered cases, accounting for 35.9 percent of the total sample, complained that they are abused by their husbands while 186 of the registered cases (34.9) told that they are mistreated by their fathers.

Non-family abusers are responsible for 62 abuse cases (11.6 percent), the survey indicated, adding that all the mistreatment and violations are committed at work by employers or bosses. 11 cases (2.1 percent) were committed by unknown abusers. The authorities including the ruling party, police, and prosecution have a hand in women’s mistreatment and sufferings. The survey listed psychological problems, economic, and social deterioration, physical injuries and home eviction as some of consequences associating with violence and mistreatment.

According to women, who complain of abuse and violence, the community culture, poor awareness about women’s role and disrespect for women’s status are some of the reasons behind the increased numbers of abuse cases. Other causes of violence and mistreatment include the absence of legal institutions as well as alcohol and drug abuses.

More at the YO:
(Read on …)

A military commander is recruiting extreme Salafis from Ibb, Dhamar and Taiz to fight in the war.

SA’ADA, April 29 – A tribal source mentioned that fierce confrontations are escalating between Yemeni government forces and Houthi followers in Sa’ada, located some 245 km. north of Sana’a, leaving hundreds killed or injured daily.

It added that the governorate’s hospitals no longer are capable of holding the increasing number of victims among soldiers and their supporters from Sulfis and tribal fighters, while Houthis receive no medical attention. The sources questioned the role of Doctors without Borders and the Red Cross organization, which are absent from scene, as well as the weak role of the Yemeni Red Crescent organization in Sa’ada.

Sources also mentioned that Yemeni army forces supported by helicopters and fighters still are attacking areas where Houthis exist, especially Dhahian city, which has been the scene of the fieriest and longest clashes between the two sides since the war began. The Yemeni army also is attempting to seize Bani Mu’ath district’s Fakawah Shi’eb, where Houthis have their largest camp.

Helicopters are bombarding Razih district north of Sa’ada, particularly as Houthis are centered in the district’s government buildings in Al-Qal’ah area. Army forces continue their attacks on Houthis on Burkan Mountain.

Sources also revealed that Yemeni army forces withdrew to Al-Dhai’ah area due to strong resistance by Houthis, as well as to enable armed helicopters and mortars to secure the way leading to Razih, which Houthis had occupied by the start of this week.

Further, Al-Talh, Al-Saifi and several areas near Magz witnessed violent battles late Saturday evening and Sunday morning; however, neither side’s losses have been identified.

“Sahar’s Al-Sanarah and Al-Ablah Mountains also witnessed similar clashes, as large numbers of Houthi loyalist were seen last Saturday in mountains near Al-Ablah Mountain, so army forces bombarded the mountain last Friday with mortars and Katyusha missiles,” a source reported.

Confrontations between both warring sides are ongoing in Bani Mu’ath, killing and injuring large numbers of fighters. Moreover, a helicopter waged an air raid on Houthis centered on Sabr Mountain. (Read on …)

Updated: quarter of a billion in financial support

AM: The president said the total American annual assistance to Yemen is to amount to $254 million and it will have positive reflections with regard to consolidating the partnership and cooperation relations existing between the two countries at various political, economic security levels as well as efforts of fighting terror.”

On his return to Sana’a on Thursday wrapping up a successful state visit to the United States of America the president added ” We are satisfied regarding results of the talks we held in Washington and president Bush and American officials confirmed in our discussions with them their commitment to stand by Yemen and support it in its efforts exerted in areas of democracy, development, reforms and fighting terror and it was agreed to offer a sum of $35 million from the Challenge of the Millennium Fund at the threshold stage to be raised to $100 million annually in addition to an amount of $59 million to support the military and security establishment in addition to other assistance.”

26S : In this regard, President Saleh said that the Millennium Challenge Corporation agreed to grant Yemen USD 94 million, $35 million to civil sector and $59 million to support the security and military sector in Yemen,” said president Saleh in a statement to Saba upon arrival.

Sana’a, NewsYemen

The charge d’ affairs of US embassy in Sana’a said that the invitation of president George W. Bush to president Saleh aims to “offer appreciation for achievements and changes that reinstated the eligibility of Yemen to participate in the Millennium Challenge Corporation and to encourage Yemen to go ahead in this direction”.

