SABA - The general committee of People's General Congress(PGC) held on Thursday its weekly meeting headed by
President Ali AbdullahSaleh.
They discussed a number of issues concerning the current preparations to hold the 7th general conference in Aden.

The committee approved the executive guide for the 7th conference, the first round meeting of committee and the documents that would
present inthe conference.

The executive guide defines the missions for every committee.

The general committee briefed the efforts in preparing the 7th conference assuring the conference's outcomes have to improve the
party structure and support the PGC role in political life and serving the people.

The PGC would continue to help the society and support freedom, justice, woman empowerment, and human rights, the committee guide
states.


The committee discussed a number of national investment, and economic issues reviewing the latest regional , international ,Arab and
Islamic developments.

TD/AA
Resource: SABA

SABA - In a press conference, the Prime Minister Abdul Qader Ba-Jammal and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
that thejoint talks between the two countries were successful.

They said in the conference, which was held in Sana'a International Airport Wednesday that the talks resulted in signing three agreements
to organizecooperation between the two countries in double taxation, oil, gas andprotection of environment in addition to signing memorandum of understandingto establish a joint council for Yemeni-Turkish businessmen.

Ba-Jammal said that the talks discussed political, economic and cultural issues of common concern as well as positions of the two
countries towardthe latest regional and international development.

The talks also emphasized importance of supporting Islamic work through organization of Islamic Conference and gathering efforts to
fight terrorism,he said.

For his part, the Turkish Prime Minister said that the visit was good opportunity for evaluating economic and political relations between the two countries.

"We feel that there is a real desire from the Yemeni side to develop relations of cooperation in diffident arenas," he said, adding that
the two sidesagreed to sign agreement of the civil aviation during the coming meeting of the Yemeni-Turkish joint committee in Ankara
next February.

He said that the joint talks with the Yemeni officials indicated to
theregional issues of common concern such as the current situations in Iraq, Palestine and Cyprus , confirming the positions of the two countries were in these issues were identical.

He said that his talks with The President Ali Abdullah Saleh were fruitful, adding that he listened from the President Saleh to desire of Yemen to enhance economic, political, trade and cultural cooperation with Turkey.
AH/AA
Resource: SABA

almotamarnet - SANA'A, Oct. 25 - Prime Minister Abdul-Qader Ba-Jammal met on Monday with the Director-General of the Islamic Relief Organization Hani al-Bana who is currently visiting Yemen.

The two men discussed the cooperation between Yemen and the organization in the charitable fields.

The meeting highlighted the need for public awareness about the importance of discriminating between charitable handouts as voluntary and Zakat paying as a compulsory religious demand and a humanitarian act.

Source:SABA

AlmotamarNet - SANA'A, Oct. 25 - Parliament speaker Sheikh Abdullah bin Hussein al-Ahmer and Shura chairman Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Gani will participate in the declaration of the Pan-Arab Parliament.

The new parliament will be staged in the opening of the Arab League meeting in Cairo on 27-28 December.

Source: SABA

Ahmed Ibrahim Almass - By Ahmed Ibrahim Almass GS, Yemen Human Rights Guard
Almassinter@yahoo.dk

The idea of establishing an organization for Human Rights in the early �80s in the Middle East was considered an act of a big crime. This included our beloved Yemen. This was the atmosphere and the circumstances then.
Whenever you called for a proposed foundation committee, with the idea of establishing a Human Rights organization, a lot of questions were asked by most attended. But, unfortunately, all questioned were concentrated on financial recourses. Which country would give the organization financial assistance?
And some of the attendants believed that such activities were against the government. While some of the learned men were scared to death, although they knew that is was a right to do it, according to the constitution.
A lot of explanations were made to those who believed that there must be financial assistance from outside country, and they also expected good monthly salaries to carry out the Human Rights activities in our Yemen.
They won�t digest our explanation to them that all Middle East regimes - the rich and the poor � considered such activities, at that period, criminal acts. They won�t assist financially for such activities. In short, we tried hard to convince them the usefulness of depending upon ourselves, but, it was useless.
During these great difficulties and circumstances, partly mentioned, we held a general meeting and founded the first Human Rights Organization in Sana�a. And we named it at that time Human Rights for former South Yemen.
But after the unity of Yemen, we renamed it to the Yemen Human Rights Guard, which (the name) was taken as a loan to what so called opposition party Mowj, then.
We are very much proud and pleased with the changes happening and in particular in Human Rights activities. It is worth mentioning here, as a great change, the formation of the Ministry of Human Rights, headed by highly qualified and well experienced minister.
The Yemen Human Rights Guard has rearranged its activities, giving priority to prisoners, prisons and detention centers. In addition to this activity, we are studying about how to be involved with social welfare affairs to the effected families - children and old folks in connection to prisoners with the cooperation of other organizations.
We write this article inviting all learned Yemenis, Human Rights Organizations, headed by The Minister of Human Rights, to participate to build modern Yemen.

by TONY DEYES -


The author is Director of The British Council, Wales.

Strong ties between Wales and Yemen derive from the times when Welsh coal was stockpiled in Aden to provide fuel to British ships going out to the Far East. From that time the Yemeni community in Wales stands as one of the oldest ethnic communities in the UK. Friends of this community and of the Yemen celebrated these links with the Yemeni festival in Wales in i997, and then in 2001 approached British Council Wales with a request for support for further artistic exchanges between the two countries.

It was decided to set up a three-year residency exchange using the conduit of the British Council offices in the two countries to identify and administer the programme. The programme was to be not only artistic but also academic; host institutions in the two countries would be centres where teaching could benefit from the enrichment of a new source of artistic thinking and production. The University of Wales Institute Cardiff, Department of Art and Design, and the Swansea Institute of Higher Education, School of Art and Design, both expressed interest in acting as hosts in the exchange programme. So, after an exploratory visit from Sana�a in 2002, Najween Al-Atef from the Aden Institute of Art was identified as the first artist to start the residency programme. Welcome support was provided for the visit by the British- Yemeni Society as well as generous accommodation and materials by the two Institutions concerned.

Najween Al-Atef arrived In the UK on 30 March 2003 and spent her first three weeks at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff. She worked there in the silk screen paint section as well as in ceramics. In both departments she was able to work with specialists in those fields and produce pieces of work which she was able to take back with her to the Yemen as well as leaving prints and copies in the UK. At Swansea Institute of Higher Education she extended her own expertise in design to transfer some of her ideas on to glass - one of the major strengths of the Institute. She also worked on photography, one of her major interests, coming as she does from a background of industrial design (one of her major projects in Yemen is to produce more attractively designed support equipment for the disabled such as wheel chairs and appliances).

Through the good offices of Anis Shamsan, a Yemeni who has lived in Britain for some years and has himself worked with disabled minority groups in both Cardiff and Birmingham, Najween was also able to visit galleries in Birmingham, Liverpool and London. In London she was guest of the British- Yemeni Society at a lunch on Friday 9 April attended by the Yemeni Ambassador to Britain.

The success of this first leg of the residency exchange can be largely attributed to the wide range of skills that Najween brought to her work in Cardiff and Swansea, but also to her charm and adaptability on what, it was hard to believe, was her first visit outside the Arab world. As an ambassador for Yemen she proved delightful, as an artist she was skilled and perceptive and alert to the potential application of arts from the two countries to her own sector of interest. The next leg of the residency programme will take place in Yemen in late 2003/early 2004 with an artist chosen from the two Welsh Institutes.

Bill Heber Percy, Pat and Charles Aithie, Jennifer Spencer-Davies, Douglas Gordon and Julian Paxton are all to be thanked for contributing to the success of the visit, and most especially, of course, Chris O�Neil and John Howes at the two Institutes. A special mention too for Kim at Cardiff and Andrea Liggins at Swansea as well as Khadija and Adrian at the British Council in Sana�a.

We all look forward to the next stage - an outward visit from Wales to Yemen later this year or early next.

by DAVID SMILEY - During the civil war in Yemen in the 1960s, Colonel Smiley, LVO MC OBE, served as military adviser to Imam Al-Badr and senior members of the Yemeni royal family. Before retiring from the British Army in 1961 he spent three years in Oman as Commander of the Sultan�s Armed Forces. He published an account of his experiences in Oman and Yemen in his book, �Arabian Assignment� (1975). He returned to Yemen, after an absence of thirty-five years, in late February 2003.

When I left Yemen in 1968, I never expected to go there again. Imagine my surprise when in October last year I received a note from the Yemeni Ambassador, Dr Mutahar Alsaeedi, asking me to contact him as he had a letter for me. It was from his government inviting me to go out to Yemen, an invitation which I knew I would find hard to resist.

In due course, over lunch with the Ambassador, I learned that the invitation had come from two very distinguished Yemenis: Dr Abdul Karim Al-Iryani, the former Prime Minister, now Presidential Adviser and Secretary-General of the ruling GPC party; and Dr Hussein Al-Amri, the previous Yemeni Ambassador in London and now a member of Yemen�s Majlis al-Shura. However, the reason for their invitation only became clear to me later: a number of Yemeni historians were engaged in writing an official history of the revolution; they required my help in telling them all I could about the civil war which raged between the Royalist forces of the Imam and the Republican forces led by Colonel Sallal and heavily supported by the Egyptians. Following the military coup against Imam Al-Badr in September 1962 and his flight from Sana�a to a cave in the mountains of northern Yemen, I was appointed to serve as his Military Adviser, and continued in this capacity until 1968 when the Imam finally left the country. During this period I paid thirteen visits to Yemen and was therefore in a position to give an eye-witness account of events from the Imam�s side.

I was very keen to accept the invitation conveyed to me by Dr Mutahar, but a number of people were against my going. Some thought that I was too old (I am 87) and too disabled (being deaf and lame) and probably senile! Others stressed the potential security dangers, citing Foreign Office advice against travel to Yemen. However, both my wife and my doctor approved of the idea, provided that I had a companion to help me. A young volunteer was found in Alexander Brittain-Catlin who throughout the trip proved an excellent companion and ADC. Meanwhile, the Ambassador and his staff did everything possible to facilitate our journey.

On 26 February, Alex and I set off from Heathrow on a Yemenia flight, arriving at Sana�a airport the following morning. There we were met by Colonel Mohsin Khosroof and Derhim Assaidi, a Yemeni diplomat, who were both English speakers and were to accompany us on all our visits and expeditions. From the airport they whisked us to the Taj Sheba Hotel. We were shown into pleasant rooms with views of the mountains from where, in 1966,1 had looked down on Sana�a which the Royalists were then bombarding.

It was perfect weather, and, after we had enjoyed a good sleep, Colonel Mohsin and Derhim took us on a tour of the old city. We walked down narrow streets, between tall, tapering buildings of stone and brick, their windows framed in a tracery of white stucco, into a labyrinth of alleys with stalls selling spices, qat, jambiyyas, shawls, shoes, jewellery ... The desire to capture something of this vibrant, tumultuous world kept our cameras in constant motion.

The following day, being the Friday weekend, was also spent sightseeing; we drove to Wadi Dhahr to see the Imam�s multi-storeyed summer palace, Dar al-Hajr, spectacularly perched on a rocky outcrop. While Alex, Mohsin and Derhim climbed to the top, I sat in the car and watched the passers-by. Every man and boy had a jambiyya in his belt, but I was surprised to see the number of men who also carried a rifle - usually a Kalashnikov - which, apparently, is quite legal. On the way back to the hotel we called at the home of Dr Abdul Karim Al-Iryani who gave us a warm welcome and questioned me about my past in Yemen. With him I met Dr Abdulla Abdul Wali Nasher, Chairman both of the International Bank of Yemen and of the Yemeni-British Association in Sana�a. Dr Abdul Karim told me that he had arranged a meeting for me the next day to discuss the civil war; and I mentioned that I had brought with me from London, as a present for him, an album with some of the many photographs which I had taken in Yemen during the 1960s. Next morning I was driven to the Moral Guidance Department of the Ministry

of Defence and taken to the office of Brigadier-General Ali Hassan Al-Shater. With him were four other officers and Dr Muhammad Qubati, Chairman of the Political and Foreign Relations Committee of the GPC, who spoken excellent English and acted as interpreter. I was shown an Arabic translation of my book, Arabian Assignment, and warned that the next day I would be expected to attend a round table conference.

That afternoon we were taken on another tour, driving for a while along the road running east of Sana�a towards Marib. I was struck by the number of qat plantations; and throughout the whole journey our driver, while steering with his left hand, kept scooping fresh leaves of qat into his mouth with his right! I had previously tried chewing but did not like it, nor did Alex when he tried. Most foreigners disapprove of this nation-wide habit, mainly on economic grounds, but it does mean that Yemen, unlike other societies in the West and elsewhere, has no serious drug problem.

The following morning�s round table conference at the Department of Moral Guidance was chaired by Dr Hussein Al-Amri who introduced me there to Dr Abdullah Barakat and Mahmoud Ibrahim Al-Saghiry. I was asked to give a resume of my time in Yemen in the 1960s, and then answered questions, mainly on details in my book. It was a friendly meeting despite the fact that I had been in the service of the Republicans� enemy; but I emphasised that our real enemy at the time had been Egypt�s quasi-colonial military presence.

During my week in Sana�a I had two evenings out, The first was at the home of Dr Abdul Karim Al-Iryani, a most charming host, where I also met the author and Arabist, Tim Mackintosh-Smith, and, once again, Dr Abdulla Abdul Wali Nasher the second was at the residence of the British Ambassador, Frances Guy. She kindly arranged a dinner for me, which was truly gallant of her, considering that I had visited Yemen against Foreign Office advice! The other guests included Dr Hussein Al-Amri, Dr Nasher and his delightful wife, Ilham, and Professor Yusuf Abdullah the Deputy Minister of Culture. Earlier that day Alex and I were taken to the Military Museum whose diverse array of exhibits includes the car said to have been used by the last British High Commissioner in Aden. The Museum is a handsome example of Ottoman architecture and well maintained, but its interpretation of Yemen�s revolutionary past struck me as more than a little tendentious. We were also taken on a shopping expedition to the suq in the old city where Derhim and Mohsin, ever helpful and generous, insisted on buying presents for my wife, including scarves and jewellery of silver and agate, the locally mined semi-precious stone.

During our last afternoon, General Al-Shater and Dr Abdulla Abdul Wali Nasher called at the hotel to say that they had a present for me from President Saleh who regretted being unable to receive me because of his absence at an Arab Conference. They then produced a wonderful collection of presents for Alex and myself which included a silver jambiyya, boxes of jewellery for my wife, and about six kilos of Yemeni coffee; we felt overwhelmed by this generosity.

Our return flight to London went via Aden, which I had last visited some forty years ago!

Before leaving Sana�a I promised my Yemeni hosts that I would gather together and send them as much material as possible - from my own personal records and from public archives - relevant to our discussions on the civil war. This absorbing task has included reproducing and annotating the nearly seven hundred photographs which I took during my visits to Yemen in the 1960s.

I am proud to think that this material, dormant for so many years, may make a useful contribution to the historiography of modern Yemen.

I look back on my week in Sana�a with immense gratitude for the kindness and hospitality which I received there. It was a moving and invigorating experience. At no time did I have any doubts about my security, and can only confirm the truth of the Yemeni proverb that �Sana�a is a must, however long it takes to get there�!

AlmotamarNet - SANA'A, Oct 26, (Saba) � More than 300 international and Arab participants will partake in the conference of the Arab woman rights that will be held here during 3-5 December.
The deputy minister of human rights Ali Saleh Taiseer said that the conference participants represent all the Arab countries, some European countries, USA and the international organizations.
The government established a preparatory team, including some representatives from official agencies, with the purpose of ensuring that the conference would conclude with positive results efficiently contributing to the interest of woman and her issues.

AlmotamarNet - SANA'A, (Saba) - The President Ali Abdullah Saleh will start
his visit to Japan, the USA and France on 5th November.
In his visit to Japan, President Saleh will hold talks with the
Japanese Emperor and prime minister about the bilateral cooperation
relations and the means of developing them, in addition to the
current international issues especially the developments in the
middle east, revamping the UN and the fight on the terrorism.
The discussion will address topics related to development
partnership, attraction of investments, Japanese aid and elimination
of poverty, informed sources said.
The sources spoke highly about the improvement in the
Yemeni-Japanese relations in the last years and the Japanese
contribution to supporting the development programs and reducing the
debts.

AlmotamarNet - SANA'A - The general committee of General People's Congress(GPC) held on Thursday its weekly meeting headed by
President Ali AbdullahSaleh.
They discussed a number of issues concerning the current preparations to hold the 7th general conference in Aden.

The committee approved the executive guide for the 7th conference, the first round meeting of committee and the documents that would
present inthe conference.

The executive guide defines the missions for every committee.

The general committee briefed the efforts in preparing the 7th conference assuring the conference's outcomes have to improve the
party structure and support the PGC role in political life and serving the people.

The PGC would continue to help the society and support freedom, justice, woman empowerment, and human rights, the committee guide
states.
The committee discussed a number of national investment, and economic issues reviewing the latest regional , international ,Arab and
Islamic developments.

source: Saba

AlmotamarNet - SANA'A - Yemen is to take part in the international conference on minimizing the use small arms and light weapons, which
well be heldin Geneva next November.

Official sources told 26sep.net that the conference would review experiences of the participating countries in curbing the spread of small arms andmunitions.

The participants will discuss means of enhancing cooperation between participating countries to fight arms smuggling that might reach hands of terror groups.

In 2003, Sana'a hosted an international conference on fighting the spread and use of small arms. The conference, attended by foreign and Arab experts,discussed the small arms problem in six countries including Yemen.

source:Saba

AME Info - Yemen has reported total oil revenues of $1.9bn during the first nine months of 2005 compared with $1.4bn in the same period of 2004. The announcement came as the government said it was not renewing a product concession operated by Hunt for 25 years which would be transferreed to a Yemeni company.

Yemen Observer - Global efforts to �make poverty history� will fail unless world leaders act now to end gender discrimination, according to The State of World Population 2005 report, released on October 15 by UNFPA Yemen.

The report, �The Promise of Equality: Gender Equity, Reproductive Health and the Millennium Development Goals�, calls upon world leaders to fulfill promises made to the world�s women and young people in order to meet poverty reduction goals agreed to at the 2000 Millennium Summit and reaffirmed by last month�s World Summit in New York.

Investing in women and young people�who constitute the majority of the world�s population�will accelerate long-term development. Failure to do so may entrench poverty for generations to come.
�We will not make poverty history until we make gender discrimination history�, said UNFPA Representative Hans Obdeijn during the launching of the report on October 15, 2005.

�We cannot make poverty history until we stop violence against women and girls.
We cannot make poverty history until women enjoy their full social, cultural, economic and political rights.�
The Minister of Public Health and Population, Deputy Chairman, Prof. Mohammed A �Noami, said, in line with the report:
�Yemen is committed to engaging women in the development of our country.�
�Investing in women and girls makes sound economic and social sense. This is because discrimination leads to lower productivity and higher health costs. It also results in higher death rates among mothers and children and significantly threatens efforts to reduce poverty.�
Nevertheless, despite new laws and programs to improve the condition of impoverished women, the pace of change is far too slow.

Intimately associated with poverty is lack of access to family planning and reproductive health. While Yemen is working to close gender gaps in education and improve health-care access for women and adolescents, statistics continue to tell a troubling tale.

Today, the population of Yemen at almost 20 million and is expected to reach approximately 45 million in 2050.
This projection is predicated on whether men and women will continue to have the means to decide when and how often to have children.

The biggest threat to the lives of women between the ages of 15-45 in Yemen is pregnancy and childbirth. Every year 365 per 100.00 women die in Yemen from pregnancy-related causes.
These deaths are preventable if access to reproductive health services and modern contraceptives are more widely available in rural as well and urban areas.

