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.”