Nabil Khori said Saleh will discuss changes in Yemen with several US officials in Washington including the House speaker Nancy Pelosi and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. (Read on …)

The prisoner poured hot water on his own hands? What a total load of garbage.

SANA’A, April 28 — On Saturday, the Specialized Penal Prosecution referred Shaif Al-Haimi’s case to the Sana’a Penal Court to try him on charges of theft and practicing vice, the Ministry of Defense web site has reported.

The decision was made after an official National Security source refuted Al-Haimi’s statements that police tortured and beat him.

The source said Al-Haimi and his colleague Ahmed Al-Sairafi were arrested on charges of forming “a dangerous gang” practicing robbery, vice and impersonating officers from National Security and the Criminal Investigation Bureau.

“Al-Haimi’s claims that he was tortured while being investigated at National Security reflect his abnormal and depraved behavior,” the source said, adding that the National Security apparatus has the right to sue him.

According to the source, Al-Haimi and Al-Sairafi stormed into a capital city apartment on Nov. 2, 2006, claiming to be National Security officers, and confiscated property. Security authorities arrested Al-Haimi, who Penal Prosecution sent to National Security for investigation. There, his friend Al- Sairafi confessed to the crimes they committed together.

The national security officer further noted that because Al-Haimi began shouting and kicking doors, the officer in charge of detention shackled his hands. “Al-Haimi injured his hands intentionally and poured hot water on his own body in order to cause burns,” he reported.

At a symposium organized last Monday by human rights groups and civil society organizations, Al-Haimi disclosed his ordeal during his month-long detainment at National Security, being accused of stealing a police officer’s mobile phone.

Al-Haimi alleged that seven National Security police officers arrested him at midnight and led him blindfolded to detention on charges of stealing a mobile phone belonging to one of them.

“As I cried out in pain, investigators increasingly beat me. When I cried out with thirst, they doused me with cold water, forcing me to be silent. While I was crying in pain, they brought a bottle full of urine and forced me to drink it and then pour some on my head. They even put a bar of soap in my mouth and tied it. Many times, they put a shoe into my mouth while beating me with thick military shoes, which made me go deaf in my left ear,” Al-Haimi recounted to the group last Monday.

The YO has more.

National Security denies torture charge.

YT

SANA’A, April 29 — On Saturday, the Press and Printing Prosecution adjourned the investigation of a case the Ministry of Defense brought against the Yemeni Socialist Party-affiliated Al-Thawri newspaper for publishing an article and photographs dealing with the Sa’ada conflict.

The Defense Ministry claimed the photos were fabricated and from the Iraqi war, not Sa’ada. It also criticized journalist Abed Al-Mahthari’s article entitled, “Ezrail’s (the Death Angel) Kingdom,” accusing him of seeking to disturb public order.

Because Al-Thawri Editor-in-Chief Abu Bakr Abdulraziq Badheeb didn’t attend the session, prosecution only investigated Al-Mahthari and then adjourned until May 5. In its lawsuit, the Defense Ministry requested arresting Al-Mahthari and Badheeb and referring them to the appropriate court, in addition to halting the newspaper’s publication.

Al-Mahthari assured that the accusations against him are baseless, noting that the lawsuit simply is the military institution’s attempt to suppress press freedom. The charges come within the framework of an authority-imposed media blackout concerning the more than three month long escalating Sa’ada war, wherein inhumane crimes are on the increase.

Also editor-in-chief of Al-Diyyar newspaper, which the Ministry of Information withdrew from the market months ago, Al-Mahthari was sentenced on March 11 to a year in prison for his opinions.

More

SANA’A, April 21 (Saba)- A source in the Defense Ministry said on Friday a report published by al-Thawry newspaper and its news
website over massive graves endangered by army forces in Saada governorate is totally baseless and the picture published was taken in Iraq not in Saada.

The aim of publishing such reports and pictures was to destroy reality of the situation in Saada and damage reputation of Yemeni
security and military forces, the source said.

The source also denied report published by Al-Thawry, a paper of Yemen Socialist Party, over taking control of a republican palace in Saada city by terrorist elements.