Investing in political, economic and educational opportunities for women and girls, on the other hand, yields quick wins and high pay-offs that lead to improved economic prospects, smaller families, healthier and more literate children, lower HIV prevalence rates and reduced incidence of harmful traditional practices. Furthermore, studies show that when women control the family purse strings, they are more likely than men to invest a higher percentage of their earnings in family needs.

Reaching the gender equity goal requires men�s involvement. UNFPA�s work in the field shows that men are valuable allies in striving for changed practices, while seeking to increase men�s understanding and participatory role in promoting gender equity, equality and women empowerment.
Increasingly, governments in the Arab region have proceeded to redefine national population and development policies and strategies in light of the goals articulated in the ICPD (International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo 1994) and the Millennium Development Goals.
These goals provide challenges and opportunities for governments, as they incorporate strategies on reproductive health, gender equality and poverty reduction into national policies.

�And I can assure you that women all over the world are tired of promises, promises, promises,� said Ms. Thoraya Obaid, the Executive Director of UNFPA, at the launching of the Report in London.

�The time has come; we have the means, we have the commitment. Now we need action.� UNFPA is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity.

UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies and programs to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.



Copyright (c) 2004 - 2005
Yemen Observer Newspaper

Yemen Observer - The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his visit to Yemen last week had succeeded in boosting trade relations between the countries.

In a joint press conference on Wednesday, Yemen�s Prime Minister Abdul-Qader Bajammal and his Turkish counterpart said three agreements had been signed.
Deals were struck on taxation, oil, gas and environmental protection, while a memorandum of understanding was also signed to establish a joint council for Yemeni-Turkish businessmen.

Erdogan said his visit had allowed him to evaluate the economic and political relations between the two countries. �We feel that there is real desire from Yemen to develop relations in many different areas,� he said. He added that plans had also been made to sign an agreement on civil aviation at a meeting of the Yemeni-Turkish joint committee in Ankara next February.
Erdogan described his talks with President Ali Abdullah Saleh as fruitful, and said he had been encouraged by Saleh�s ambitions to increase economic, political, commercial and cultural links with Turkey.

The leaders discussed partnerships on joint investments in both air and sea transportation, and tourism and industry - especially in the Aden Free Zone.
Saleh said he welcomed the Turkish investments in Yemen which he hoped would encourage broader cooperation in trade exchange. Bajammal, speaking at Sana�a International Airport before Erdogan left Yemen, said the talks had covered issues of common concern to the countries, including the situation in Iraq and Palestine.

�The talks also emphasized the importance of supporting Islamic work through the Organization of Islamic Conference and gathering efforts to fight terrorism,� Bajammal said.
The anti-double taxation agreement between the two countries would help smooth business procedures, he added. Both countries stressed the importance of stronger bilateral business, trade ties and joint investments.

�Trade exchange increased by 25% in 2004,� Erdogan said, adding that he hoped to develop trade links further in the future.

Erdogan invited Turkish companies to invest in tourism in the 130 islands on the Red Sea and Arabian Sea.

Last September, the Yemeni-Turkish Joint Committee held its third session in Ankara.

The foundation of the committee was in accordance with a trade agreement singed between the two countries in 1991. The session resulted in signing several agreements such as agreement of avoidance of double taxation and agreement of maritime and transportation cooperation.
The committee also discussed future cooperation in field of small and medium enterprises.

Yemen, Turkey and Italy are government cosponsors of the Democracy Assistance Dialogue of the G-8 forum for the future allows three countries to achieve the necessary coordination for approaching Middle East issues for a common standpoint.

Copyright (c) 2004 - 2005
Yemen Observer Newspaper

Almotamar Net - SANA�A � The government of Yemen has taken strict measures to prevent the purchase of arms through the mediation of arms brokers and traders, a well-informed source said today.

The source added that the strict measures are to include banning the purchase of arms for defence and interior ministries through middlemen. All arms purchases are to be restricted to direct country-to-country deals.

�Any trader importing and bringing arms into the country will be held accountable as a criminal offender and law-breaker,� he concluded.

Ambassador Gasem Al-Aghbari, Head of the Europe Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told a newspaper in a previous interview that the government had spent more than YER 8 billion (more than US $ 41 million approx.) in purchasing weapons from members of the public in recent past years.

source:Yemen Observer

Yemen Times - President Saleh and King Abdullah the2nd of Jordan, confirmed their desire for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. This came in their meeting in Sana�a last Sunday. The two leaders pointed out to the available opportunities for progress of relations in the fields of economy, commerce and exchange of experiences. It also pointed to the prospects of increasing trade exchange between the two countries.

The meeting agreed that the Joint high Yemeni � Jordanian committee will meet at the beginning of next year in Sana�a, to discuss the promotion of all fields of cooperation.

Cooperation in developing transportation was also discussed during the meeting of the two leaders. A committee will be set to establish a sea transport line between the two countries.

It was also agreed to allow the Jordanian Red Sea Company to fish in Yemeni territories.

Concerning the immanent conditions in the Middle East, the two leaders confirmed that the continuation of efforts to incite peace efforts and help Palestinians and Israelis to resume negotiations after pull out from Gaza.

King Abdullah had paid a short 8 hours visit to Yemen during which he held talks with President Saleh. The visit was concluded by closed session of talks between the two leaders.

Yemen Observer - A number of historians have written of the history of Aden and the origin of its name. Among the most famous are Bamakhrama in his History of Taiz and Aden, Ibn Al-Majawir�s Al-Mustbser History, Al-Hamadani in his Al-Aklil, and Al-Jundi in his The Behavior.

There are many places named Aden in Yemen, some uninhabited villages, others isolated dwellings. There is one in north Lahj, and north of Mount Radfan there are ten Adens. Each is characterized by specific features like Hummad Aden, Ahwer Aden, Ghair Aden, Arwd Aden, J�ashan Aden, Raaha Aden and so on. The name Aden would appear not to be a proper noun.

Some have noticed that these Adens are located away from main roads, offering protection and security. Some of these places have expanded to include the whole mountain like Abyan Aden and Taiz Aden. Some of these Adens have disappeared like La�ah Aden in the governorate of Lahj, Manaseb Aden, and others.

The impression that one gets from the names is that the name Aden referred to a settlement and settling down, well-being and felicity. Some Yemeni inscriptions interpret the same meaning for the word.

It is said that the name Aden also referred to a man named Aden bin Adnan and who was the first person to be imprisoned in an Aden in Abyan. It�s also said to derive from Addn, meaning settlements, or from M�and, mineral

The explorer Yaqoot Al-Hamawi said that the Abyssinians gave the name to where ships passed by, saying adonah, meaning, �we passed it�.



Copyright (c) 2004 - 2005
Yemen Observer Newspaper

Almotamar Net - Britain's ZincOx Resources plc on Tuesday announced that its 60% subsidiary company, Jabal Salab, had signed an Exploitation Contract with Yemen's Geological Survey and Mineral Resources Board (GSMRB) to mine and process zinc at the Jabali deposit. The Jabali zinc oxide deposit is located 110km north east of Sana�a, the capital of Yemen, and contains a resource, calculated in accordance with the JORC code of 12.6 million tonnes of ore at a grade of 8.9% zinc, 1.2% lead and 68grams/tonne silver.

Andrew Woollett, Managing Director of ZincOx, commented: �The Jabali deposit was discovered in the early 1980s but it has not been developed until now because of the complex mineralogy. Once again it is the metallurgical expertise at ZincOx which will allow us to realise the potential of this attractive resource for the benefit of our shareholders, our partners and the people of Yemen.�

The Exploitation Contract is subject to the approval of the Cabinet and Parliament, which is expected during the first quarter of 2006. It will then be ratified by the President of Yemen and incorporated in law. It sets out the terms under which Jabal Salab can mine and process zinc from the deposit. These include a 20 year lease, a 1.5% net smelter return Royalty, a tax holiday of six years and repayment of past costs incurred by the GSMRB of US$5million commencing in the fourth year. The terms do not differ materially from those assumed in the Feasibility study completed earlier this year (see Press Release dated 15 March 2005).

Almotamar Net - New York-WABC- New York police are looking for the men who shot and killed a young clerk at a bodega in Queens.

The victim -- a 19-year old from Yemen who moved here just a month ago.
It happened on Farmer's Boulevard in Springfield Gardens in the same store where another person was shot last week.

Eyewitness News reporter Marcus Solis is there with more.

Police say the two cases are not connected but speaks to the increase in violence in this community. This one was particularly vicious robbery. Faisal Hassal, victim's cousin: "Not even one word. They shot him and that was it."
If Faisal Hassal seems shaken up, it's because he's working the bullet-pocked counter where his cousin was killed less than 24 hours ago.

Around 9:30 last night a group of men walked into Farmer's Deli in Springfield Gardens and shot Yaser Saleh at point blank range.

The 19-year old native of Yemen had just started working at the bodega a month ago but was already well liked.

Crystal Byas, neighborhood resident: "He was funny, nice"

This is the second recent shooting at the deli. Just last week, an off-duty police officer was held up at gunpoint as he left the store. The officer ended up shooting one of the suspects in the leg, and four people were arrested.

As police offer a reward and ask for information in this case, detectives are reviewing surveillance video tapes from the neighborhood store.

Rhaleek Walker, neighborhood resident: "You see him everyday. You go in and get what you need, go about your business. These guys had no reason."

Dr. Abdulkarim El-Eryani - Dear friends and colleagues. It is my greatest pleasure to be one of the speakers in this very important Symposium: "Windows on the Cultural Heritage of Yemen", which is the first of its kind in the history of Yemen-American relations.

I believe that I speak for all my colleagues from Yemen who are present with me today. Very special thanks to H.E. Abdulwahab AI-Hajjri, Yemen ' s Ambassador in Washington, DC; to the Smithsonian Institution and its Director, Mr. Thomas Lentz, who was gracious enough to give the welcoming speech on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution; and to Dr. Julian Rubin, Director of the Freer Gallery, who was not able to be with us for health reasons. I must also express my personal appreciation to Mr. Ray Irani, CEO of Occidental Oil Co., for his graceful introduction of Yemen's achievements during the 25 years of President AH Abdullah Saleh�s leadership. I must thank him for his flattering remarks about me.

However, I must say that Mr. Ray Irani symbolizes the pinnacle of a Lebanese-Arab immigrant, who came to the U.S.A. with very few American dollars in his pocket. Today, he is the CEO of one of the largest oil companies in the U.S.A. That is why I call the U.S.A., �The Land of Opportunities.� Please greet with me Mr. Ray Irani. I wish I could call him Mr. Ray �Eryani�. That will be a source of great pride for me.

I must also express special thanks and appreciation to the wonderful people who have been active for almost two years preparing for this great event, under the guidance of Ambassador Al-Hajjri. They are: Boushra Almutawakel; Dr. Brigitte Boulad-Kiesler; Dr. Maria deJ. Ellis (Ria), Director of the Yemeni-American Institute in Sana'a ; Mrs. Amal Hull, wife of H.E. Ambassador Edmund Hull, American Ambassador in Yemen; and the many private and official partners who have made this great symposium possible.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the title I have chosen for this talk is: �Cultural Links or Cultural Divides"! I feel that this title may be suitable after the tremendous havocs brought by the tragedies of September 11, 2001 � not only to Arab-American relations and perceptions, but also to the Arab-European relations. I hope that I, and all participants in this symposium will be able at the end to persuade our American friends and colleagues who are attending here with unprecedented number (as Mr .Lentz noted in his opening statement), that after that horrendous tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, the only way out is to promote cultural links, and to minimize (but not deny) cultural divides as they exist in all human societies.

We should admit that these cultural divides may lead sometimes to disagreement and eventual conflict, but can never be used to explain the tragedies of Sept 11, 2001 � because they have gone beyond any human conflict in time of peace and stability in the world at large. That does not mean that conflicts in our region are non-existent; but they can�t be used to justify or explain the crimes of Sept 11, 2001.

Dear friends, I believe that most of you are familiar with the book written by Professor Samuel Huntington of Harvard University, �The Clash of Civilizations�, published in 1997. This widely acclaimed book was described by Dr. Henry Kissinger as �one of the most important books to have emerged since the end of the Cold War�. However, the book was severely criticized by almost all Arab intellectuals inside and outside the Arab world. They all sensed, in 1997, an appeal by Huntington to the Western world to get ready for a Clash with Islamic Civilizations. Unfortunately, in my limited reading of Arab magazines and periodicals, I never read a single article which dealt objectively with that book.

For me, I am not here to analyze, refute or accept Huntington's arguments. I have come from afar to promote cultural links. Therefore, the question is: did that book signal the dawn of cultural divides between the East and the West in general? � and between Islam and Christianity, in particular? Tragically enough, it was only four years after publishing the �Clash of Civilizations�, that the horrific crimes in New York and Washington, DC were perpetrated by a group of fanatics embracing the Islamic Faith. That crime was condemned by all Muslims who understood how tolerant Islam was, with all faiths during the past 1400 years. Nevertheless, one can't deny that the murderous attacks on Washington, DC and New York City have made millions of Americans (and even Europeans) claim that these crimes are a vindication of Samuelson�s "Clash of Civilizations".

The question, is, shall we allow these terrorist acts to obliterate a brilliant history of cultural links and religious tolerance between Islam, Christianity as well as Judaism � which has lasted for almost a millennium despite periods of conflict between these three religions which have so much in common?

Ladies and Gentlemen, to make my point, I would like to refer you to a wonderful book just published this year (2003) by Professor Maria Rosa Menocal of Yale University under the title: �The Ornament of The World: How Muslims, Jews and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain�. The Washington Post wrote the following about this book: �The enthralling history of widely hailed as a revolution of a (lost) golden age, bringing to vivid life the rich and thriving culture of Medieval Spain, where for more than seven centuries Muslims, Jews and Christians lived together in an atmosphere of tolerance where literature, science and art flourished� .

Dear colleagues, due to time limitations, I will explore (briefly) how Arab/Islamic cultural links were with Europe during medieval times, not only in Spain but also with the many centers of Arab/ Islamic learning centers such as Baghdad, SamarKand in central Asia, and Sana 'a,Yemen. It is very important to say that many scholars agree that these cultural links sowed the seeds of European Renaissance that lead to the �Industrial Revolution� � which also led to our modem digital age.

In Spain, I will talk about one of the greatest Muslim scholars (who was widely known in medieval Europe as Avirroes), Ibn Rushd, and his Jewish contemporary Ibn Maimoun, the founder of Maimonids Philosophy. Some scholars call him the �second Moses�.

From Sana'a, I will speak about a great Yemeni geographer, astronomer, scientist and historian � Abu Mohammad Al-Hasan Ibn Ahmed Al-Hamdani � whose books were known in Spain because he lived over 200 years before Ibn Rushd. Admittedly, Al-Hamdani was not as well known in Europe as other Arab/Islamic scholars were.

Ibn Rushd, who was known in Europe as Avirroes, was born in 1126 AD, and died in exile in a small Spanish town in 1201 AD. He was buried in his birth place Cordoba, Spain. Avirroes studied and debated in some European schools, most prominently in Paris � which eventually became the bastion of Avirreism philosophy, during the second half of 13th century. His most important book (which was taught in European universities until the late 17th century), was his commentary almost line-by-line on the writing of the world�s greatest philosopher, Aristotle. Ibn Rushd did not only produce the most accurate text of Aristotle's monumental work, but he made many important comments and even corrections based on his own understanding of Aristotelian philosophy.

This book and other works of Ibn Rushd arrived in Europe during the 13th century. Suddenly, the Latin World was divided into parochial dogmatists and liberal followers of Avirroes. The parochialists in both Spain and Europe, considered Avirroe�s theory about the relation between philosophy and theology heretic. Just as Avirroes received a public trial in the presence of Almohad (Al Mowahid), Caliph of Spain, and was sentenced to exile. The Roman Church in Paris issued a decree in 1277, which banned studying Avirroes.

Nevertheless, rationalism prevailed, and Avirroes was studied until new philosophers such as Kant and Descartes took the stage. So what was Ibn Rushd' s philosophy, and how did he see the relationship between philosophy (Science) and theology? Ibn Rushd considered the mind as rational and creative, and theology as instructive. Therefore, if the mind leads to a logical conclusion (which seems to contradict theology), we have to reinterpret our understanding of the theological text to fit new facts of philosophy (Science).

However, Avirroes was a great judge and deeply religious. This very brief presentation of Avirroe's revolutionary thinking turned his life in Andalusia into misery. Ibn Rushd was one of the most important people in the court of the Almohad Caliph; but the religious zealots launched a campaign against him � not only because of his apparent heresy (in advocating the need to adapt theology to scientific facts), but also because he wrote a devastating critique of one of Islam's most prominent theologians, Imam Al-Ghazali (Al-Gazel), a sophist who condemned philosophy and philosophers.

Those vicious campaigns brought him (and his disciples) to a trial in front of the Caliph. Eventually, he was exiled to a village in southern Spain. Now what was the significance of Avirroes new theory? I believe that in addition to promoting rationalism, it was the primordial theory which led to the greatest reform in the history of Christianity; that is, the Protestant Revolution, of separation between the State and the Church.

In essence, Avirroes called for the separation between philosophy (science) and theology, but he only advocated re-interpretation of theology. In medieval Europe, theology was the only science which should overrule any new scientific theory, and the church made sure to perpetuate it. A contemporary of Avirroes was born also in Cordoba. He was Ibn Maimoun (known as Maimonides). Although he was Jewish, he was an Arab educated intellectual. He wrote his most important book, �Guide to the Perplexed�
(Dalil Al-Hairanin), in Arabic.

Like Avirroes, he was deeply religious, but he believed in the supremacy of mind. Sadly, he was persecuted during an anti-Jewish movement. He and his family left Spain, to Morocco; to Palestine; and spent most of his productive life in Alexandria, Egypt �
where he was a respected intellectual.

Dear colleagues, since this great Symposium is about Yemen�s cultural heritage, I would like to present a great Yemeni geographer, astronomer, historian and scientist. He was Abu Muhammed AI-Hasan Ibn Ahmed AI-Hamadani. He was born in Sana'a, in the year of 893 AD, and died around 976 AD. Therefore, he preceded the most well known Arab contributors to European renaissance, such as Ibn Al-Haytham, Al-Bairouni and
Ibn- Sina (Avisina), respectively.

Just as Aristotle was the inspirer of Avirroes (in Philosophy), one may say that Al-Hamdani was inspired by Ptolemy in Astronomy. In his most well known book, �Description of the Arabian Peninsula�, he devoted the first few pages to Ptolemy's famous book on geography. Based on that, Al-Hamadani says: �Beware that the earth is a globe (sphere). It is not flat like a spread piece of cloth.� Then he goes on presenting what we may call an experimental evidence for his theory. He cited as an example a very famous star, known to the Arabs as Suhail Al-Yamani (Copus). As he explained, this star is seen in Sana'a in the centre of the sky. However, in Mecca (north of Sana'a), it appears at the edge of the horizon; and in Baghdad (further north), it is not seen at all.
Al-Hamadani continued to talk about stars seen from the North Pole, but not seen from the South Pole; and seen from the Equator, but not seen form either north or south of the earth.

I believe that Hamdani's most original contributions to Arab Islamic science are three additional scientific observations: The first one is his disagreement with Ptolemy, which said that the temperature of the planets was generated by their rotation. He said that this is impossible because it means that their temperature should rise constantly. How did Hamdani arrive at this (far-reaching) conclusion?
I believe that he arrived at it from the universally accepted theory in his time; namely, that the universe was geocentric. Therefore, if the sun rotated around the earth, the earth's temperature must rise constantly. The same theory of geocentrism led Hamdani to a more far-reaching conclusion: If the earth is a stationary sphere, and the planets rotate around it, it must have �ups� and �downs�. Theoretically, people and objects �down�, must fall. His answer to this was that the earth has �Jathebyah�, the Arabic word for gravity; and that this gravity has equal effect on movement �up� and �down�.

A third theory (which I think was exclusively arrived at by Hamdani�s powerful intellect) is his theory of �the role of breeze� (Arabic nasseem), in sustaining the burning phenomenon which was most puzzling to his predecessors. Hamdani cited an incident which happened in his time. He says a group of people came to the ruler of Sana' a and informed him that a great cave had been discovered in Wadi Dahr (about five KM north west of the city). They believed that it may contain a great treasure which was guarded by devils. The ruler sent his own expedition to the cave. Hamdani said the following: �These men entered the cave using candle lights. As they penetrated deeper and deeper, their candle lights turned off, and they started feeling pressure on their chests. They concluded that the devils must have done all that�! Then, Hamdani explained in the clearest terms how those people were wrong, saying �that the reason for what happened was the disappearance of the breeze (nasseem)� � (oxygen?!). Then, he stated that �burning fire and living things exist only in the presence of (nasseem)�.

Significantly enough, Hamdani proceeded to describe what is perhaps the oldest scientific experiment to prove the rule of (nasseem) in the burning phenomenon. He said �if you take a candle which is well supplied with burning oil and put it on a flat surface, then take a pot and put it over the candle, and seal the edges of the pot with mud; if you lift the pot after few minutes, you will find that the candle has turned off because of the disappearance of (nasseem)�.

Ladies and gentlemen, doesn't Hamdani precede La Voisre by many centuries? Interestingly, Hamdani described steam cooking on the basis of this theory. He said �when you prepare an oven for cooking meat, you usually let the wood burn and then put the meat in the oven on top of the fire. Then the top of the oven is covered and sealed with mud. Similarly, you seal the fire-eye at the bottom. When you open the oven after few hours you will find that the fire is dead and the meat well cooked.� He then explains that fire died because of the disappearance of (nasseem), and the meat was cooked by the steam (heat waves from water in the meat).

Dear friends, in my concluding statement, at the end of this wonderful symposium, I promise those who have asked for the full text of my opening speech to put its full length on our Embassy's website. Now we have to ask where do we go from here? I believe that promoting cultural links and minimizing cultural divides must be promoted in every way possible. We have to hold more symposia like this. The announcement of the Smithsonian that it will host Yemen's exhibition (which is now in Spain) during 2005, is a great step in the right direction.

The establishment of the Yemen Society for Preservation of Cultural Heritage by the private sector of Yemen is another great step. I think we must also promote academic exchange. The number of Arab students has declined significantly since September 11, 2001. This will only promote cultural divides. I myself, am a product of a student exchange programs, sponsored by the International Institute of Education started in Yemen in 1958. I was, in fact, no.3. Many graduates from the U.S.A are now in high positions � not only in Yemen but also in many Arab countries. I look forward to USAID resuming that program in Yemen. Promoting business links and joint investment between Yemeni and Americans is another important objective.

Finally, (before H.E. Edmund Hull makes the closing statements), I must express my deepest appreciation and gratitude for all those who have worked for almost two years to make this symposium a success. My deepest appreciation also goes to The Government of the Republic of Yemen; the U.S. Department of State; the Board members of the Foundation for the Protection of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage (Sana�a); Consolidated Contractors International Company SAL; Hunt Oil Company; Occidental Petroleum and Gas Corporation; the Social Fund for Development (Sana�a); the World Bank (Sana�a); Yemenia [Yemen Airlines]; and Contrack International, who contributed to finance the cost of the Symposium.

Finally, thanks and much appreciation must go again to the Management of the Smithsonian Institution � and particularly to Dr. Julian Rubin, the Director of the Freer Gallery.

Thank you very much

Almotamar Net -
By Cihan News Agency
Published: Thursday, October 27, 2005
.com

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan visited a military museum full of historical artifacts remaining from the Ottoman period and also Bekiriye Mosque built by Ottoman Empire in Sana, the capital of Yemen.

Erdogan examined the Ottoman artifacts in detail during his visit with his wife and cabinet minister Abdullatif Sener after making connections in Kuwait and arriving in Sana in the evening.

Erdogan met with his Yemeni counterpart Abdulkadir Bajamal besides his contacts in Yemen. After an hour's meeting, three different agreements were signed; providing the prevention of double taxation between two countries, cooperation in natural gas and oil and corporation in the protection of environment.

Erdogan said the current 215 million-dollar foreign trade volume is not enough and should be increased, in the press conference held after the meeting. Yemen Prime Minister Bajamal said, "we support Turkey's access to EU. Turkey will play an important part in bridging Europe and the Arabic world," adding there are a lot of areas of corporation between the two countries. Erdogan later met with Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Salih.

Almotamar Net - SANA�A - The People�s General Congress (PGC), Yemen�s ruling party, may consider in its upcoming conference the nomination of a woman for presidency.

The move will only be taken should President Saleh not run for a new term, said Yasser Al-Awadhi, deputy head of the PGC parliamentary bloc.

Al-Awadhi said that the conference would be full of �surprises� concerning political reforms, including amendments to the election laws to allow all local council members, including governors, to be elected.
The same measure would be applied to some Shura Council members. Al-Awadhi said the moves reflected the PGC policy of continually renewing itself. The party, he said, would name a woman to run in the coming presidential election only if the Islah Party officially announced a female candidate, Mohammed Qahtan had said.

Qahtan had called upon the opposition to agree on naming a woman for president during the 2006 election.
�If Islah is to nominate a woman,� declared Al-Awadhi, �in an official statement either by itself or within the framework of the Joint Meeting Parties (JMP), before the PGC, the latter would consider the matter and might adopt nominating a woman as one of its options.� Ahmed Obaid bin Dhagher said that talk of local or presidential elections is premature.

Qahtan said that the opposition had not discussed its presidential nominee and that it would unite its views when official procedures commenced.
�We haven�t decided who our nominee will be, but all options are open: we can either boycott or compete in the election, but no decision has been made yet.�

Al-Awadhi said that his party was determined to restrict 10% constituencies to women nominees as a unilateral step that was not shared by the opposition.

He said that the so-called reform initiatives were not even eligible to be discussed as they were unrealistic, and did not adhere to national values, particularly those suggesting a division of the country into regions. Al-Awadhi added that if such initiatives were directed at the PGC, it was the latter who had called for dialogue which was suspended by the opposition. But if they were meant for the public, they should be refined and included in the opposition parties� election programs and left to the public to judge.

While the opposition presented what it called a framework for political reform, the Nasserite Unionist Party put forward its own reform initiative. Meanwhile, the Yemen Socialist Party (YSP) Secretary General, Yassin Saeed Noman, said that his party did not have its own initiative and that it would settle for what was stated in its fifth conference political report, considering it the party�s political initiative.

Nevertheless, Noman emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue between his party and the PGC along the terms agreed by the two sides. As for the postponing of the two parties� dialogue committee meeting that was scheduled for last Sunday, Bin Dhagher said that it was due to the YSP wanting more time to present a working paper and not waste time with protocols and courtesies.

He said his party�s suggestions concerned the effects of the 1994 war. �By removing those effects,� Bin Dhagher continued, �we mean to create a new state of relations between the two parties, and then put an end to the oppression that had been exerted on areas in which the war had taken place.�

He denied that the meeting had anything to do with the JMPs, adding that it was the first time since 1994 that such a profound dialogue had been held between the two parties, in view of their strained relations. It would be natural, he said, to start with issues that could thaw relations in order to then build upon them.
�We cannot imagine any possible success for the dialogue while the YSP local headquarters out of its control,� he said. The YSP was working with other JMPs, Bin Dagher continued, to reach a mutual view of the reforms, but that would take time.

�We in the JMPs believe that now is the time for critical political, social and economic reforms in the country. Reforms should strengthen unity and democracy and move the country forwards.� Qahtan said that should the YSP and PGC find common ground, it would be for the good of political life, adding that the Islah Party would not be isolated if the JMPs were dissolved as a result of YSP and the PGC coming together, because the Islah always had a secure position in any pluralistic political system that attracted rather than discouraged alliances. �When you have political weight, you are a magnet that continually pulls others towards it.�


source:Yemen Observer

Almotamar Net - Asharq Alwsat- By Hussein al-Jirbani

Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr Abu Bakr al-Qirbi has expressed displeasure with US Ambassador Thomas Krajeski's description of democracy in Yemen as coming to a halt. In an interview with in Sana'a, Al-Qirbi said the US ambassador was not successful in his description of democracy in Yemen. He stressed that democracy is a Yemeni matter.

Al-Qirbi warned of Somalia becoming an arena where terrorists and extremists gather, especially if the Somali leadership is unable to exercise its control over all Somali territory. He said the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Yemen are seeking to hold a dialogue that aims to qualify Yemen to become a full member of the GCC. He said the exchange of information between Saudi Arabia and Yemen has led to great successes in combating terrorism.

Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi said Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh will visit the United States, France, and Japan in November 2005, and said that efforts to support sustainable development in Yemen is on the visit's agenda. He said relations with Iran are excellent now that the facts about the rebellion of (Badr-al-Din) Al-Huthi in the governorate of Sa'dah and the fact that the group's agenda was political and not confessional have become clear to the Iranians. He called on the Arab states and the international community to seek to avoid the outbreak of civil war in Iraq and to acknowledge the Iraqi people's right to self-determination without external interference, not even from the coalition forces. Following are the issues and questions raised during the interview:

(Q) You had warned of the gravity of the situation in Somalia. What are the present facts that give rise to such a warning?

(A) There are two aspects of the warning. When talking about Somalia, the states of the Horn of Africa must avoid going back to the situation that existed prior to the Nairobi agreement. Before the Nairobi agreement was concluded some Somali factions that were politically inclined, some factions were tribally inclined, and other factions were trade inclined. Each of those factions had its own agenda. After the Nairobi agreement, however, the situation became different with the election of a Somali president and a parliament. A government was formed. Thus the states that are interested in the Somali question must concentrate all efforts on enabling the Somali authorities to exercise their control over Somalia, disarm the militias, build the Somali state, and not succumb to the attempt by many sides to blackmail in order to obstruct the return of security and stability to Somalia.

There is also the aspect that interests us in Yemen, namely that if the situation remains as it is Somalia could become a center in which the forces of extremism and terrorism gather. That will not threaten the Horn of Africa alone but will threaten the entire Arabian Peninsula. We see scores of boats carrying refugees who may include elements whose aims are other than seeking humanitarian refuge and whose scores of victims we can see. In this regard, the international community should exert efforts -- within the framework of the OAE, the Arab League, and IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) -- to enable the Nairobi agreement see the light and to be implemented on the ground in Somalia.

(Q) What about coordination with the Americans in the Horn of Africa?

(A) Existing coordination with the United States and a number of Arab and European states is primarily within the framework of the exchange of information. Yemen does not intervene militarily in the North of Africa and it is not allowed to interfere in it in terrorism issues. Thus our responsibility in that area is how to coordinate the efforts of the states in the Horn of Africa with the United States, Italy, and Germany in order to control the flow of refugees, prevent the smuggling of arms, and watch out for any terrorists groups that may be present in Somalia or elsewhere.

(Q) What about Djibouti?

(A) There is cooperation in the intelligence with Djibouti. That is one of the issues we discussed with Djibouti's foreign minister during the meeting of the joint committee in Sana'a. The situation in the Horn of Africa makes it incumbent on us to coordinate and cooperate in the face of terrorism.

(Q) How do you view coordination with Ethiopia, Eritrea, and the states of East Africa in combating terrorism?

(A) I believe all the states in the region are agreed on cooperating to combat terrorism. It is a priority in our relations with those states, for terrorism threatens the stability of the region. It is terrorism that has led to the presence of foreign forces in the region, and it is terrorism that has impeded development and investment. All those consequences were among the results of the terrorist action that occurred in Yemen and the region, because what happens in the region has indirect effects on the states surrounding the country in which a terrorist attack occurs.

However, the problem lies in the differences that exist among the area countries, such as the Sudanese-Eritrean dispute and the Ethiopian-Eritrean dispute. Moreover the situation is not stable in Somalia. Those factors together hinder a number of states in working within the framework of one integrated system to combat terrorism.

(Q) Can the Sana'a Grouping (Tajammu Sana'a) play a role in this issue, in view of the signs that Djibouti is joining the grouping?

(A) The Sana'a Grouping may play a role in that regard. It is in fact carrying out such a role within the framework of the founding states: Yemen, Sudan, and Ethiopia. There is excellent cooperation among the three states in combating terrorism. We hope that if matters settle down in Sudan, and that if both Ethiopia and Eritrea resolve their disagreements, then the grouping will be expanded to include Eritrea and Somalia which has shown a desire to join the grouping during the Sana'a Grouping summit (Third Summit of the Sana'a' Grouping for Cooperation) that was held in Khartoum in (December) 2004. We believe the elimination of tension among the area countries will strengthen their cooperation in combating terrorism.

(Q) The states in the Horn of Africa region, including Yemen, suffer from economic crises. What are the incentives for creating economic activity?

(A) The states of the Horn of Africa and Yemen -- and if we include Sudan and Ethiopia - represent a human mass of 150 million people. Therefore, the elements for an economic-trade grouping among the area countries exist. There is also of course the geographic and economic structure that could achieve a great deal of economic integration among the area countries. When we look at Sudan with its water resources and agricultural land, and to Somalia and Ethiopia with their animal wealth and mineral resources, and the important location of Yemen and Djibouti on the Gulf of Aden, we see factors which as a whole create a depth that could make those states an influential economic grouping in the world economy because people today are looking for markets and locations in which to invest.

(Q) How are relations with Eritrea at present?

(A) Yemeni-Eritrean relations are experiencing further stability and an increased desire in developing economic and trade relations. Foremost among those matters is the establishment of the Joint Fishing Company which can contribute toward strengthening the economic resources of the two countries, for fish resources have become one of the issues that are of interest to all world countries. We still have differences with the brothers in Eritrea over the traditional fishing issue which was included in the verdict of the international arbitration commission that adjudicated between Yemen and Eritrea. The disagreement is over the interpretation of the article on traditional fishing. We interpret that article in accordance with our view, while the Eritrean brothers interpret it according to their view. However, we are continuing our dialogue with the aim of reaching agreement on an interpretation, because that will alleviate the suffering of the fishermen who are being subjected to a great deal of harassment when fishing in the Red Sea.

(Q) There are those who say that Yemen has opted for the establishment of the Sana'a Grouping as an alternative to joining the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)?

(A) No, that is not true. On the contrary, Yemen's position in the Arabian Peninsula and its relationship with the Horn of Africa render Yemen a bridge that links the peninsula with the Horn of Africa and enable the states of the Arabian Peninsula to benefit from that relationship in marketing their products and investing in those states.

(Q) Yemen still cherishes the hope of joining the GCC. Will Yemen join new channels so as to complete its GCC membership?

(A) I believe that for Yemen to join the GCC it is necessary for the area countries. It is necessary for both Yemen and the GCC states, with their geo-political and economic factors. I believe the GCC states today are aware of the strategic depth that Yemen provides them. We in Yemen and the GCC states strive for a transparent dialogue over Yemen's full membership of the GCC. As you know there were views regarding qualifying Yemen for joining the GCC. We were not sensitive about the proposal on qualifying Yemen, for we knew that Europe sought to qualify European states when many of them applied to join the EU. Consequently, what we want now is to agree on that qualification, and how to work together to achieve that matter and define the role, which both Yemen and the GCC states must undertake.

(Q) The word qualify can be interpreted in many ways. What do you mean by qualify?

(A) Look at the economic aspect of qualifying and how the GCC states can contribute to strengthening the Yemeni economy so that it can add to the GCC economies when the GCC joins it, and how we can create economic integration. Yemen with its geography has density in population, and it has beneath the ground mineral and oil resources that are yet to be discovered. Tourism can be developed in Yemen, for there are areas that have better tourist attractions than the places GCC tourists visit. These areas of the economy require an infrastructure, and here comes the role of GCC investments. What we are now discussing with the brothers in the GCC states is the laws and creating compatibility between laws in Yemen and laws in the GCC states, so that there will be no problems in enforcing the laws in Yemen and in the GCC states.

(Q) President Ali Abdullah Saleh visited Saudi Arabia recently. What are the issues he discussed with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz?

(A) The relationship between the brother president and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has a special character, because it was they who signed the treaty on the demarcation of the border and ended a border dispute that lasted 60 years. Their responsibility now is to develop relations between the two countries so that there will be further cooperation and economic and political partnership between them. The primary aim of the visit was to congratulate the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, on his assumption of the reins of power in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and also to consult and chart the future features of relations between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The two leaders are anxious that those relations should be distinguished, not only in the protocol aspect, but also in the special partnership between the two countries in combating terrorism, encouraging Saudi capital to invest in Yemen, and opening Saudi markets to Yemeni products.

(Q) What is your assessment of the joint coordination against terrorism?

(A) The security services in the two countries have achieved great successes and that has bolstered confidence. The success is due to the exchange of information between the Yemeni and the Saudi security services.

(Q) What in your view are the manifestations of confidence that have been bolstered?

(A) The manifestations of confidence have been embodied in the exchange of information on security matters and in the reciprocal visits by the leaders of the two countries, the most prominent of which was the summit in Jeddah between the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Yemeni president. I believe what is more important than all of that is that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia encourages Saudi investments in Yemen.

(Q) President Ali Abdullah Saleh will be visiting Washington in November 2005. What is the nature of the visit?

(A) The visit is within the framework of the brother president's diplomatic moves. The visit is an almost annual visit during which the president meets with heads of state in Europe, Asia, and the United States. In the coming tour he will visit Japan, France, and the United States. The importance of the visit stems from the talks he will hold with the heads of those states. The visit is also an opportunity to assess relations between Yemen and those states, whereby each side puts forward its aspirations for the development of bilateral relations. It is also an opportunity to eliminate much of the perhaps wrong information that is relayed about Yemen to the United States, France, or Japan. Thus the visit is within the framework of strengthening confidence and removing any blemishes in relations. It is also an opportunity to put forward Yemeni concerns with regard to the economy, investment, development problems, and combating poverty. Those states are among the donor states that contribute to supporting development in Yemen. The role of those states is not confined to giving direct support to Yemen, but also involves pushing international institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF to give further aid to Yemen. Moreover, terrorism is a priority on the agenda of the visit for it is one of the pillars of international cooperation, and a criterion of the continuation of such cooperation among states. The cases of Yemenis detained in the United States are also raised during the visit, and Yemeni demands for the need to release those detainees are stressed. We have done that from the time they were arrested.

(Q) Sheikh Abdul Majid al-Jirbani, a leader in the Yemeni Reform (Al-Islah) Party, viewed the Government demand to remove his name from the US list on terrorism as having come late. Will his case and the case of another Reform Party leader -- Sheikh (Muhammad Ali) Al-Mu'ayyad -- who is jailed in the United States -- be raised with the Americans during the visit?

(A) The Yemeni demand to remove the name of Sheikh Abdul Majid al-Zindani from the terrorism list came some time after the name was included in the US list. However, the request to provide information and evidence justifying the inclusion of his name on the list was made as soon as we heard about the matter. Perhaps because we worked calmly, that was depicted as though we had not done anything. Certainly the cases of sheikhs Al-Zindani and Al-Mu'ayyad and the issue of Yemenis who are subjected to US measures such as imprisonment, detention, or the inclusion of their names on lists without supplying evidence to Yemen will be discussed, because we are concerned about such matters.

(Q) The situation in Iraq is on the verge of civil war which could determine the future of the region. How does Yemen view such a situation?

(A) The situation in Iraq is very worrying for the Arab nation. That worry was clear at the meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo which resulted in the formation of a committee of the states neighboring Iraq, in addition to Egypt, to consider what role the Arab states can play, the restoration of security, and ending the violence that is claiming the lives of thousands of Iraqis.