He said that the ministry would sew the newspaper and its website as they publish fake reports which target reputation of the nation and moral of the journalism.

AS: April 28, 2007- The Yemeni Journalist Syndicate ruled out that it has any relation with what is labeled new project for the Yemeni press laws which are preparing by the Information and Rehabilitation Center for Human Rights.

The deputy of the syndicate, Saeed Thabet , affirmed that the syndicate has no relations with that project and didn’t dispatch any member to represent the syndicate in that project .

He depicted the new project prepared by IRCHR as very terrible and a backward step, emphasizing at the same time that the so-called project does not reach the minimum level requirements.

It is worth reclaiming that IRCHR are preparing a press law project and planning to offer it for the international bodies.

YO

The receipts of the country have decreased in the first quarter of this year, 2007, by 13 percent. This represents a net loss of YR 256.251 billion compared to last year which amounted to YR 304.855 billion according to an official report issued by the Ministry of Finance.
The report mentioned that the decrease was caused by the drop in the price of crude oil. The proceeds from oil exports decreased during the period from January to March, to YR 194.583 billion, compared to the figures for the same period last year, which amounted to YR 246.310 billion. This is a decrease of 21 percent.

An official report showed that crude oil receipts decreased to YR 107.335 billion. Crude oil, which was sold locally, decreased YR 12.924 billion to YR 82.452 billion, representing a reduction of 14 percent. Locally sold natural gas decreased by 44 percent, or YR 1.354 billion to a total of YR 4.418 billion. The report showed that non-oil receipts rose to 70.712 billion compared to last year which amounted to 58.545 billion. During the first quarter of the current year, tax proceeds increased to 54.15 billion from 46.559 billion, a growth rate of 16percent. Customs proceeds also increased last January/March, to 8.691 billion from 7.422 billion, a growth rate of 17percent.

“The revenues from oil represent 72 percent of the country’s total income,” said Taha al-Fosiel, an economics professor at Sana’a University. “The country’s revenues have decreased. This could be the result of a reduction in the quantity of oil exports or a drop in prices worldwide. The fact is, global prices of oil witnessed a decrease during the first quarter of this year.” “There are three causes of decrease in revenues,” said Professor Abdul-Razaq al-Marani, Deputy Chairman of the Customs Authority.

“First, the Yemeni government decreased the customs duties on the majority of things according to World Trade Organization conditions two years ago. Secondly, many of our own goods lowered their associated fees by as much as 48 percent, according to the agreements of the Greater Arab Trade Area. And last but not least, the investment law lowers customs duties on raw materials and goods by 50 percent.”

Scoop

Monday, 30 April 2007, 9:30 am
Press Release: United Nations
UN Launches Leadership Capacity Scheme For World’s Poorest Countries
New York, Apr 27 2007 7:00PM

The United Nations has launched a programme to develop the national leadership capacity in the world’s least developed countries (LDCs), a group of States on the lowest economic rung.

To be carried out in partnership with UN agencies, donor countries and civil society organizations, the programme aims to use methods that have proven successful in development and corporate worlds to strengthen the ability of LDCs to address core development challenges, ranging from fighting HIV/AIDS to reducing poverty.

“This is a very important initiative that will build the capacity of LDCs to address major development concerns in a sustainable manner by tapping the unique strengths of individuals, communities and organizations in those countries,” said Anwarul K. Chowdhury, the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked ῄeveloping Countries and Small Island Developing States during Wednesday’s launch at UN Headquarters in New York.

Mr. Chowdhury said that the programme was a timely response to the observation made during last year’s mid-term review of the Programme of Action for LDCs in Cotonou, Benin, where participants called for “support to LDCs in their efforts for leadership and capacity development with special focus on the young people and women.”

The programme will initially be implemented in nine countries – Cambodia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. Mr. Chowdhury said that it will be extended to 20 more by the end of the year, with the target of covering all of the 50 LDCs in the following year.