We have seen the action that took place in Riyadh with the meeting of the foreign ministers of the states neighboring Iraq and the foreign minister of Egypt, and the visit of the Arab League assistant secretary general to Baghdad. We hope an Arab stand will evolve and will contribute toward resolving the Iraqi issue. We in Yemen believe that any solution must be based on the principle of allowing the Iraqis to determine their destiny without outside interference, including interference by the coalition forces. The Iraqi brothers must also realize that the present stage must nor rely on the flexing of muscles or on the concept that is based on the wishes of the majority, because the present complicated circumstances require that the Iraqis agree on a formula of national accord that strengthens confidence and respect for every sect and every ethnic group in Iraq and protects the interests of all sections of the population. Then the march of democracy will be easier. The Arab states and the international community must play a role in initiating a dialogue among all the Iraqi sides so as to agree on bases for relations built on democratic principles in accordance with a Constitution that preserves the unity of Iraq and protects it from the partition which some people are perhaps seeking to bring about through a civil war. Once the Iraqis agree on such mechanisms they will be able to evacuate the coalition forces.

(Q) Yemen has good relations with the Palestinian Authority (PA) and HAMAS. What can Sana'a do to help the Palestinians?

(A) Yemen's position is clear on that issue. The brother president has intervened more than once and called for a meeting between the two leaderships to be held in Sana'a. He emphasized that Palestinian weapons must not be directed at any other Palestinian faction. The Palestinians must adhere to this principle. All the Arabs must adopt such a stand. That is because for the Palestinians to use weapons against each other will achieve for Israel what it wants, and will render the victory that was achieved in the Gaza Strip a loss for the Palestinians who very much need to have a political approach to events through dialogue and for the factions to adopt a democratic line in putting forward their political program. Ultimately, the Palestinian factions must unite in order to end the occupation, find solutions to the suffering of the Palestinians, unite the Palestinian forces, and reach a common understanding that any Israeli withdrawal from any Palestinian territory is a victory for all the Palestinians. It is true that Israel promotes the notion that such withdrawal are carried out as a result of an Israeli wish and are in implementation of the road map. However, the truth is the opposite: it is that Israel is withdrawing because it has been defeated in the face of the Palestinian resistance. Consequently, the Palestinian concept should be to bring about further withdrawals, while such withdrawals must be within the framework of Palestinian action and Palestinian unity.

(Q) A number of Iranian delegations have visited Yemen. What is your assessment of relations with Iran and what is Yemen's stand on the Iranian nuclear file?

(A) Yemen's stand on the Iranian nuclear file, as well as on weapons of mass destruction, is clear. We in Yemen are opposed to any nuclear weapons. We want the Middle East to be a zone free of nuclear weapons. That does not apply to Iran only, but it also applies to Israel, because we cannot have double standards. It is the right of Iran and area countries to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, be it in scientific research, generating electric power, or in other peaceful applications.

As for Yemen's relations with Iran, those relations are excellent. We believe the repeated visits by Iranian officials and envoys to Sana'a have shown that Iran is anxious to maintain its relations with Yemen, and that with regard to the misunderstanding that occurred with respect to the Al-Huthi rebellion in parts of the governorate of Sa'dah, it has now become clear to Iran that Al-Huthi's group had a political agenda and the matter was not a confessional issue. Therefore Iran is anxious -- just as we in Yemen are anxious -- to keep relations between the two countries free of mistaken information and influences that reach any side.

(Q) The US ambassador described democracy in Yemen as having come to a halt. Why were you annoyed by that description?

(A) We were annoyed by those remarks because such a description of democracy in Yemen is incorrect. I do not believe that democracy has come to a halt at all. The march of democracy is proceeding with democracy taking root. The assurances of President Ali Abdullah Saleh to give more power to local councils, and for the governors to be directly elected by citizens, confirm that the political motion that is taking place in Yemen for the 2006 presidential elections shows Yemen's desire to have the international community see elections that are more transparent than previous elections. I believe the US ambassador was not successful when he said democracy in Yemen has come to a halt. Perhaps what he said was mistranslated.

(Q) Will the remarks of US Ambassador Thomas Krajeski have a negative effect on relations with the Americans?

(A) Not at all. We in Yemen accept (another) point of view, and they should accept our point of view. Definitely, as much as Yemen welcomes support for the democratic march, and as much as it welcomes the views and advice that are proffered to us by friendly countries, ultimately the march of democracy and its protection are above all a Yemeni responsibility.

Almotamar Net - Some 12,000 infiltrators and illegal residents, including 600 women and children, were arrested and will be deported, official sources said yesterday.

Ninety per cent of those who were arrested over the period from January to mid- October this year were arrested on the eastern coasts of Shabwa, sources added.

"A total of 11,250 of those held were Somalis, 650 Ethiopians and 155 others were from different nationalities," the state-run newspaper 26 September quoted an unidentified official as saying.

"During the first half of this month the security forces, in cooperation with the Coastguard Authorities, detained 350 infiltrators," the official said.

Almotamar Net - Yemen is planning to establish a $24 million monitoring system to combat terror activities along its 2,500-kilometre coastline.

The recently-created Yemen Coast Guard Authority (YCGA) on Monday invited tenders for implementation of the first stage of the National Yemeni Vessel Traffic System (NYVTS).

The YCGA said the initial stage included the preliminary design of the entire vessel traffic system which covers the whole Yemeni national coastline. It will cover the national control centre in Sanaa, the area control centre in Aden, two mobile units, six local control centres and as many remote sites as needed to fulfil the system performance requirements in the area from Al Khokha ( Hodeidah province in the west) to Shuqrah ( Abyan province in the east).

The first stage will also include installation, commissioning, training and an option for a three-year renewable maintenance contract. The maximum available budget is 20 million euros ($24 million).

The work will take two years. The deadline for tenders will be January 15, the announcement said.

Almotamar Net - Story By: USMC Sgt. Brian E. McElaney

ADEN, Yemen - Young women from the local community, here, will have better educational opportunities and increased ability to take part in their society thanks to a $256,000 expansion and renovation of the Darshaad Girl's School by the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa.

The project will add much needed facilities for the school, which currently enrolls 1100 students attending ninth through 12th grade. A new third floor is being added to the current structure to allow for more classrooms - allowing class sizes to be cut in half. Additionally, new science labs are being added on the second and third floors.

"You have noticed how the school is overcrowded," said Hamida Ali Mohammed, principal of the Darshaad Girl's School. "After the completion of this project, the students will have much more room than before."

Secondary education is rare for young women in Yemen. While there are six primary schools available for girls in Aden, Darshaad is the only secondary school. When the school first opened in 1998, enrollment was low, but in recent years more families are allowing their daughters to continue their education, said Hamida.

"Of course my school is very specific and different than the other schools in this district," said Hamida. "But it is necessary for the girls here to be educated so that the other half of the population can be activated. It is becoming a symbol that families in Yemen are now able to depend on their daughters."

The project is part of a series of schools, clinics and medical and veterinary assistance programs coordinated by CJTF-HOA's 96th Civil Affairs Battalion detachment as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"There is an obvious kind of impact you can have when you build something like a school," said Capt. Todd Svacina, team leader, Civil Affairs Team 624. "It makes the area more stable and really helps people. We all think we have the greatest job in the world, we get to fight the war on terror by building things instead of tearing things down"

Yemen currently has three times as many illiterate females than males, said Svacina. However, both local and national Yemeni government organizations have called on the United States Embassy, Sana'a, CJTF-HOA (in which several Yemen military officers have participated) and other organizations to help increase education in several areas throughout the country. CJTF-HOA units are often a perfect fit to bring help to those who need it most because many remote areas of Yemen are considered dangerous for foreign travelers.

"Once you've been in the country, you learn that it's a country of peace loving people," said Svacina. "But we have quite a higher level of security, so we can get into areas that [other organizations] would normally ignore for safety reasons."

CJTF-HOA has undertaken a growing number of projects over the last few months, as the CA teams and US State Department officials work to improve relationships with officials throughout the country. When the CA teams first started operating in Yemen, suspicion and rough relations hindered their ability to move freely throughout the country. However a combination of coordination and friendship has resulted in a building of trust in the coalition units hoping to bring aid to those in need - allowing them increased flexibility in the kinds of missions they undertake.

"There has been a very positive reaction to our operations," said Svacina. "The only thing we can accredit that to is our transparency. That level of trust has been very valuable to us - what was a very difficult mission at first became a real pleasure to work afterward."

At the Darshaad school, officials relate that these relationships will result in better education for thousands of young women and a higher standard of living for Yemenis in Aden and the surrounding areas.

"We are not only female teachers but we are encouraging female students to finish their education so they can improve their style of life and help develop society," said Hamida. "Working with [CJTF-HOA] and the contractors has been very rewarding both professionally and personally. The people are very friendly, and are doing a great thing for our students."

Almotamar Net - By Observer Staff

SANA�A - The program helping the private sector create new jobs under the supervision of the German Technical Cooperation Organization has started studying the investment landscape in Yemen.

The program aims to support and improve the investment climates across the country. The program official Yousuf Tumah said the program currently studies the overall investment landscape in Yemen in a move to prepare for a ten-year work plan.

The program is going to start in mid-2007 by executing a number of improvements of in the investment sector.

Tumah briefed that the program would focus on improving of the small enterprises and companies and training the workers.
He added, It also would present the technical services for the institutions and the governmental bodies and supporting the civil organizations concerned with small enterprises development.

Almotamar Net - SANA'A,(Saba)- Yemen and South Korea signed on Friday a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in vocational education between the two countries.

The memo was signed by Yemeni ministry of technical education and vocational training and Korean ministry of labor.
Under the memo, the Korean side will set up an institute for telecommunication and technologies and present aid to the institute including experts and training

Almotamar Net - Yemen has detained more than 10,000 illegal African immigrants in 2005, mostly from Somalia, Saba news agency has reported.
The report says that more than 100 migrants have drowned in September alone trying to reach the country.

The agency says 10,750 people had been seized in Yemeni cities and on the coast, which faces the Horn of Africa.

The Somalis are held at a detention camp in the southern Abyan province. Other Africans have been repatriated.

Correspondents say Somalis fleeing violence and Ethiopians in search of a better life attempt the hazardous 300-km (185-mile) crossing to Yemen in the hope of eventually reaching the oil-rich Gulf Arab region and Europe.

Yemen is a poor country of approximately 20 million people.

The UNHCR, the United Nation's refugee agency, says the number of Africans trying to get into the Gulf region via Yemen has increased since early 2004.

It puts the number of registered Somali refugees in Yemen at about 50,000.

Michael Wilson and Janon Fisher - NEW YORK - At Jamaica Hospital Medical Center on Thursday, a woman gave birth to a son, delivered by Caesarean section. She did not know that during her recovery, elsewhere in the same hospital, she lost her oldest child, a 19-year-old deli worker who had been shot behind the counter by a man in a mask.

The 19-year-old man, Yaser Saleh, was shot in the stomach on Wednesday night in a Springfield Gardens deli by an unidentified man who witnesses believe argued with Saleh last week over something that seemed trivial: the man had been short a quarter for a 79-cent candle, and the cashier would not give it to him.

There was no arrest in the case on Thursday, while the dead man's family prepared for a week of traveling, literally, between a cradle and a grave. advertisement




Family members said his mother delivered her 7.5-pound baby boy, named Mohamed, at 5 a.m. It was her and her husband's fifth child. Yaser was the oldest, and there are a son and two daughters in between. The family was from Yemen.

After Saleh was shot, paramedics took him to Jamaica Hospital, where his mother was still recovering from the surgery. He lingered for 11 hours, dying one minute before 8 a.m., the police said.

On Wednesday night, the victim had been on the telephone with his grandfather, taking advantage of a quiet moment in the store, said another deli worker, Ali Abdul, who saw the shooting from behind the deli case where he was making a sandwich.

The gunman entered the Farmers Deli, at 142-01 Farmers Blvd., at 9:15 p.m., and shot Saleh once in the stomach and once in the left arm, the police said. The assailant was dressed all in white and wore a mask or a T-shirt to cover his face, witnesses said. He left, taking nothing, the police said.

"He didn't say nothing," Abdul said. "He didn't talk nothing."

Saleh's father, Abdo Saleh, retelling his son's account, said the dispute began last week when the man tried to buy the 3-inch candle but was 25 cents short. "He told me somebody came into the store, tried to buy a candle," Saleh said. The man became enraged and smashed the candle on the floor, he said. "He told him, 'I'm going to come back and shoot you.' " His son shrugged it off: "He didn't take it as a serious thing."

Later that day, the same man returned and stole a soda, Abdul said.

Yaser Saleh attended high school in Dearborn, Mich. He married in 2001 in the Yemeni town of Ibb, and returned to the United States. He had a 6-month-old daughter named Kamer, and his wife is two months pregnant with their second child. He planned to earn his GED and perhaps pursue a college degree, his family said.

On Wednesday night, after he was shot, Saleh called to Abdul. "Yaser said: 'You have to call the ambulance. You have to call the police,' " Abdul said. He tore off his friend's shirt and saw the bullet hole near his sternum, and what looked like an exit wound. "I see blood coming from his back," he said.

Faisal Hussan, 20, another worker in the store, said the gunman's features were further obscured by a white hood. "He just shot him," he said in Arabic on Thursday. "He just killed him." The victim's father said the police took videotapes from a surveillance camera in the store. The police said they have not identified a suspect.

A woman in the store, who said she was known in the neighborhood as "Mom," said Saleh was well-liked, even though he had not worked there long. He had taken the shift on Wednesday evening for another worker who was observing the Ramadan holiday. "He's a sweet kid," she said. "Whenever I came in, he'd say, 'Mom, I love you.' No one deserves to be killed like that."

Hector Chambers, who lives near the store, called Saleh "a pleasant, pleasing person," and added, "Him my peaceful brother."

The victim's father said his mother was still recovering from the surgery. "She had the baby, had an operation, and she lost her oldest son," he said Thursday. He did not mention his wife's name to reporters.

On Thursday afternoon, she remained in the hospital, oblivious, he said: "I don't want to tell her."

Almotamar Net - SANA�A- YemObs� The Sana�a Cultural Center hosted last Monday celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
�A Time for Renewal�. On show at the event were the artistic works of schoolchildren from around Yemen who had entered a painting competition with its theme as the UN Millenium Goals, focusing on health and education. Also presented were special edition postage stamps marking the anniversary. Flavia Pansieri, the United Nations Resident Representative in Yemen spoke of the country�s commitment to the Millenium Goals:
�We have the opportunity to really make a difference. Women have to be a part of that contribution to development. We have a role to play together with our partners in Yemen and the international community to support efforts towards realizing the Millennium Development Goals.� Ahmed Mohammed Sofan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation spoke of Yemen�s pride in being one of the founder members of the United Nations, and said: �We are grateful for UN efforts in calling for women�s rights and human rights. By 2015, Yemen is confident of achieving the first and most important of the MDGs, that is �education for all��.

This, he said, was in spite of the fact that Yemen would be unable to fulfill all MDGs without further assistance from the outside community. After the speeches, the winners of best artistic works were announced.
One of the winners, Boshra Mohammed, said: �I am so happy that my picture has been chosen as one of the seven best. I portrayed in my work three life-threatening illnesses: malaria, cancer, and AIDS, which can be beaten through increasing knowledge and awareness.�

Almotamar Net -
By Omar Edaibat

In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

The following is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that was adopted on December 10, 1948 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The attempt of this analysis is to show how each of the fundamental human rights guaranteed in this declaration were already established in the Holy Quran.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Preamble
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, therefore,

The General Assembly,

Proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

Article 1
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

The Quran also reiterates our common humanity and equality:

[3:95] Their Lord responded to them: "I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female - you are equal to one another.�

[4:25] � GOD knows best about your belief, and you are equal to one another, as far as belief is concerned�

[17:70] We have honored the children of Adam, and provided them with rides on land and in the sea. We provided for them good provisions, and we gave them greater advantages than many of our creatures.

Article 2
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

The Quran repeatedly explains that it is the human factor which divides us from uniting under our common Creator and Sustainer. It is the human factor which splits us into sects and divides us along superficial lines, pitting us against one another. We are all members of the same community in the eyes of God, and the only quality that distinguishes one above the other is our level of righteousness. Hence, the Quranic injunction not to differentiate between God�s messengers and to commemorate God Alone:

[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:136] Say, "We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and all the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters."

[49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.

Article 3
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

[17:33] You shall not kill any person - for GOD has made life sacred - except in the course of justice. If one is killed unjustly, then we give his heir authority to enforce justice. Thus, he shall not exceed the limits in avenging the murder, he will be helped.

[2:191] You may kill those who wage war against you, and you may evict them whence they evicted you. Oppression is worse than murder�

[7:157] �He exhorts them to be righteous, enjoins them from evil, allows for them all good food, and prohibits that which is bad, and unloads the burdens and the shackles imposed upon them. Those who believe in him, respect him, support him, and follow the light that came with him are the successful ones."

The Quran goes as far as urging us to take whatever measures necessary to ensure that the fundamental Human Rights of others are met:

[4:75] Why should you not fight in the cause of GOD when weak men, women, and children are imploring: "Our Lord, deliver us from this community whose people are oppressive, and be You our Lord and Master."

Article 4
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

When the Quran was revealed slavery was in wide practice throughout the Arab World. Thus, it would have been impractical and suicidal to place an immediate ban on all forms of slavery. The Quran uses a better psychological approach to win people�s hearts in the struggle against slavery and all forms of discrimination by placing a strong emphasis on human dignity and equality and encouraging the freeing of slaves, for if we are all equal then slavery cannot be justified:

[90:10-14] Did we not show him the two paths? He should choose the difficult path. Which one is the difficult path? The freeing of slaves. Feeding, during the time of hardship.

[2:177] Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves;�

[9:60] Charities shall go to the poor, the needy, the workers who collect them, the new converts, to free the slaves, to those burdened by sudden expenses, in the cause of GOD, and to the traveling alien. Such is GOD's commandment. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

Article 5
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

In the Quan, we are constantly reminded to take heed from the lessons of history and are sensitized to the gross evils of tyranny. The lack of mercy is also condemned:

[28:4] Pharaoh turned into a tyrant on earth, and discriminated against some people. He persecuted a helpless group of them, slaughtering their sons, while sparing their daughters. He was indeed wicked.

[2:191] You may kill those who wage war against you, and you may evict them whence they evicted you. Oppression is worse than murder�

[26:130] "And when you strike, you strike mercilessly.

Article 6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

A philosophy in which we are all equal before our common Creator and Provider reassures us of deferential and equal treatment before the law, irrespective of where we may be:

[35:10] Anyone seeking dignity should know that to GOD belongs all dignity. To Him ascends the good words, and He exalts the righteous works. As for those who scheme evil works, they incur severe retribution; the scheming of such people is destined to fail.

Article 7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

[4:25] �GOD knows best about your belief, and you are equal to one another, as far as belief is concerned�

[4:135] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether the accused is rich or poor, GOD takes care of both. Therefore, do not be biased by your personal wishes. If you deviate or disregard (this commandment), then GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

The following Quranic narration highlights how important it is to give everyone the same respect and attention irrespective of one�s socioeconomic background:

[80:1-11] He (Muhammad) frowned and turned away when the blind man came to him (seeking guidance). How do you know? He may purify himself. Or he may take heed, and benefit from the message. As for the rich man, you gave him your attention. Even though you could not guarantee his salvation. The one who came to you eagerly and is really reverent, you ignored him. Indeed, this is a reminder.

Article 8
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

The Quran encourages mercy and forgiveness whenever possible but decrees equivalent punishment as a fundamental right guarnateed to the victim:

[2:178] O you who believe, equivalence is the law decreed for you when dealing with murder - the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the female for the female. If one is pardoned by the victim's kin, an appreciative response is in order, and an equitable compensation shall be paid. This is an alleviation from your Lord and mercy. Anyone who transgresses beyond this incurs a painful retribution.

[16:126] And if you punish, you shall inflict an equivalent punishment. But if you resort to patience (instead of revenge), it would be better for the patient ones.

Article 9
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

We are constantly warned not to be overly suspicious of others without incriminating evidence. Such attitudes only bring about unjustified hostility and harm towards the accused:

[49:12] O you who believe, you shall avoid any suspicion, for even a little bit of suspicion is sinful. You shall not spy on one another, nor shall you backbite one another; this is as abominable as eating the flesh of your dead brother. You certainly abhor this. You shall observe GOD. GOD is Redeemer, Most Merciful.


Article 10
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

Certainly, the Quran highlights the need for imparitality on all matters within the community:

[2:143] We thus made you an impartial community, that you may serve as witnesses among the people, and the messenger serves as a witness among you�.

Article 11
Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.
See relevant verses above.
Article 12
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

The Quran also highlights the need to ensure our privacy as individuals. For example, we see the Quranic injunction not to marry women who were previously married to our fathers. This rule ensures that we do not interfere with the private experiences and intimate thoughts that our fathers shared with their wives:

[33:53] O you who believe, do not enter the prophet's homes unless you are given permission to eat, nor shall you force such an invitation in any manner. If you are invited, you may enter. When you finish eating, you shall leave; do not engage him in lengthy conversations. This used to hurt the prophet, and he was too shy to tell you. But GOD does not shy away from the truth. If you have to ask his wives for something, ask them from behind a barrier. This is purer for your hearts and their hearts. You are not to hurt the messenger of GOD. You shall not marry his wives after him, for this would be a gross offense in the sight of GOD.

-----------------------------------------

*33:53 We are enjoined in 4:22 from marrying women who were previously married to our fathers. Nor can the father marry the divorced wife of his genetic son (4:23). This divine commandment preserves our respect for our fathers and their most private affairs. Similarly, the prophet was a father figure to the believers of his time. For the good of those believers, God enjoined them from marrying women who were previously married to the prophet. Marriage is a sacred and very private relationship, and the prophet's private life was better kept private.

[24:58] O you who believe, permission must be requested by your servants and the children who have not attained puberty (before entering your rooms). This is to be done in three instances - before the Dawn Prayer, at noon when you change your clothes to rest, and after the Night Prayer. These are three private times for you. At other times, it is not wrong for you or them to mingle with one another. GOD thus clarifies the revelations for you. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

Privacy of the individual is emphasized:

[24:2729] O you who believe, do not enter homes other than yours without permission from their inhabitants, and without greeting them. This is better for you, that you may take heed. If you find no one in them, do not enter them until you obtain permission. If you are told, "Go back," you must go back. This is purer for you. GOD is fully aware of everything you do. You commit no error by entering uninhabited homes wherein there is something that belongs to you. GOD knows everything you reveal, and everything you conceal.

The reputation of the individual must be protected from all forms of unjustified attack or slander:

[104:1] Woe to every backbiter, slanderer.

Article 13
Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each State.
Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.
The Quran gurantees the right of the oppressed to emigrate in the cause of God (the course of justice) and to rebel against all forms of oppression:

[4:100] Anyone who emigrates in the cause of God will find on earth great bounties and richness.

[4:97] Those whose lives are terminated by the angels, while in a state of wronging their souls, the angels will ask them, "What was the matter with you?" They will say, "We were oppressed on earth." They will say, "Was GOD's earth not spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?"�.

Article 14
Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
See above.

Article 15
Everyone has the right to a nationality.
No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.
A respect for all cultures as members of the one universal humanity is recognized throught the Quran:

[5:48] �Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny - all of you - then He will inform you of everything you had disputed.

[49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.


Article 16
Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
The sanctity of the family is clearly recognized, with a strong emphasis on the need to reconcile relationships equitably. The Quran also guranteed women with divorce rights at a time when their subordination was the traditional norm:

[25:54] He is the One who created from water a human being, then made him reproduce through marriage and mating. Your Lord is Omnipotent.

[30:21] Among His proofs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, in order to have tranquility and contentment with each other, and He placed in your hearts love and care towards your spouses. In this, there are sufficient proofs for people who think.

[2:102]�These two did not divulge such knowledge without pointing out: "This is a test. You shall not abuse such knowledge." But the people used it in such evil schemes as the breaking up of marriages�.

[4:129] You can never be equitable in dealing with more than one wife, no matter how hard you try. Therefore, do not be so biased as to leave one of them hanging (neither enjoying marriage, nor left to marry someone else). If you correct this situation and maintain righteousness, GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[2:241] The divorcees also shall be provided for, equitably. This is a duty upon the righteous.

[4:35] If a couple fears separation, you shall appoint an arbitrator from his family and an arbitrator from her family; if they decide to reconcile, GOD will help them get together. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.


Article 17
Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.
Our right to property is clearly spelled out:

[2:05] As soon as he leaves, he roams the earth corruptingly, destroying properties and lives. GOD does not love corruption.

[65:1] O you prophet, when you people divorce the women, you shall ensure that a divorce interim is fulfilled. You shall measure such an interim precisely. You shall reverence GOD your Lord. Do not evict them from their homes, nor shall you make life miserable for them, to force them to leave on their own, unless they commit a proven adultery. These are GOD's laws. Anyone who transgresses GOD's laws commits an injustice against himself. You never know; maybe GOD wills something good to come out of this.

[4:2] You shall hand over to the orphans their rightful properties. Do not substitute the bad for the good, and do not consume their properties by combining them with yours. This would be a gross injustice.

[4:6] You shall test the orphans when they reach puberty. As soon as you find them mature enough, give them their property. Do not consume it extravagantly in a hurry, before they grow up�

[4:29] O you who believe, do not consume each others' properties illicitly - only mutually acceptable transactions are permitted. You shall not kill yourselves. GOD is Merciful towards you.

[38:24] He said, "He is being unfair to you by asking to combine your sheep with his. Most people who combine their properties treat each other unfairly, except those who believe and work righteousness, and these are so few." Afterwards, David wondered if he made the right judgment. He thought that we were testing him. He then implored his Lord for forgiveness, bowed down, and repented.

[59:8] (You shall give) to the needy who immigrated. They were evicted from their homes and deprived of their properties, because they sought GOD's grace and pleasure, and because they supported GOD and His messenger. They are the truthful.

Article 18
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Unlike most traditional Islamic societies, the Quran guarantees each idividual complete freedom of religion:

[2:256] There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.

Article 19
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Here we see how each individual must be ensured of the right to his own beliefs and way of life:

[18:29] Proclaim: "This is the truth from your Lord," then whomever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him disbelieve...

Article 20
Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
Compelling others to accept your own beliefs and values is a completely alien concept to the Quran. We are each free to choose our own associations and paths in life. Infact the Quran even recognizes that there is more than one path to God:

[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:148] Each of you chooses the direction to follow; you shall race towards righteousness. Wherever you may be, GOD will summon you all. GOD is Omnipotent.

Thus, what we believe is our own individual choice and nobody has the right to interfere with our own personal decisions so long as they do not infringe on the rights of others.

Article 21
Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
Everyone has the right to equal access to public service in his country.
The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
Consensus and public accountability to the public in all policymaking is the Quranic standard:

[42:38] They respond to their Lord by observing the Contact Prayers (Salat). Their affairs are decided after due consultation among themselves, and from our provisions to them they give (to charity).



[39:18] They are the ones who examine all words, then follow the best. These are the ones whom GOD has guided; these are the ones who possess intelligence.

Article 22
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

In the Quran, we clearly see the emphasis on a need for consensus, co-operation and on a compassionate approach to ensure the satisfaction of everyone:

[3:159] It was mercy from GOD that you became compassionate towards them. Had you been harsh and mean-hearted, they would have abandoned you. Therefore, you shall pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them�.
Article 23
Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
The Quran encourages commerce and commands us to be fair and equitable in all transactions:

[30:46] Among His proofs is that He sends the winds with good omen, to shower you with His mercy, and to allow the ships to run in the sea in accordance with His rules, and for you to seek His bounties (through commerce), that you may be appreciative.

[17:66] Your Lord is the One who causes the ships to float on the ocean, that you may seek His bounties. He is Most Merciful towards you.

[6:152] �You shall give full weight and full measure when you trade, equitably�

[11:85] "O my people, you shall give full measure and full weight, equitably. Do not cheat the people out of their rights, and do not roam the earth corruptingly.

Article 24
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

The Quran gives us general statements on how rest is part of human nature. None should be denied a good night�s sleep as night and day are designated with their own specific functions in meeting our needs. Denial of our right to a reasonable amount of leisure time would be detrimental to our health and contrary to what the Quran prescribes for us:

[28:73] It is mercy from Him that He created for you the night and the day in order to rest (during the night), then seek His provisions (during the day), that you may be appreciative.

[33:53] �do not engage him in lengthy conversations. This used to hurt the prophet, and he was too shy to tell you. But GOD does not shy away from the truth�


Article 25
Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.
The Quran guarantees social justice for everyone through the goals of fasting, zakat and prayer. Fasting is meant to instill within us a greater sense of empathy and social awareness towards the less fortunate. By voluntarily depriving ourselves of our need for food we are not only exerting self- restraint, but we are also more importantly inculcating within ourselves a greater sense of gratitude towards our Provider and generosity towards the poor. Zakat prescribes that we must set aside 2.5% of what we receive from our paychecks as a charity to those in need. These are religious duties upon every Muslim. Voluntary charity and caring for the orphans is also strongly encouraged.



[107:1-7] Do you know who really rejects the faith? That is the one who mistreats the orphans. And does not advocate the feeding of the poor. And woe to those who observe the contact prayers (Salat) - who are totally heedless of their prayers. They only show off. And they forbid charity.



[36:47] When they are told, "Give from GOD's provisions to you," those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Why should we give to those whom GOD could feed, if He so willed? You are really far astray."

[2:215] They ask you about giving: say, "The charity you give shall go to the parents, the relatives, the orphans, the poor, and the traveling alien." Any good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof.

[70:24-25] Part of their money is set aside. For the poor and the needy.

Article 26
Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.
The Quran generally encourages seeking God�s bounties and learning, emphasizing the use of our faculties to verify information. God is against anything that hinders the gaining of knowledge and encourages us to think freely rather than beeing blinded by our own traditions and values. We are also asked to open our eyes and reflect on God�s creation:

[86:5] Let the human reflect on his creation.

[54:17] We made the Quran easy to learn. Does any of you wish to learn?

[17:36] You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them.

[39:18] They are the ones who examine all words, then follow the best. These are the ones whom GOD has guided; these are the ones who possess intelligence.

Article 27
Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.
It is a human tendency found in all cultures and religions to impose limitations upon ourselves that prevent us from enjoying God�s blessings. Such is the case in much of the Muslim World, as cultures impose upon themselves, especially upon women, limitations and restrictions that stunt their social, economical, and psychological development. All unreasonable limitations on our freedoms as individuals are condemned in the Quran:



[7:32] Say, "Who prohibited the nice things GOD has created for His creatures, and the good provisions?" Say, "Such provisions are to be enjoyed in this life by those who believe. Moreover, the good provisions will be exclusively theirs on the Day of Resurrection." We thus explain the revelations for people who know.

[22:78] You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion - the religion of your father Abraham�
[2:185] �GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.
Article 28
Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

Similarly, all human beings are to be guarnateed all their rights in the Quran by virtue of being human.

Article 29
Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
The Quran strictly ensures us our rights so long as we do not infringe on the freedoms of others. It also reiterates that nothing shall abrogate God�s words:

[18:27] You shall recite what is revealed to you of your Lord's scripture. Nothing shall abrogate His words, and you shall not find any other source beside it.

[5:8] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses. Do not be provoked by your conflicts with some people into committing injustice. You shall be absolutely equitable, for it is more righteous. You shall observe GOD. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

[4:171] O people of the scripture, do not transgress the limits of your religion, and do not say about GOD except the truth�.

Article 30
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

Remarkably, the Quran takes note of the human tendeny to use religion as an ideological tool in the oppression of others to meet corrupt and political agendas. It thus strongly condenms such behaviour:

[3:7] He sent down to you this scripture, containing straightforward verses - which constitute the essence of the scripture - as well as multiple-meaning or allegorical verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the multiple-meaning verses to create confusion, and to extricate a certain meaning. None knows the true meaning thereof except GOD and those well founded in knowledge. They say, "We believe in this - all of it comes from our Lord." Only those who possess intelligence will take heed.

[2:79] Therefore, woe to those who distort the scripture with their own hands, then say, "This is what GOD has revealed," seeking a cheap material gain. Woe to them for such distortion, and woe to them for their illicit gains.



[3:78] Among them are those who twist their tongues to imitate the scripture, that you may think it is from the scripture, when it is not from the scripture, and they claim that it is from GOD, when it is not from GOD. Thus, they utter lies and attribute them to GOD, knowingly.













Source : AlJazeeranet

Almotamar Net - SANA'A,(Saba) - The Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence handed on Ali Ahmad Jarallah who was convicted of murdering the leading socialist politician Jarallah Omar in 2002.

Omar was shot to death while attending a congress for the opposition Islam party in Sana'a on December 28, 2002.

In September 2003, a primary court convicted Jarallah of assassinating Omar.

The verdict was backed by a court of appeals last April.

The convict has told the primary and appeal courts that he had killed Omar for his alleged public secular opinions.

He is to be executed by a firing squad after the sentence endorsed by President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Almotamar Net - HUDDEIDAH,(Saba) - Debts offered by the Small Enterprises Development Fund (SEDF) for projects in Huddeidah in the last nine months are totaled YR 79, 870,000.

The loans helped establishing 177 projects, Abdu Ahemd the SEDF's director in Huddeidah branch stated to Saba.

He said the projects supplied by the fund included hospitals, clinics,trade stores, tailor shops, tourism restaurants, petrol stations and others.

Almotamar Net - SANA'A,(Saba) � The consumption of poultry in Yemen fell by 20% due to the huge media campaign and the fears of the bird flu disease, according to informed sources.
The sources added that the Yemenis consume about 150 million chickens yearly; half of them are home-produced.
The sources expected that the consumption percentage would re-rise because of the awareness assumed after campaigns on the nature of the disease that is passed through, as the information affirm, the spray and the bird wastage.
They added that the disease dose not exist in Yemen and the ministries of Health, Agriculture and Environment took strict measures to ward off it, including carrying out precautionary awareness campaign among the public as for the preventative actions that should be taken.

Almotamar Net - SANA�A - The European Commission has granted Yemen �500,000 for child polio vaccinations in a campaign targeting 4,000,000 children.
The grant comes after it was found last June that 40% of world polio cases were in Yemen.

The EC grant will be a major boost for the door-to-door vaccination drive to prevent the virus from spreading among Yemeni children.
The report added that grants from the EC, a major donor to Yemen, over the last five years have amounted to �87 million, �9 million of which was a humanitarian aid.

By Yemen Observer

By Matthew Jones - LONDON (Reuters) - Three Romanian fraudsters were jailed on Friday in London for a worldwide fraud carried out via Internet auction house eBay which netted at least 300,000 pounds.

Some 3,000 victims from as far away as the United States and South Korea were snared by the trio in a scam involving crime bosses in Romania and which police fear continues to this day.

Judge Duncan Matheson sentenced Nicolae Cretanu, 30, to 3-1/2 years and his wife Adriana Cretanu 23, and their accomplice George Titar, 26, to 30 months each.

"This was on any showing a major and sophisticated fraud," Matheson told the Romanians as they stood in the dock at Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court.

Between 2003 and 2005 the three had played a major role in the fraud which worked by operating bogus auctions for consumer goods ranging from scooters to military memorabilia.

Unsuspecting eBayers who tried to buy the fictitious goods were contacted and told their bid had been unsuccessful.

The disappointed bidders were then offered a second chance to buy similar goods outside the eBay system which gives some protection from fraud.

EBay on Friday urged its users to be careful when trading.

"These criminals used the site to gather information and initially to contact their victims but carried out the fraud separately beyond the protected environment we provide," eBay.co.uk said in a statement.

"Always be wary of direct contact from sellers offering to sell 'off eBay' and of anyone asking for payments through money transfers."

Through a variety of aliases and using a number of forged Belgian passports, the Romanians made hundreds of collections from Western Union money transfer outlets in London.

They kept about 30 percent of the money they stole, the rest they passed onto crime bosses in Romania and the authorities are concerned the scam continues to be perpetuated by others.

British police believe the actual fraud committed by the Romanians and their accomplices was far greater than the 300,000 pounds detailed in court.



� Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved.

By Matthew Jones - LONDON (Reuters) - Three Romanian fraudsters were jailed on Friday in London for a worldwide fraud carried out via Internet auction house eBay which netted at least 300,000 pounds.

Some 3,000 victims from as far away as the United States and South Korea were snared by the trio in a scam involving crime bosses in Romania and which police fear continues to this day.

Judge Duncan Matheson sentenced Nicolae Cretanu, 30, to 3-1/2 years and his wife Adriana Cretanu 23, and their accomplice George Titar, 26, to 30 months each.

"This was on any showing a major and sophisticated fraud," Matheson told the Romanians as they stood in the dock at Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court.

Between 2003 and 2005 the three had played a major role in the fraud which worked by operating bogus auctions for consumer goods ranging from scooters to military memorabilia.

Unsuspecting eBayers who tried to buy the fictitious goods were contacted and told their bid had been unsuccessful.

The disappointed bidders were then offered a second chance to buy similar goods outside the eBay system which gives some protection from fraud.

EBay on Friday urged its users to be careful when trading.

"These criminals used the site to gather information and initially to contact their victims but carried out the fraud separately beyond the protected environment we provide," eBay.co.uk said in a statement.

"Always be wary of direct contact from sellers offering to sell 'off eBay' and of anyone asking for payments through money transfers."

Through a variety of aliases and using a number of forged Belgian passports, the Romanians made hundreds of collections from Western Union money transfer outlets in London.

They kept about 30 percent of the money they stole, the rest they passed onto crime bosses in Romania and the authorities are concerned the scam continues to be perpetuated by others.

British police believe the actual fraud committed by the Romanians and their accomplices was far greater than the 300,000 pounds detailed in court.



� Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved. The consumption of poultry in Yemen went down by 20% due to the huge media campaign and the fears of the bird flu disease, according to market sources. They added that the Yemenis consume about 150 million chickens per year; half of them are locally-produced.



According to SABA, the sources expected that the consumption would recover because of the awareness campaigns about the nature of the disease and the means to avoid it.



The market sources stressed that the disease does not exist in Yemen and the ministries of Health, Agriculture and Environment took strict measures to ward off it, including carrying out precautionary awareness campaign among the public as for the preventative actions that should be taken.


� 2005 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)

Almotamar Net - SANA'A,(Saba) - About 1,400 prisoners including 220 prisoners, who could not pay financial commitments would be set free shortly after a recommendation from a field inspection committee on jails.

Head of the committee, Judge Mohammed al-Badri, told the al-Mithaq weekly that those prisoners who could not afford their debts were granted financial aid by President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Badri said the president's aid will be released next week by heads of appeal courts and prosecutions in provinces of the country ahead of the Eid al-Fitr.

He said the task of the committee was not only to assess legitimacy of imprisonment but also to check out conditions of the jails in terms of food, education, and health care services offered to prisoners.

Almotamar Net - The Central Bank of Yemen (CBY) has said Yemen was country number 24 at world level to deliver its anti-money
launderingcommitments.
In an official report, published by the al-Mithaq weekly, the CBY sent an official note to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
detailing measurestaken by Yemen to combat the crime.