At the launch, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Deputy Executive Director Kul Gautam observed that a large proportion of the population of LDCs is composed of young people, who could be a major resource if given the necessary opportunities, but also a reservoir for discontent if neglected.

almotamar.net – an organisation decision signed Saturday Secretary-General of the General People’s Congress GPC Abdulqader Bajammal appointed journalist Abdullah al-Hadhrami Editor-in-Chief of al-Mithaq daily organ of the GPC and journalist Abdulmalik al-Fahidi Editor-in-Chief of almotamar.net website.

Commenting on those changes the assistant Secretary-General of the GPC Sheikh Sultan al-Barakani made it clear that the changes are aimed to enhance the role of the ruling party media \t both organisation and national levels.

Almotamar.net has learnt that procedures of assuming their posts will take part on Monday.

YT: SANA’A, April 18 — The total amount of material losses due to crimes and traffic incidents in Yemen during 2006 was more than YR 6 billion, a Ministry of Defense web site reported Wednesday.

26September.net news web site quoted sources as saying that the volume of crimes and criminal incidents registered during 2006 resulted in losses of nearly YR 3.39 billion, while losses due to traffic accidents stood at nearly YR 1.16 billion.

The site’s sources added that non-criminal incidents caused losses estimated at YR 509.41 million.

The Ministry of Interior registered 35,024 crimes during 2006, of which 15,645 were major crimes and 19,379 small crimes, with 1,387 people reported dead and another 11,379 injured as a result of such crimes. Non-criminal crimes were estimated at 3,024, causing 1,281 deaths and 1,397 injuries

Traffic incidents reached 13,342, with 2,816 deaths and 17,147 injuries.

An official report for 2005 revealed that 936 crimes were committed, ranging from murder to car theft to forgery.

Traffic accidents in 2005 amounted to 12,869 nationwide, compared to 12,267 accidents in 2004. Accidents in 2005 claimed 2,510 lives and critically wounded 7,030 others, compared to 2,249 deaths and 5,443 major injuries during 2004.

According to the General Traffic Department, traffic accidents in 2005 caused 7,318 minor injuries, compared to 8,174 during 2004. Additionally, more than 135,000 traffic accidents, killing 26,000 and injuring 152,000 others, have been registered during the past 15 years.

YO Suicide Increases

Since the mid 1990s, the crime rate in Yemen has been growing steadily, according to the figures provided by the Ministry of the Interior. These figures indicate that the incidence of suicide during the period between 1995 and until July 2001 totaled 1,211 cases across the country. About 120 cases of suicide took place in the first six months of 2001 by various means including using handguns, hanging self-immolation, taking poison or an overdose of medication, according to Barman.

Women accounted for 41.7 percent of those suicides, he said. Between January 1 and December 1, 2003, there were 316 reported suicides. Many officials and academics reject calling suicide in Yemen a “phenomenon.” However, they agree that harsh economic conditions here are the main causes that lead an individual to take his own life. The security officials, academics and others confirmed that the number of suicides witnessed an increase in recent years to about 1470 cases.

Statistics indicate that criminal cases and various security incidents in Yemen have witnessed a marked a 37 percent increase in the last few years, including a 16 percent increase in the number of suicides, though only 8 percent of these suicides represent women and girls. However, specialists and researchers say that the figure is likely much higher, since many cases go unreported. In January of this year, the local press reported two suicides and one failed suicide attempt in one day.

LAHJ

Villagers living in isolation

April 22 — In an event, the first of its kind, Ramzia Al-Eryani, Chairwoman of Yemeni Women Union, and a group of her colleagues, discovered villages that have never been visited nor reached by the state. The women team found a village mostly inhabited by blind and mad people, who is found to live in starvation, eat no food for many days, and sleep in the ground. The team added that nobody knows about those villagers’ condition.

YO The General Electricity Corporation has received an order to increase the electrical supply by 80 megawatts; this is in addition to an increase of 70 megawatts that was ordered previously, said Abdul-Mu’ati al-Gonid, the general director of the corporation. The order came from Minister of Electricity and Energy Mustafa Bahram, as part of a strategy to put an end to the regular electricity blackouts and to cover the annual deficit in the power supply during the summer season and during Ramadan, when people tend to use electricity all through the night.