The bank issued a report in which it said that the bank has taken hard action to combat money laundering and financing terrorism.

The report said the bank was informing local financial institutions about suspected people who involve with acts of money laundering and
have relationswith terror activities.

Almotamar Net - number of Yemeni charitable societies, mainly the societies of Al-Saleh, Al-Islah, the People's Society in Hadramout, Al-Hikamah al-Yamania charitable society in Taiz and its branches in governorates have been carrying out their Ramadan charitable activities and projects.


Among those activities Al-Hikmah Society is carrying out its 16th general program consequently and in this regard the society gives Iftar project for the fasting offering 87160 food meals for the fasting Iftar, offering 14987 food help to poor families including rice, wheat flour, sugar, cooking oil, dates as well as distribution of Eid clothes to more than three thousand orphans and needy persons.

There is also an implementation of a joint project sponsored by the General Federation of Yemeni Women and al-Saleh Establishment for Social Development including distribution of Ramadan aid in all Yemeni governorates according to accounts containing names of the needy families, taking into account families of martyrs, the widows and the most needy women for such Ramadan help.

Al-Saleh establishment also carries out program of Ramadan assistance consisting of food stuffs for the needy. Mr. Ismael al-Wadeie, director of the sector of programs and projects in the establishment said the establishment's assistance programs aimed at offering aid to more than 300 thousand families in all Yemeni governorates. The assistance is distributed to those who really are in need and that is in coordination with the local councils in the districts and centers depending on statements of the social security departments.

Almotamar Net - More than 2000 charities and civil groups have been suspended for contravening the law, Ali Saleh Abdullah, the Deputy Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, has said.

The Deputy Minister said official reports had been submitted to governorate mayors demanding local authorities close the organizations.

Many of the organizations are reported to not even exist or operate under false names, while some have refused to reveal the donors who fund their activities. Others are said to be run by individuals for personal gain, while some have not held annual elections for five years.

Abdullah demanded that all organizations reveal their sources of funding and the beneficiaries of their activities. He said the ministry had acted against the groups after not responding to warnings. The organizations will now be struck off the ministry�s register and prevented from continuing their work. Approximately 1500 organizations have been suspended in the capital secretariat, Aden, and Mukalla.

Yahya Al-Sha�abi, the Governor of Aden, has also suspended 500 organizations he said were breaking the law. More closures are expected as ministry teams continue investigations into organizations� activities. Several organizations based in Taiz and Al-Hodeidah are also expected to be shut down.

Some political parties have been accused of using charitable organizations to illegally promote their party. This has resulted in the suspension of 20 organizations allegedly following Badruddeen Al-Houthi.

The ministry recently suspended an organization running social projects, funded by an unknown Italian organization, without permission from the ministry.

Source: Yemen times

Nadia Al-Saqqaf - Since the early nineties, the civil society movement or so is termed has seen a significant rise in both number and activities. Today, there are more than 4700 civil society organizations of different specialties registered with the Ministry of Social Affairs. This is a huge number considering the short history of such a movement and low capacity of this country, apparently, almost half of these organizations are active while less than 10% of them have an actual impact on the society.

Unfortunately, many of these organizations have been used as means for attracting donor support for personal gain and not for the community interest. During my work as an activist I have come across numerous local organizations and have realized that their actual connection with and hence representation of the communities is non-existent. Many civil societies speak on behalf of the people and play the guardian role only as an attempt to attract donor support, without excreting the least of an effort to take part in the development of the society of live up to their themes and their claims.

The right to represent the people is not gained on the bases of how many times the community or word charity is mentioned in the organization�s title or mission statement. It is rather an award given by the people to the civil society organization after over years of hard work in community service.

A True civil society movement is a prime contributor in development process; in Theory, civil society organizations have the authority to question the government and its accountability to the people. Any organization has the right to even take the government to the court of law and question its policies in order to protect the people�s interest and the common good. Without the credibility granted by the people the civil society organization is nothing more than a private business founded on unethical grounds.

source: Yemen Times

Almotamar Net -
SANA'A,(Saba)- Yemen and the International Development Agency IDA is to hold a meeting by the mid of November in Washington.
During the meeting, the two sides will sign a loan agreement to finance the 5th fisheries project at a cost of $ 32 million.
The Deputy Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Abdullah Al-Shater said that the World Bank would contribute in the project with $25 million and the European Union with $7 million in the project.

Almotamar Net - A source at the Ministry of Interior said it would launch an inquiry into the police attack against two journalists in Sanaa last Saturday. The Ministry stressed that the case was an �isolated incident and does not demonstrate a trend by police officers�.
However, this pledge did not satisfy the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate, which expressed its frustration with the government. The syndicate noted that �despite demands to the Ministry of Interior and the Office of the General Attorney to investigate regular attacks against journalists, no serious measures were taken by the authorities. This in turn, encouraged According to the Ministry of Interior, the investigation will only deal with the �circumstances of the attack� and will not necessarily take any measures against policemen themselves.

. - Eid Al Fitr
Muslims have two major celebrations in the year Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al dha . Both are called Eid (meaning celebration).
Eid Al-Fitr, or the Celebration of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is the month of fasting.
Eid Al-Fitr is the celebration that comes at the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month of fasting, every day from dawn until sunset. The Islamic Calendar follows the moon and so each year, the dates are shifted forwards by about eleven days in the normal calendar. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim year, and is followed by Shawal. The first three days of Shawal are the Eid days.
This year, (2005) the first day of Eid will fall on 3 th of Novmber in most countries. The reason it differs from country to country is the calendar. It is a little bit complicated, but each month has either 29 or 30 days. On the 29th night of the month, people look for the new moon. If it is spotted, then he month has 29 days, and the next day is the start of a new month. If it is not spotted the month continues on for a 30th day, and then the new month starts. These days, astronomers can predict the months and phases of the moon very accurately, but it is still traditional for the moon to be spotted by someone. So, if the sky is overcast over an entire country, even if the moon is there, it can�t be seen and the month continues for one more day.
Eid Al-Fitr is all about celebrating the good things that we have received, God�s (Allah�s) bounty and our family and friends. Every household who can afford it must pay a form of tax in the days leading up to Eid. It is a very small amount, and is paid for each person in the family. Traditionally the tax was in the form of food, although most people now give the equivalent in money. The money or food is given to poor people, so that they can celebrate Eid, too. The tax is not collected by anyone, and no one is forced to pay it, but it is required as a religious act, and almost everyone pays.
Many people decorate their houses for Eid. This is rather an odd thing, since no-one is sure when Eid is, until the last minute, and so decorations are put up very late on the last day of the month.
Everyone has new clothes for Eid. The last few nights of Ramadan it is almost impossible to get into the shops, as everyone is buying their clothes. A complete outfit is normal, right down to the shoes, and even the headscarves for the women.
On the morning of Eid, everyone gets up very early to go to the prayers. These are special prayers, held only at Eid. They are held only in very big mosques, or in large open areas. They are held about 80 minutes after sunrise.
After the prayers everyone goes home to have breakfast and then the celebrations really begin. It isn�t common for children to receive gifts. Instead they receive money. The amount given is small, , but still they get plenty. Everyone who visits the children, or everyone whom they visit, gives then the gift of money. In a large extended family, with lots of friends, the children can end up with a small fortune!
Sometime around midmorning people start to go out visiting. They visit their relatives, neighbors and friends in the morning. At each visit special cakes are eaten, and the children receive their money. The visits are very short as there are plenty to make. Dinner is spent with family. The traditional meal varies from country to country, the only standard thing being the special cakes. Each day of the holiday is spent with a different branch of the family, so that everyone gets visited. In the evening the visits start up again. This goes on for three days, but money is normally only given to the children on the first two days.
In between visiting, people make trips out into the streets. Many streets have a sort of fair going, with music, dancing, fireworks, kids' games and much more. Here the children get to spend their money. They buy candy, soft drinks, toys and rides. Everyone has great fun, and the children are always disappointed when it is over. The adults, on the other hand, are usually worn out and glad of the rest!

. - W.H.O CALLS FOR MORE FUNDS FOR HEALTH TO AVOID 2ND WAVE OF DEATHS FROM PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE

Funds for health have so far saved lives and reduced suffering

Geneva/Islamabad: Hundreds of thousands of people affected by the earthquake in Pakistan face the unnecessary risks of death, illness and further injury as winter approaches. People need shelter, safe drinking water and access to health care now and throughout the winter in order to survive.

The earthquake and aftershocks have killed over 53 000 people and injured an estimated 75 000, including many health staff. The latest available assessments show that 291 health facilities have been destroyed and 74 partially damaged of a total of 564 in the area. Less than half continue to operate.

The World Health Organization (WHO), with other health partners, is taking action and has already made a difference with the help of timely donations. Tens of thousands of people have had access to surgery, medicines, vaccination and other public health measures care.

To expand access to health care for the thousands who still need it now, to provide health care throughout the winter, and to prevent and respond to any outbreaks, WHO is appealing for a total of US$ 27.57 million, as part of the revised United Nations Appeal. So far, US$ 11 million has been pledged to WHO since 8 October.

"Without more help now, the second wave of deaths in Pakistan is coming. We cannot wait to see images of people freezing to death or dying of preventable disease before we act. With the money received so far, WHO, its partners and the Ministry of Health have made a difference to people's lives. The revised appeal will scale-up WHO's support," said Dr Ala Alwan, WHO Representative of the Director-General for Health Action in Crises.

Almotamar Net - Yemen and the sweeping majority of Muslims world-wide will celebrate `Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, on Thursday, November 3.

Yemen 's religious authority in Hodeida announced Tuesday, November 1, that Wednesday will be the last day of the dawn-to-dusk fasting month, and that `Eid Al-Fitr will fall on Thursday.

In Riyadh, the Saudi Judiciary Council announced that the new moon of Shawwal has not be sighted which means Ramadan will end Wednesday.

Following suit, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Palestine, Yemen, Algeria, Sudan and Tunisia announced that the Muslim feast will fall on Thursday.

In Beirut, Dar al-Iftaa [the Sunni fatwa authority) said the new moon has not been sighted and Ramadan will end Wednesday.

Ayatollah Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah, the Shiite religious authority in Lebanon, had announced earlier that `Eid Al-Fitr will fall Thursday.

The Association of Muslim Scholars, the highest Sunni religious authority in Iraq, and the Sunni religious endowment authority announced Tuesday that Wednesday will be the last day of the holy fasting month.

`Eid in Europe

Turkey said that Wednesday will be the last day of Ramadan and `Eid Al-Fitr will begin on Thursday.

The Muslim minority in France will celebrate the Muslim feast on Thursday, according to the French Council for the Muslim Religion (CFCM).

The Muslim Council of Britain, the leading representative body of the minority, said the Muslim feast will fall on Thursday in the European country.

The Shura Mosque in Vienna, one of the main reference authorities for the Muslim minority in Austria, announced that Wednesday will be the last day of Ramadan.

In Slovakia, the Islamic Awqafs (endowment) society announced that `Eid Al-Fitr will begin on Thursday.

The German Muslim Committee for Moon Sighting announced Tuesday that the new moon of Shawwal has not be sighted and Ramadan will end Wednesday.

In Belgium, the Muslim minority representative body said Muslims in the European country will celebrate `Eid Al-Fitr on Thursday.

A member of the Council of Muftis in Russia said the Muslim feast will fall on Thursday.

In Albania, the Islamic Sheikdom announced that Wednesday will be the last day of the dawn-to-dusk fasting month.

The Federation of Social Organizations (ARRAID), the Muslim umbrella body in Ukraine, said the new moon has not been sighted and Ramadan will end Wednesday.

Also, the leader of the Muslim minority in Tatarstan announced that `Eid Al-Fitr will be celebrated on Thursday.

Indonesians United

For the first time in years, Indonesian Muslims will celebrate `Eid Al-Fitr on the same day.

The government of the world's most populous Muslim country announced that the Muslim feast will fall on Thursday.

The two biggest Muslim organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiya, which usually stand different in deciding the moon sighting, made similar announcements.

Muhammadiyah usually marks Ramadan and `Eid Al-Fitr one day before NU.

Still to Sight

While some countries are still to sight the new moon, Libya was the only country to announce the end of the dawn-to-dusk fasting month, celebrating `Eid on Wednesday.

Malaysia, Oman, Morocco, Somalia, South Africa and Shiites in Iraq said they will sight the Shawwal moon on Wednesday.

Pakistan will sight the moon of the new month on Thursday.

Moon sighting is supposed to determine Arab lunar months. It has always been a controversial issue among Muslim countries, and even scholars seem at odds over the issue.

While one group of scholars believes Muslims in other regions and countries are to follow this sighting as long as these countries share one part of the night, another states that Muslims everywhere should abide by the lunar calendar of Saudi Arabia.

A third, however, disputes both views, arguing that Islam is against division and disunity, since Muslims, for instance, are not allowed to hold two congregational prayers in one mosque at the same time.

This group believes that the authority in charge of ascertaining the sighting of the moon in a given country (such as Egypt's Dar al-Iftaa) announces the sighting of the new moon, then Muslims in the country should all abide by this.

Almotamar Net - In his speech to the nation on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, President Ali Abdullah Saleh said on Wednesday that the Islam rejects all forms of extremism.
President Saleh affirmed that Islam is religion of "justice, mercy and tolerance," adding that the world now suffering from terrorism and its impacts on the peace, security and stability. "Terrorism has not religion or nationality. It is international epidemic in all countries," he said.
He called on the international community to gather efforts to rout out this epidemic.
President Saleh stated that Yemen has adopted democracy to realize justice, freedom and women's participation, and to protect human rights. He called on all to strengthen the democratic reality in the country through benefiting from previous experiences in order to pass negatives and reach wonderful future.

Almotamar Net -
By Musatfa Nasar , Fatma Mottaher & Thuraya Dammaj.

The 22nd of May 1990 was really a turning point in the modern history of Yemen. It was the day on which Yemeni people had crowned their long standing struggle for the homeland�s reunification. Most importantly is that a new era of democracy , security and political stability was launched in the country.

The general referenda held in 1991 to approve the first constitution of the Yemeni single state was the milestone of democratic march in Yemen. The result was 89% in favor of the constitution.
The republic of Yemen�s constitution amended through general referenda organized 2001, stated that people is the source of power and they shall exercise it directly through general election and referenda and indirectly through the elected local councils. Thereby , political regime in Yemen is based on democracy�s principles , pluralism and multi-parties.

Yemenis went on bolstering democracy experience and have grown accustom with its practices . Three parliamentary elections held in the country so far in 1993, 1997and 2003. The first direct presidential election took place in 1999. First local council election arranged in 2001.

Yemenis of all political stripes are convinced that democracy is the ideal option for ruling and peaceful exchange of power. President of the republic Ali Abdullah Saleh frequently repeated that � democracy is the life�s boat for both of the rulers and peoples�. He said.

Yemeni politicians either of the ruling party or the opposition are very keen to exercise democracy in consistent with the constitution. The two sides become more familiar with democracy principles and both of them is quite a ware of the others role.

Mr. Sultan AL-Barakany ,the head of the ruling party�s parliamentary bloc , the People General Congress(PGC) says� our relation as a ruling party with the opposition is governed by the constitution and laws. It is regulated by the agreement on the goals and disagreement on the means�.
He went on saying� we are proud that our country become familiar with a new situation known as a ruling and opposition. No body can deny the positive political changes which have been taking place ever since the first Yemeni election conducted in 1993�.

Dr. Mansor Al-Zindany, Mp of the Yemeni Grouping for Reform , largest opposition party, says � there is no way for comparison between the situation before the unity and what happens now. In the past we used to resort to armament activities to protest to our opponents policy or to come to power but now we have abandoned those vulgar ways forever and embarked on democracy for 14 years�.

Some analysts and observers think that relation between regime and opposition in Yemen is in the right track. The opposition plays reasonable role in criticizing the government performance and suspending some of its decisions. In short , the government forced to adopt transparence measures and to embrace practical mechanisms for combating corruption.

The head of political division of the Yemeni Socialist Party, Mr. Abdul-Ghany Abdul-Kader says � democracy is the main guarantee for protecting the unity and releasing the peoples potentials to go on development.
He adds � relationship between opposition and ruling authority must be based on equivalent basis thus, sound and quiet dialogue should be prevailed apart from smearing and defaming but targeting national interest�.



The government provides the political parties with financial support in accordance with the law. 25% of the government subsidy distributed to the whole parties represented in the parliament, whereas 75% distributed to the parties according to the percentage of votes which the party obtained in the general election, with the exception of those parties which gained less than 5% of the total amount of votes.

Following the pluralism and multi-parties being adopted in the country , 46 of political parties were declared , however 22 out of them had taken part in the 1993 parliamentary election. Eight parties had managed to win parliamentarian representation at the time against five parties in the current parliament.

Sultan Al- Brarkani , said ; the main issue between regime and opposition is that we couldn�t get real democracy and regime without genuine opposition..

He added � democracy is a long build- up process and it has been adopted recently in Yemen , however if we have come up to 40 % or 50% of progression it is quite good..

Almotamar Net - By Adnan Al-Sonwey.

Yemen perhaps, unlucky country both history and circumstances always seem to be as they are in rebellion against it in an attempt to divest it from its epithet �Arabia Flex� the surname it has deserved it now. � Commented�- one of the economists - about the Yemeni upheavals have taken place in spite of the horrible challenges

Yemen has already made a breakthrough in the economical and political fields since the country reunification in 1990. When the unity declared the country was chafed under overburden pile of economical , political and social problems.

Furthermore , the unity had entailed merging the Yemeni institutions and bodies what eventually gave rise to huge increasing in the civil service personnel as well the demand for services and infrastructure redoubled.
Thereby, the government had to face subtle financial troubles in order to cope up with those serious challenges. Particularly , restructuring the state institutions and ensuring great deal of jobs opportnities.

Thereupon , the government had to embark on structural adjustments program to reform the imbalances and bring the situation back into the right track in order to escape the country out of the total collapse.

Yemen has been carrying out a program of structural adjustments since 1995. It aims to bring about economical , financial and administrative reforms. The program has helped Yemen�s economy regaining its recovery.

The real growth rate in the (GDP) reached to (4.3%) in 2003, comparing to negative growth average came up to (2.3%) in 1994.
Thus , the rate of inflation has reduced gradually from (71%) in 1994 to reach at (13.6%) last year.
The deficit of the payment balance turned into surplus estimated at ($US 336) million dollar in 2003 , after long standing deficit record - it registered ($US463.1) million dollar in 1998.

Yemeni banking sector witnessed remarkable developments last year where currency�s offer increased with (30%) and current currency with (33.7%) of the total currency�s offer .

Based on banking and monetary indicators , the unified budget of trading banks totaling up to (YR536) billion rial in 2003 , comparing to (YR464) billion rial by the end of 2002.

Foreign exchange reserve in the Yemeni Central bank raised up from $US430 million dollar in 1994 , to come up to ($US3.5) billion dollar in 2001 and to reach at ($US6) billion dollar by the end of 2003, the highest sum the central bank of Yemen ever possesses so far.

Thus, the WB indicators showed up that poverty percentage has relatively reduced from(41.8% )in 1998 to (40.1%) in 2003.
As a result of the efforts exerted to rationalize the financial policies and boost the finance sources the state�s general revenue has grown with an average rate reached at (20.3%).

Eight of economical units were privatized last year in the light of restructuring the national economy and smoothing obstacles which hurdle the economic growth and diversity as well as market liberty. There are (37) of economical units were subjected to privatization where 60% out of them turned into private sector.

Several measures have been undertaken last year aimed at reforming and readjusting the administrative units system of the state.
The current government , formed following the parliamentary election in April 2003, included amount of structuring and renaming touched upon some ministries. In this context , seven of ministries and government�s bodies have been selected for restructuring in this year.