“This will solve the problem for at least two years; by then, the second gas-powered electricity-generating station will have entered in active service, and Ma’abr station will be in service also,” al-Gonid said.
The current electrical supply does not exceed coverage for 45 percent of the population, he said. “We supply less than half of the need; and 60 percent of people get electricity through private generators,” he said.

“The amount of energy currently available is about 800 megawatts, and in the rural areas is only about 200 megawatts, so the total available is 1000 megawatts. We are working at full capacity, but there is still a deficit,” he said. “Electricity in Yemen is among the cheapest of any country. The electricity corporation sells a single unit for RY 4,” says al-Gonid. He pointed out that the corporation has more than 1.2 million customers representing homes and factories.

“The proportion of consumption is more than 60 to 70 percent of citizens, and 15 percent for the factories, excluding the cement factories,” he said. He denied that the electricity corporation is increasing its prices. “We do not increase the prices and tariffs set by the government; we implement only what they direct us to. We are a solvent business, but at this stage, our mission is essentially to provide service; we are not looking to make a profit.”

About the continuing complaints by residents from the continuous interruptions of electricity, al-Gonid admitted that the corporation was unhappy about these interruptions of electricity that are caused by a deficit in power generation; but that also, interruptions are sometimes caused by technical problems far afield, but that the company tries to resolve these problems as quickly as possible. There are several individuals and government institutions that do not or have not paid for their use of electricity, and who owe the company quite a sum of money.

“Those who do not pay today, they will pay tomorrow,” al-Gonid said. “Three months ago, President Ali Abdullah Saleh ordered the formation of a committee which, included as its chief the former Minister of Local Administration, as well as the former Minister of Finance and the Former Minister of Electricity as members,” he said. “The committee found that there is YR 300 million and YR 500 to 600 million in unpaid electricity bills from individuals and government bodies, respectively,” said al-Gonid.

“The committee made two decisions: first, the ministries and authorities that have accounts with the Ministry of Finance will have their bills deducted directly from its accounts. The second is about the authorities that do not have accounts; they must pay the money they owe immediately, or we will cut off their electricity.”

SANAA, 25 April 2007 (IRIN) – SANAA, 25 April 2007 (IRIN) – Batoul Abdul-Rahman, 85, witnessed much conflict and persecution in the many years she lived in her home country, Somalia. She fled to Yemen in 1992, seeking a better life, but has had to endure miserable conditions in the impoverished Arabian nation.

“My life has become a long wait. We are awaiting the unknown. The sea has thrown us to this place to be received by no one but misery,” she said.

Unable to move because of a medical condition, Batoul lives in one room with her daughter and nine grandchildren. The room is four meters in length and three in width. “Destiny has confined me to this room for the past three years,” Batoul said.

Batoul’s family is one of 500 ‘Benadir’ families from the southern coastal region of Somalia, including Mogadishu, of the same name who have lived in Yemen since 1992. (Read on …)

YO:

A new agreement has been signed between the government and Chamber of Commerce and Industry to postpone implementing the new sales tax law, said Mahfoudh Shamakh the head of Sana’a Chamber of Commerce. “We agreed to pay a tax, in the amount of 8 percent; 5 percent on imports into the country, and the remainder, in the cities, according to traders’ and shopkeepers’ accounting records,” Shamakh, said.

The government postponed the tax law on traders to better prepare for dealing with the sales tax, because there were many obstacles facing the application of the tax law at this time, Shamakh said. “But when we have organized trade that is supported by clear and transparent accounting records, we will be able to apply tax law as the government wants, he said. “The industries will pay the tax according to the wholesale price only and the retailers will not pay this tax; but after we have been trained in the workings of the tax law, the traders, wholesalers and retailers will all pay the sales tax, taking the proceeds from the consumer directly,” Shamakh said.

“We will call for the creation of a special body that will work to revise all laws regarding tax policies, to ensure that we arrive at a fair tax both for the government and for the traders. In his election platform, the president called for a decrease in the income tax, from 35 percent to 15 percent; this point we agreed on too,” he said “The new government agreed with the businessmen regarding the sales tax law.

The Minister of Finance is a person who understands everything about the nature of the taxation system, which helps in reaching an agreement on the sales tax,” Shamakh said. Minister of Finance Noaman al-Suhaibi confirmed that a special body would be impanelled to revise all laws regarding tax policies, including the sales tax. This is the fourth time that work on and implementation of the sales tax has been postponed.

Local Press, al-Tajamo:

- Yemeni militants crossing to Iraq number up to 2000

The newspaper quoted unofficial reports as saying that Yemeni militants, who cross into Iraqi to fight against the Iraqi government and the occupation forces, number up to 2000. The scores added that most of the militants come from the Yemeni south province of Abyan and Miseik area, east of the capital, and they organize their trips to the war-ravaged country illegally. Official security sources mentioned that these militants use the internet in order to attract youths aged between 18 and 37 years and train them on how to fight in Iraq.

The same sources disclosed that many of those who cross to Iraq to fight the occupation forces have been registered students at the Eman University, the biggest Islamic education institutions in Yemen.

SANAA (AFP) – Yemen’s new prime minister says Sanaa will not negotiate with Shiite rebels battling government forces in the northwest of the country, accusing Libya, and “possibly” Iran, of backing the insurgents.

There can only be a military solution. Absolutely,” Ali Mohammed Mujawar told AFP in his first interview with foreign media since he was named to head the government by Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh on March 31.

The French-educated 54-year-old Mujawar is considered a technocrat and had been serving as electricity minister since February 2006.

Outlining his government’s programme to parliament on April 17, Mujawar totally ignored the bloody conflict unfolding in the northwestern province of Saada, only some 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the capital Sanaa, infuriating some lawmakers.

“There’s not a word — not a single word — about the war!,” protested independent MP Sakher al-Wajih, brandishing a copy of the programme.

“The military solution is not a solution,” he told AFP.

Mujawar’s silence was in keeping with the blackout authorities have been trying to impose on the fighting between government forces and Zaidi rebels, whose community is an offshoot of Shiite Islam dominant in northwestern Yemen but in a minority in the mainly Sunni country.

Saada is out of bounds to visitors, particularly journalists. The local press, which is closely monitored by the government, must suffice with rumours about developments in the province. (Read on …)

SANA’A, April 23 (26sep.net)- Deputy premier and Interior Minister Rashad al-Alimi said that his ministry would set up an office and two phone lines to receive and resolve investors’ complaints according to measures prepared by the government to find a superior environment for investment.

He said that Interior Ministry would implement three plans in near future including closing weapons markets across the country according to a resolution the cabinet would approve in its meeting on Tuesday.

Al-Alimi said that the second plan would be limiting the number of bodyguards of senior officials and identifying their moves and uniforms.

“The third plan includes launching a campaign to collect heavy and medium weapons from local markets in the following six months to guarantee security and stability in the country”, said al-Alimi.

Al-Alimi noted that the ministry would supervise collecting small weapons, paying compensations and issuing licenses.

Some 650 foreign and Gulf investors attended on Sunday the conference of Exploring Investment Opportunities in Yemen organized by the Yemeni government and the secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to find investment opportunities in Yemen.

They have to re-invest the oil and gas profits into the infrastructure and education and actually clamp down on corruption. It’s not all about the investors and investment law.

Yemen vows to introduce booming Dubai model for growth
SANAA: Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh vowed yesterday to knock down obstacles to foreign investment in his country, saying he wanted to emulate the booming Gulf emirate of Dubai.

“The door of investment in Yemen is open to all investors. The state is keen on eliminating any hindrances to investors, learning from the experience of the UAE, especially Dubai,” Saleh said at the opening of a two-day conference on exploring investment opportunities in Yemen. Some 1,000 investors, half of them from Gulf Arab states and the rest from Yemen, attended the gathering organised by the Yemeni government and the secretariat of the GCC. (Read on …)

SA’ADA, April 22 — Confrontations between the Yemeni army and Houthi loyalists in Sa’ada governorate continue, with no indication that the war will end soon. Further, more than 60,000 soldiers are amassed for a decisive battle, supported by fighter planes, tanks and other lethal weaponry, according to observers.

A tribal source mentioned, “The Yemeni army continues reinforcing its forces and equipment according to the extent of the clashes between both sides, which thus far has encompassed all of Sa’ada’s 15 districts.” (Read on …)