Around 22 of political parties are operating in Yemen nowadays in addition to more than (3l75) non-governmental organizations. There are also dozens of official , opposition and independence newspapers, magazines and bulletins are being published in the country.

Though democracy has been adopted recently three parliamentary elections were held in the country so far, moreover the presidential election in 1999 and local councils election in 2001, both of the two took place for the first time in Yemen.

With respect to legislative and legal domain several measures have been taken to restructure the concerned institutions. There are some (279) of legislative decrees and laws had been issued since the Unity, beside the executive laws and internal regulations in the various fields.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh flew this morning to Japan at the start of a tour that will also take him to Washington and Paris to discuss regional events, terrorism and economic cooperation.
Saleh, accompanied by several government ministers, told the state news agency before his departure that he was expected to "meet in Tokyo with Japanese Emperor Akihito and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi."
After Tokyo, Saleh said he will hold talks in Washington with President George W. Bush and in Paris with President Jacques Chirac, said SABA.
"We will discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties ... as well as regional and international developments ... chiefly in Palestine, Iraq, Somalia and the African Horn," he was quoted as saying.
"We will also discuss anti-terrorism efforts and ways to consolidate security, stability and peace in our region and the world," he said.
"As for anti-terrorism, Yemen has achieved positive results in that field," he said.

Almotamar Net - Al Bawaba - In his speech to the nation on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh said on Wednesday that the Islam rejects all forms of extremism.
According to SABA, President Saleh said that Islam is religion of "justice, mercy and tolerance," adding that the world now suffering from terrorism and its impacts on the peace, security and stability. "Terrorism has not religion or nationality. It is international epidemic in all countries," he said.
He called on the international community to gather efforts to rout out this epidemic.
President Saleh stated that Yemen has adopted democracy to realize justice, freedom and women's participation, and to protect human rights. He called on all to strengthen the democratic reality in the country through benefiting from previous experiences in order to pass negatives and reach wonderful future.

Almotamar Net - Yemen has been chosen as the host for crucial talks of the United Nation�s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The threat of Bird Flu and issue of water resources are expected to be high up on the list of issues to be discussed.

The conference aims to tackle challenges facing food and agriculture across the region, boosting technical assistance and improving the use of natural resources.

The talks next March are the 28th Regional Conference for the Near East region and will bring representatives from all the Arab nations to Sana�a.

Ministers from Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Cyprus and six countries of the former Soviet Union will also attend.

Hisham Al-Shamai, the FAO�s representative in Sana�a, said Yemen met all the requirements to hold such an important international conference.
�The conference is very important to discuss the policies of the organization and to help make them more effective,� Al-Shamai said.
The choice of Yemen as the host for the conference was approved by the members at the previous FAO regional meeting in Doha, Qatar.
Abu Baker Al-Qirbi, the Foreign Minister, said there was a high level of the cooperation between Yemen and FAO members and that everything possible would be done to ensure the conference was a success.
Abdul-Malik Al-Arashi, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, said that government ministries were coordinating closely with each other to prepare for the talks.

He said Yemen greatly appreciated the help the FAO had given in setting up development projects across the country.

Nine other countries who hold observer seats in the organization including the United States, Ethiopia, France, Germany, the Vatican, Japan, the Netherlands, Palestine and the United Kingdom, will also take part.

Around 32 ministers and representatives from the FAO and the UN are also expected to attend.

Food safety has become a growing concern for countries in the Near East region, with recent outbreaks of Bird Flu and �Mad Cow�s Disease�, or Bovine Spongiform Encephalitis (BSE), in some poultry and meat exporting countries around the world.

Some countries in the region import nearly 70% of all their food, so disease and contamination are a vital issue.

Import bans on food from countries affected by Bird Flu and BSE help to prevent the spread of the epidemic, but also force countries to import food from alternative - and often more expensive - sources.

The last conference in 2004 tackled problems of scarce water resources and agricultural irrigation, one of the most important issues concerning the region.

Plans for technical assistance to help with the ever increasing demands on limited water supplies and policy on the management of watersheds were discussed.

Countries were able to share their different experiences and research on water management in agriculture at the conference, and regional workshops were organized to develop appropriate strategies for water-harvesting and flood management.

source:Yemen Observer

Almotamar Net - On his way to Japan, President Ali Abdullah Saleh
took a destination pause in the Thai capital Bangkok where he met
with Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs, Khantathi Suphamongkon
During the meeting, they discussed mutual relations between Yemen and Thailand and means of enhancing them. Talks also touched on developing trade cooperation in fisheries, air transportation and tourism. Suphamongkon briefed Saleh on the situation in north Thailand and the Thai Government's efforts to solve problems and reinforce national solidarity, asking the Yemeni President to mediate between Thailand and Malaysia to solve the dispute over the 131 Thai refugees. President Saleh pledged to play a role in normalizing ties between Thailand and Malaysia.

Almotamar Net - Minister of Electricity Abdu-Rahman Tarmom left
to Beijing on Saturday heading a delegation to participate in the 2nd
International Conference for Renewable Energy to be held on November 7-8.

The conference, in which a number of Arab and foreign countries would
participate, aims to generating extra development in participating countries
and highlighting energy role in development.

Tarmom stated to Saba that he would also discuss with his counterparts
from other countries ways to develop and activate mutual cooperation in
renewable energy which would help meet the demand for electricity.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh is scheduled to
meet with the U.S. President George W. Bush at the White House on November
10, the White House said Saturday.

In a statement the White House announced that "President
Bush will welcome President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen to the White House
on November 10.
"
"The two leaders will discuss a range of bilateral issues, including the
President's Freedom Agenda and cooperation on the war on terrorism."

President Saleh is due to arrive in the Japanese capital Tokyo in an official
visit as part of a tour that would also take him to the United States
and France.

"

Almotamar Net - Unusual destination for immigrants
Yemeni security sources revealed Saturday that coast guards seized 750 illegal immigrants, including 180 women and children, during the month of October only.

They said the majority of the immigrants carried Somali documents and a few came from Ethiopia and Eritrea.

The immigrants are mainly intercepted at the western shores of Yemen on the Red Sea after undergoing a dangerous voyage in usually rough seas packed in small dinghies, many of which capsize before reaching safe shores.

Journalist and social researcher Nizar Abbadi cited miserable living conditions, authoritarian rule, persecution and absence of safety and security as the main reasons for driving the immigrants to seek refuge in a poor country like Yemen.

"Yemen is among the poorest countries in the world, and yet it has become a strange destination for immigrants," Abbadi told United Press International. "And the scene is of one of the most terrible humanitarian tragedies that needs to be tackled and dealt with closely by the international community."

According to the U.N. High Commission for Refugees in Yemen, around 50,000 refugees have been registered with the U.N. organization, while unofficial figures estimate more than half a million unregistered immigrants are living illegally in the country.

The first batch of Somali refugees arrived in Yemen following the outbreak of the civil strife in Somalia in 1991. They increased gradually as the conflict in Somalia intensified and reached a climax in 2001, raising the annual average of incoming refugees to 14,000.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdulla Saleh arrived Tokyo today within his official tour which will take him to Japan, US and France.
Saleh will hold talks with Japanese Emperor Akihito and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and a number of Japanese officials on bilateral relations.

Almotamar Net - The World Health Organization will organize in the Swiss capital, Geneva, an international conference in cooperation with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, to discuss an international plan on fighting the bird flu disease.
The Cable News Network (CNN) said on Sunday that the conference would be attended by hundreds of health experts and will discuss granting economic aids to the poor countries to help them fight the disease.

Almotamar Net - Aden University is to host the Yemeni-Cuban Medical Conference during the period from 20th to 23rd November.

The conference is organized by the university in cooperation with the Cuban University for the Medical Science.

The conference will discuss aspects of the mutual cooperation ties between
the universities in both countries.

Almotamar Net - Yemen would host the 2ed conference for the Association of Shura Councils and Senates in Africa and Arab World presided by Chairman of of Yemeni Shura Council Abdul-Aziz
Abdul-Ghani.

The meeting aims at reinforcing and strengthening the Arab and African cooperation and building a united regional stance toward the international developments in order to participate in the
international security and peace.

Chairpersons and representatives of 18 Arab and African countries would take part in this conference which first took place in 2004.

It is expected that the conference would approve the association general secretariat's proposals over the basic and internal systems.

Moreover, it would discuss financial and administrative reports over the last period, and proposals over next year's budget.

In press remarks, Abdul-Gani highlighted importance of the conference which would come up with a number of solutions for the current Arab, African and international social and political issues.

The association's secretary-general Lifinos Asogy hailed Yemen for hosting the conference and its efforts in supporting the
association.

Almotamar Net - A report by Qabas International Economic Consultants (QIEC) revealed several signs for a healthier travel and tourism sector in Yemen as the flow of tourists has increased steadily in 2005, consequently placing Yemen in the second rank after UAE among all Arab countries in terms of tourism growth; a recent; whereas a second report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimated that the travel and tourism sector in Yemen will generate more than YR 300 billion (USD 1.5 billion) of economic activity in 2005, and will grow three folds to a staggering YR one trillion by 2015.

The UK-based international organization said that Yemen will become the second fastest growing Arab country with a 5.9% annualized real growth rate in travel and tourism during (2006-2015) just ahead of Egypt with a nominal difference of 0.1%.

The high growth rate is partially attributed to the relative security in the last few years, compared to the late 1990s when kidnapping of foreign tourists was a phenomenon causing a drop in the number of tourists coming to the country.

The report gave hope by reiterating the tourism growth potentials in the country, which it viewed as mostly unexploited: �Yemen appears poised to regain its long-term level of growth forecast for Travel and Tourism after suffering some disappointing results in 2004 especially for Visitor Exports, which posted a significant loss for the year.� the report said.



Yemen in the Arab world

Although Yemen�s tourism share in the Arab world is relatively insignificant, the potential and possibilities in this sector will give it an edge in conditional if the country continues to enjoy good political stability and security.

While other countries, such as Egypt and the UAE, have almost reached saturated levels of tourism compelling them to face significant challenges to keep this momentum growing without massive transformations in their infrastructure, Yemen has a tourism industry that is at its infancy, but which will require massive investments particularly in the infrastructure and building human resources capability aspects.

The Arab countries� share of international tourism is among the least in the world. According to the report released by QIEC, in 2002, Arab countries altogether represented a mere 5.3 per cent of international tourism, However, Yemen�s growth prospects is expected to increase its share of tourism revenues in the Arab world, and potentially increase the overall share of Arab countries as a whole.

The World Tourism Organization described Yemen as �a hospitable and attractive tourism destination that is unique in its culture, civilization and diversity of terrain, and in featuring the coastal, sport, marine, and mountainous tourism attractions.�



Contribution to GDP

The WTTC report said that Yemen�s travel and tourism industry is expected to contribute 1.9% to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2005 (YR 50.5 billion or USD 253.2 million), rising in nominal terms to YR 133.7 billion or USD 367.5 million (1.8% of total) by 2015. Hence the sector�s economic contribution (percent of total) should rise from 8.5% (YR 223.5 billion or USD 1,120.6 million) to 10.3% (YR 747.8 billion or USD 2,055.8 million) in this same period.

The report estimated that Yemen�s travel and tourism would provide 417,246 jobs in 2005, which constitutes 7.2% of total employment, or one in every 13.9 jobs. By 2015, this should total 688,223 jobs, 8.6% of total employment or one in every 11.6 jobs. The 96,431 industry jobs account for 1.7% of total employment in 2005 and are forecast to total 126,202 jobs or 1.6% of the total by 2015.

�In Yemen, exports make up a very important share of travel and tourism�s contribution to GDP.� the report noted. Of total Yemen exports, the sector is expected to generate 13% (YR 134 billion or USD 671 million) in 2005, increasing to YR 528 billion, or USD 1,452 million (11.7% of total), in 2015.



Major challenges ahead

According to the governmental National Information Center, the major challenges facing Yemen are due to the weak infrastructure which cannot meet the growing demand in the tourism sector; the lack of qualified human capital which aids in setting up the tourism industry and prepare the environment to become more tourism-friendly coupled with the lack of law enforcement particularly in regulating the carrying of weapons and lack of awareness of the importance of tourism are the most important challenges that lie ahead.

However, the Yemeni government is keen to address the importance of tourism and in fact called the year 2005, the year of tourism. Foreign Minister Dr. Abu Bakr Al-Qirbi told Asharq Al-Awsat regional daily in an interview published last week that the government is actively seeking foreign investments to develop the tourism sector.

�Tourism can be developed in Yemen, for there are areas that have better tourist attractions than the places GCC tourists� visit.� he said, noting that the revenues generated from tourism in Gulf countries could be matched and surpassed if the tourism industry in Yemen is developed properly.



Local tourism flourishing

Meanwhile, the level of local tourism has grown steadily in the last few years and in 2005 exceeded half a million tourists annually. Many of those tourists come from neighboring countries or are Yemenis residing abroad, while many are residents enjoying local tourism inside the country; mainly the residents of inland cities visiting coastal areas to enjoy the Yemeni beaches and the pleasant weather; for example hotel rooms in the port Aden are usually fully booked weeks before the Eid vacation, causing inconvenience for many travelers who end up in tents or are forced to pay excessive fees for accommodation as a result of the shortage in supply.

Despite the positive contribution of local tourism to the national economy, economic experts believe that it is yet to be taken full advantage of and regulated to benefit a larger portion of the community. By facilitating investments in the tourism sector, limiting bureaucracy in movement of vehicles and people from and to the country, local tourism could double or triple in the coming years.

The National Information Center predicts by 2010, there will be more than 711,000 local tourists, while the number of foreign tourists may rise to about 150,000.

Almotamar Net -
A personal memory by OLIVER MILES

Although I was an outsider, from the Foreign Office and not from the Aden Service, I had an insider�s view of the last six months of British rule in Aden thirty years ago. This was because the last High Commissioner, Sir Humphrey Trevelyan, decided that he wanted a private secretary from the Foreign Service, to which he himself had belonged. I was already in the country because the Foreign Office wanted one of their people to have some knowledge of it in readiness for the Embassy which would be accredited to the independent government.
Up to that point I had been serving in the so called Eastern Aden Protectorate (not that we ever gave it much protection) as assistant to the British Resident in Mukalla. The President, Jim Ellis, was in the fine Harold Ingrams tradition and had done his utmost to bring peace and prosperity to the area, without too much success. Although I heard the praises of Harold Ingrams as peacemaker sung around a camp fire on the plateau in what was then the tribal area, the fact is that the EAP remained in pretty much the state of tribal anarchy which had existed in Arabia since the beginning of history and earlier. For me, a young Arabist, it was a unique opportunity - rather as if an American diplomat coming to Europe was able to spend a little time with Robin Hood in the greenwood. The tribal game was still being played according to the old rules: you scored by killing a male member of the other tribe, and if you killed so many that the other side could not level the score even by wiping your side out, you could draw stumps. It was perhaps only later when I served in Saudi Arabia that I realised how astonishing it was that Ibn Saud had created a more or less unified and pacified Kingdom in what had been, as recently as the days of Doughty, "the fanatic Arabia".

Aden was another story, a Crown Colony and not a mere protectorate, and therefore equipped with at least the beginnings of institutions such as courts, unions and even at one time a Legislative Council, to say nothing of hotels, buses and drains. Mukalla had some outsiders, including the Sultan and his hangers on, but in Aden one sometimes wondered whether there were many indigenous Arabs among the races who came to create the modern city - for when the British arrived Aden was scarcely a village.

I do not know if Trevelyan grasped from the beginning that his real task would be just to get the British army and civilian officials out with the minimum bloodshed. I suspect he did, because he was extraordinarily acute and the minister who appointed him, George Brown, was of the school that saw no future at all in Britain�s presence in Arabia. At first, however, we had a wider agenda, seeking to provide a framework in which relatively democratic forces in Aden and our traditional friends in the upcountry states could work together in peace. Especially in Aden and the Western protectorate, officials had struggled long to build the Federation of South Arabia, and were extremely reluctant to accept that it was still-born. In addition, we continued to be preoccupied with the familiar forgotten tasks of colonial government; justice, health, economic development, and so on.

We both understood and to some extent sympathised with the wish to see the British gone, but it was hard for me not to feel bitter as the various groups and individuals committed to liberation, known as terrorists for short, continued to kill people largely because of the colour of their skins, such as my friend and contemporary Derek Rose who was murdered in an Aden street when his old car broke down. The decision that we were leaving had been taken and announced, so one might ask why our political and military problems remained as acute as they did. There were, I think, a number of answers to this question. One was that we were not believed; surely Aden was too precious for us to give it up? Another was that a record of violence against the British might turn out to be a valuable thing to have in one�s CV. Some of the "terrorists" were indeed terrorists, who believed in bloodshed as a necessary condition of political change. But the most important point was that the forces aligned against us, which we assumed to be more or less coherent, were in reality deeply divided, and we were caught in the cross fire between them. This became increasingly obvious towards the end, as we shall see.

Our position was a difficult one. Quite literally, the world was against us, as was demonstrated by the farcical and disgraceful visit of a United Nations Commission sent out to tell us how to solve our problems - it was scant consolation that an African and a Latin American, devout believers in the anti-imperialism which was the religion of the day, were nevertheless unable to adopt a sufficiently anti-British posture to avoid being run out of town by the "terrorists". Across the border in North Yemen the Egyptian Intelligence Service, involved along with the Egyptian army in the Yemen civil war, still had its tail up and was taking every opportunity to make life dangerous for us - again, scant consolation that they were seen off by the Yemenis only a few weeks later than ourselves. Within the territory, the levers of influence were melting away in our hands. For example, if a "terrorist" was arrested, we could only lock him up for a period which would end with our own departure, thus ever decreasing; in any case, detention by the British, with that valuable point on one�s CV, might be the best way to survive the desperate final struggle between the liberation organisations.

In desperation we resorted to some disreputable methods. Pressure was applied to detainees to get information, until the practice was busted by the International Red Cross. I was disgusted by the continuation of the practice of giving rifles to our friends up-country, which had once been a matter of honour, but had become a cheap bribe - neither moral nor prudent, dragons� teeth indeed. Were rough tactics used by the army? Certainly the reputation of the Argylls for dealing on the spot with anyone who hurt one of their soldiers - whether or not the reputation was based in fact - was understood in a tribal society and seemed to contribute to much lower casualty figures, both Arab and British, wherever the Argylls happened to be. Just after the Argylls retook Crater from the "terrorists" - apparently more by the power of the bagpipe than the gun - I was invited by their Adjutant to make a tour with him, I must admit with an armoured car in close attendance behind us. It was not as I expected, particularly when small Arab children came up to my friend the Major and offered him sweets. Surely he could not have stage managed it, only twenty-four hours after retaking the city?

Trevelyan, a veteran of the Indian Political Service and a former Ambassador in Moscow (and avid reader of Pushkin), was a truly great man, shrewd and kind, leader, manager and tactician. Some examples: relations between Government House and the military were traditionally tense, so on his second day in Aden Trevelyan overrode protocol and insisted on visiting the Commander in Chief in his headquarters; so simple the gesture, so great the benefit! He seems to have been the only official in the Foreign Office who understood that a clear decision from George Brown at breakfast was worth any amount of fuddled discussion later in the drinking day. On a larger issue, he successfully fought against London�s determination to set a date for final withdrawal, arguing that it would leave control of the end game entirely in the opposition�s hands. He was right, and at final departure, to the strains of "Fings Ain�t Wot They Used to Be", not a shot was fired. Only once did I, as his private secretary, have to fight him and win, when he was to give a George Medal to a bomb disposal expert; it had to be early in the morning for timetable reasons, and he thought it would not be the thing to serve champagne.

The end was a mystery. The Front for the Liberation of South Yemen, absurdly known as FLOSY, the darling of Cairo, of the United Nations and of a great part of the British Labour party, with its leaders like Makkawi and Asnag all ready to step into their ministerial offices, was blown away in a few weeks by a mysterious organisation known to us as the National Liberation Front - the Qawmiyin. Who were they? How did they do it? How was it that, when we eventually sat down with them for our hasty handover negotiations in Geneva, we recognised more than one face we had known in the federal army or the armed police, people of whose true purpose we had known nothing? The quotation has become hackneyed, but Trevelyan and I found it singularly apt:

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world...
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

...somewhere in the sands of the desert
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.

...what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?

December, 1997

Almotamar Net -
Compiled by NAJLA ABU-TALEB

Sana�a is a �must�, however long the journey takes
La budd min Sana�a wa lau taal al-safr

From a pound of talk, an ounce of understanding
Min ratl hakya tafham wiqya

A foreigner should be well-behaved
Ya gharib kun adib

Look to your near neighbour rather than to your distant brother
Jaarak al-qarib wa la akhuk al-ba�id

Work like an ant and you�ll eat sugar
Kun namla wa takul sukr

Who dies today is safe from tomorrow's sin
Man maat al-yaum salim min dhanb bukra

My fist is in his mouth, his fist is in my eye (i.e. �six of one, half a dozen of the other�)
Yaddi fi fumuh wa yadduh fi �aini

A friend in time of need is a friend indeed
La sadiq illa fi waqt al-dhiq

A monkey in its mother�s eye is like a gazelle (i.e. love is blind)
Qird fi �ain ummuh ghazaal

If speech is of silver, silence is golden
Lau kan al-kalaam min fidha fa al-samt min dhahab

A bird in hand is worth ten in a tree
'Asfoor fil yadd wa la �ashra fi al-shajarah

Out of sight, out of mind
Ma ghaab �an al-nadhr ghaab �an al-khaatir

If you have honey, don�t lick the pot clean
Idha sahibak �asl la talhusuh kulluh

A white piastre for a black day
Al-qirsh al-abyad li al-yaum al-aswad

You play with a snake and call it a worm
Tal�ab bi hanash wa taquluh dudah
**************************************
source: British-Yemeni Society

Almotamar Net - (AP) - Google Inc.'s Internet-leading search engine on Thursday will begin serving up the entire contents of books and government documents that aren't entangled in a copyright battle over how much material can be scanned and indexed from five major libraries.

The list of Google's so-called "public domain" works -- volumes no longer protected by copyright -- include Henry James novels, Civil War histories, Congressional acts and biographies of wealthy New Yorkers.

Google said the material represents the first large batch of public domain books and documents to be indexed in its search engine since the Mountain View-based company announced an ambitious library-scanning project late last year.

The program is designed to make more library material available through a few clicks of a computer mouse and attract more people to click on the highly profitable ads that Google displays on its Web site.

During the next several years, Google wants to create digital versions of millions of books stacked in the New York Public Library and four university libraries -- Stanford, Harvard, Michigan and Oxford.

Google declined to disclose how many books have been scanned from the libraries so far. The project is expected to require years to complete.

But a bitter copyright dispute is threatening to crimp Google's plans.

The Authors Guild and five major publishers are suing to prevent Google from scanning copyrighted material in the libraries without explicit permission.

Because it plans to show only snippets from copyrighted books, Google argues its scanning project constitutes "fair use" of the material.

Google postponed the scanning of copyrighted books in August to give writers and publishers more time to opt out of the program. The scanning of copyrighted material resumed this week, with an emphasis on books no longer in print.

Almotamar Net - (AP) -- In another time and place, college students wondering whether the campus cafe has any free seats, or their favorite corner of the library is occupied, would have to risk hoofing it over there.

But for today's student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, that kind of information is all just a click away.

MIT's newly upgraded wireless network -- extended this month to cover the entire school -- doesn't merely get you online in study halls, stairwells or any other spot on the 9.4 million square foot campus.

It also provides information on exactly how many people are logged on at any given location at any given time. It even reveals a user's identity if the individual has opted to make that data public.

MIT researchers did this by developing electronic maps that track across campus, day and night, the devices people use to connect to the network, whether they're laptops, wireless PDAs or even Wi-Fi equipped cell phones.

The maps were unveiled this week at the MIT Museum, where they are projected onto large Plexiglas rectangles that hang from the ceiling. They are also available online to network users, the data time-stamped and saved for up to 12 hours.

Red splotches on one map show the highest concentration of wireless users on campus. On another map, yellow dots with names written above them identify individual users, who pop up in different places depending where they're logged in.

"With these maps, you can see down to the room on campus how many people are logged on," said Carlo Ratti, director of the school's SENSEable City Laboratory, which created the maps. "You can even watch someone go from room to room if they have a handheld device that's connected."

Researchers use log files from the university's Internet service provider to construct the maps. The files indicate the number of users connected to each of MIT's more than 2,800 access points. The map that can pinpoint locations in rooms is 3-D, so researchers can even distinguish connectivity in multistoried buildings.

"Laptops and Wi-Fi are creating a revolutionary change in the way people work," Ratti said. The maps aim to "visualize these changes by monitoring the traffic on the wireless network and showing how people move around campus."

Some of the results so far aren't terribly surprising for students at the vanguard of tech innovation.

The maps show, for example, that the bulk of wireless users late at night and very early in the morning are logged on from their dorms. During the day, the higher concentration of users shifts to classrooms.

But researchers also found that study labs that once bustled with students are now nearly empty as people, no longer tethered to a phone line or network cable, move to cafes and nearby lounges, where food and comfy chairs are more inviting.

Researchers say this data can be used to better understand how wireless technology is changing campus life, and what that means for planning spaces and administering services.

The question has become, Ratti said, "If I can work anywhere, where do I want to work?"


Graduate student Sonya Huang, stands in front of a map of the MIT campus that shows the flow of wireless Internet users at the school."Many cities, including Philadelphia, are planning to go wireless. Something like our study will help them understand usage patterns and where best to invest," said researcher Andres Sevtsuk.

Sevtsuk likened the mapping project to a real-time census.

"Instead of waiting every year or every 10 years for data, you have new information every 15 minutes or so about the population of the campus," he said.

While every device connected to the campus network via Wi-Fi is visible on the constantly refreshed electronic maps, the identity of the users is confidential unless they volunteer to make it public.

Those students, faculty and staff who opt in are essentially agreeing to let others track them.

"This raises some serious privacy issues," Ratti said. "But where better than to work these concerns out but on a research campus?"

Rich Pell, a 21-year-old electrical engineering senior from Spartanburg, South Carolina, was less than enthusiastic about the new system's potential for people monitoring. He predicted not many fellow students would opt into that.

"I wouldn't want all my friends and professors tracking me all the time. I like my privacy," he said.

"I can't think of anyone who would think that's a good idea. Everyone wants to be out of contact now and then."

Almotamar Net - More than 600 individuals representing a total of 185 families benefited from the special food parcel programme executed in Yemen by the UAE Red Crescent Society, RCS, as part of the gestures of President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the holy month of Ramadan,WAM reported taday.

Commenting on the prgamme, Saleh Mohammed Al Mulla, RCS' Deputy Secretary General for Relief Affairs and Projects, praised the UAE President for the kind gesture. He also praised Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces for his continuous support and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and RCS Chairman for his follow-up and efforts in seeing to the success of the programme.

He pointed out that the RCS ensured the presence of its representative in the Palestinian refugee camps in Yemen to ensure the successful execution of the programme. He said the exact number of Palestinian families in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, was identified with the help of the Palestinian Ambassador in Sana'a, adding that the latter's cooperation enabled the RCS to easily execute the programme with great efficiency.

Beneficiaries of the programme have expressed profound gratitude to the UAE President, Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan. They have also expressed gratitude to the UAE Government and people for the kind gesture.

Almotamar Net - Oracle Energy Corp. announced today that it has been notified by Block 22 operator Yemen Mayfair Petroleum Corp. (YMPC) that good progress has been made on the drilling of the Beta-1 well. As of Sunday morning, November 6, 2005, a total depth of 1518 metres was reached and logs were run. Currently 9 5/8"casing is being set prior to commencement of drilling the prospective section down to 2500 metres. The well is designed to test the hydrocarbon potential of Upper Miocene reservoirs.

Oracle Energy Corp. holds a 15% participating interest in Block 22. Principals of YMPC were instrumental in the discovery of Yemen's first giant oil field in the mid-1980's, located in the Marib basin. Block 22, was awarded to YMPC in 1993. It encompasses 8,151 square kilometers within the Tihama Basin in the western region of the Republic of Yemen.

The information contained herein does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan or Australia.

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the contents of this news release.

Source: ccnmatthews

Almotamar Net - TOKYO, Nov 07, (Saba) � President Ali Abdullah Saleh met here on Monday with a number of the Japanese parliament headed by the chairman of the Yemeni-Japanese Friendship parliament Assembly Masio Fokoda.
The meeting discussed the bilateral cooperative relations and the means of developing them.
President Saleh appreciated the Japanese support to strengthen the democracy and development and its important role in stabilizing peace in the region and the world.
The president stated that Yemen supports Japan to get the permanent membership in the International Security Council.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of State Abdullah Al-Bashiri, parliament member Motaher Alhejri, Yemeni Ambassador to Tokyo Ali Al-Saqaf and the Japanese Ambassador to Sana'a Yuichi Ishii.

Almotamar Net - Terrorism can be limited by reducing poverty, implementing strategic projects and creating new jobs, President Ali Abdullah Saleh stated on Monday at his meting with the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affaires Taro.
At the meeting, Saleh appreciated efforts exerted by Japan in supporting development and democracy in Yemen.
The meeting discussed the Yemeni efforts in economic development and combating terror, as well as the implementation and funding of a
number of strategic projects by Japan.
On the other hand, Saleh met with Tadashi Izawa vice-chairman of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Saleh spoke highly about the role played by the JICA in supporting development projects in Yemen.Izawa expressed his agency's willingness to fund and support projects of the development program in Yemen.
Meetings were attended by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Ahmad Sofan, Minister of Foreign Affaires Dr Abu Baker
Al-Qirbi, Minister of State Abdullah Al-Bashiri, Yemeni Ambassador to Tokyo Ali Al-Saqaf and the Japanese Ambassador to Sana'a Yuichi Ishii.

Almotamar Net - Sana�a is one of Yemen�s governates; it is situated at the center of the Yemeni plateau between two mountains in the Sana�a Basin. These mountains are the Nuqum and Ayban Mountains, and are on a height 2200 meters above sea level. Sana�a has a bright sun throughout the year except for a few weeks in the summer and spring, which are often cloudy. Generally, it is wonderfully fresh and moderate in summer and cold in winter. All districts and outskirts of Sana�a are mountainous.

Sana�a is considered one of the Islamic historical towns because it has the Old City of Sana�a that is a real miracle of old architecture. The old city of Sana�a is one of the most beautiful cities in Arabia and the Islamic World. The city is known by several names including the city of � Sam �. It is also said that the city was built by Shem, the son of Noah, following the flood.

It is also called � Azal � but the most common name is �Sana�a�, which is mentioned in a number of ancient Yemeni inscriptions, and means �the protected�.

In Sana�a there are more than 50 mosques, five with domes and many with minarets, the most important of which is the Great Mosque, built during the life of Prophet Mohammed and ordered by him in the Eighth Hegira year 630 AD.

There are many other mosques, which are not less beautiful or wonderful with respect to the style of minarets, domes and artistic embellishments. Sana�a has the highest mountain in Arabia; the mountain of the Prophet Shueib, which is 3766 meters above sea level.

It has also the most beautiful village Al-Hajara and the best quality of Yemeni coffee and grapes.

Tourist Area In Sana�a:

� Old Sana�a :
With its unique and marvelous architecture, Old Sana�a is in itself a living museum. The beauty of the city has inspired many writers, architects, poets, and even tourists. One cannot but imagine the talent and taste of the original architects of such a magnificent city.

The market is considered to be one of the significant components of the Arabic Islamic cities and the markets of old Sana�a are regarded as a living and rare example of this.

There are ten such markets, each specializing in a certain craft or merchandise such as the Cloth market, Grain market, Silk market, Raisins market, Cattle market, Thread market, Coffee Husk market, Caps market, Carpet market, Salt market, Brassware market, Silverware market, Firewood market, all of which are perfumed with the scents of the East.

There are about 15 steam baths in old Sana�a, which are a fundamental feature of the city, as baths are associated with cleanliness. It is said that the Persians introduced the baths.

Since 1984, the UNESCO has listed Old Sana�a among the international heritage cities as �World Heritage of Mankind�.

� Samsarah (Caravansaries):
In old Sana�a there were a number of inns (Khans), which were used to perform specific functions that were complementary to the business of the market, such as services of accommodation, storage, safekeeping of deposits and precious items.

Such facilities had a specific architectural style characterized by arches and terraces in the interior. The ground floor was usually used for camels and horses, there are even now samples of such brokerage inns. One of them is Al-Nahas Caravansary at the entrance of Salt Market, Bab Al-Yemen (Yemen Gate). This is now used as a center for the training of craftsmen and for the displaying of their products. Near by is another example called Samsarat Al-Mansour, which is presently a center artists whose medium is paint.

� Dhahr Valley :
Wadi Dhahr is located 14 km to the northwest of Sana�a and is considered to be the most important recreation area for the city of Sana�a. Here all kinds of fruit are grown. In the center of the Wadi perches Dar Al-Hajar (Rock Palace), a palace built on top of an enormous rock dating back to 1786 AD, and ordered by Imam Mansour Ali Bin Mehdi Abbas.

In addition, there are a number of ancient monuments scattered within the Wadi. Yemenis like to come with their families to this vantage point and gaze at the beautiful valley.

On Fridays tourists can witness traditional wedding dances in the plateau, visit the Palace and have small walking trips through the village.

� Al-Rawadha:
It is situated 8 km to the north of the city center. There is an ancient mosque in Al-Rawadha with artistically decorated minarets dating back to the 17th century. This mosque is called Imam Gasim Mosque. It also has rural clay houses made in the Sana�a style in addition to numerous vineyards.

Many people in Sana�a throughout history have gone to Al-Rawadha in order to relax, especially in the season of grape harvests. Another ancient landmark in this area is Al-Rawadha historical Palace, Which dates back to the early twentieth century and used to be one of the Palaces of Imam Yahya. It is now a hotel.

� Bait Baws:
A typical old village, Bait Baws is located 7 km to the south of Sana�a. Existing inscriptions found in the west of village show that the area was an important center in the ancient history of Yemen. The village is naturally fortified with only on entrance to the south.

� Haddah:
Lying about 8 kilometers from the city center, this region is continuously green because of its long trees of peanuts and other seasonal fruits. There are some old windmills, built during the Ottoman Empire�s rule of Yemen, which were driven by the force of water currents.

source: Yemen Times

Almotamar Net - Official sources said that Aden�s oil refinery had increased its annual production capacity for various oil derivative products this year, which could enable it to produce more than 5 million tons of petroleum products annually.

According to statistics by the refinery�s administration, daily production of the refinery increased to 120,000 barrels per day after going through a complete maintenance operation to raise its capacity to a maximum of 150,000 barrels per day.

The statistics revealed that the technical teams of the refinery carried out thorough maintenance work in the four major anchor points, each with a depth of 15.5 meters. The administration said that paint, electricity and other maintenance operations had facilitated the loading and unloading of international and local vessels, which could have a capacity up to 130 thousand metric tons.

Furthermore, the refinery�s facilities dealing with liquidated natural gas had also improved to enable the reception and treatment of more than 4,500 metric tons of gas daily.

source:NewsYemen

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh met today in Tokyo with the Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi who welcomed him and said his visit to Japan would enhance friendly and cooperation relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, president Saleh discussed with Koizumi ways of strengthening the bilateral relations and aspects of common cooperation between Yemen and Japan in various fields that serve the common interests of the two nations.

The talks tackled also the economic and trade partnership between the two friendly countries and the Japanese support for development and democracy
in Yemen, in addition to the investment opportunities available in Yemen.

They discussed the possibility of establishing many Japanese factories for cars and electronics, especially in the Aden Free Zone to cover needs
of the Middle East and Africa region, in addition to exerted efforts to fight terrorism.

On the other hand, Saleh emphasized the importance of the Japanese role in pushing peace process in the region, in addition to the situations
in Palestine, Iraq, and the African Horn.

He highly appreciated what Japanese government did offer of aids for the development process in Yemen, confirming Yemen's care to institute good
and strong relations with the Japanese government and people.

Japanese Prime Minister confirmed his government interest to enhance and develop the bilateral relations and fields of cooperation with Yemen,
pointing out that Yemen had played important role to keeping regional stability and peace.

He showed Japan readiness to set up many vital projects including factories, electricity and water barriers and dams.

Almotamar Net - The French ambassador to Sana'a Alain Moureau presented on Sunday some gifts for the Care Center of Homeless Children in Sana'a.

Al-Saleh Social and Charitable Foundation runs the center in cooperation with the World Children Organization, a French non-governmental organization.

During his visit to the center, the French ambassador valuated efforts of the center to take care about street children, appreciating the role
of director of the French organization office in Yemen Emilie Vallet in this regard.

The center has been set up to receive homeless children. Currently, there are about 80 children benefit from the center services.

Almotamar Net- IRIN - - Yemen will be declared landmine-free in time for a March 2009 deadline, but only if the country�s Mine Action Centre (MAC) receives enough support to implement its second five-year plan, the MAC chairman said on Monday.

"We have a five-year plan, from 2005 to 2009, which aims to declare Yemen free of landmines by March 2009, said Col Mansour al-Ezzi, chairman of the MAC, which is financed mainly by the US government.

He added, however, that the target could only be met if the centre receives funding enough to reorganise its current structure and add new technical survey teams to its operations.

In 1979, more than one million landmines were planted along the border between the north and south of the divided country during conflicts preceding unification in 1990.

According to al-Ezzi, another 150,000 antipersonnel mines were planted during a 1994 civil war, when the southern half of the south Arabian nation attempted to secede from the north.

According to official figures, unexploded mines kill or injure between four and five civilians every month. Between 1998 and September 2005, the MAC recorded 5,316 mine victims, 2,916 of whom died as a result of their injuries. The majority of the rest were left permanently disabled.

Most victims are women, children, shepherds and travellers in rural areas.

In an effort to address the problem, the MAC is devoted to de-mining the four most heavily mined areas of the country. �We�re divided into teams for demining, unexploded ordnance, victim assistance and public awareness,� explained al-Ezzi.

Eight teams of dogs specially trained in mine detection are due to start surveying in the Addale and Ibb governorates next year.

Since 2004, the MAC has also offered job training and medical support, providing victims with prosthetic limbs, wheel chairs and hearing aids.

So far, the MAC�s mine-clearing operations have made considerable progress in ridding the country of the deadly devices.

"We�ve finished clearing mines from the high impact areas, and now we�re left with the medium and low impact areas," said al-Ezzi.

He added that more than 230 million square metres of the total affected area � estimated at 922 million square metres � had been cleared to date.

The MAC is due to sign an agreement with the Canadian government this week, whereby the latter will provide $200,000 for de-mining activities in the four governorates of Sana'a, Lahj, Al-Dhale'e and Ibb.

In October, the Japanese government contributed $520,000 to the centre�s efforts, while the French government provided it with euro 250,000 in June of last year.

Despite this largesse, however, Al-Ezzi said the centre still needs more support to meet the 2009 target date.

Almotamar Net - Yemen and Japan expressed in a joint statement Tuesday
their desire to develop bilateral relations in different fields.

Japanese Prime Minister Jyunichiro Koizumi expressed his support for Yemen's
successful and continuous efforts in the fight against terrorism in collaboration
with the international community.

The two countries also expressed strong hope that further progress would
be made in the Middle East peace process, calling upon the international
community to encourage the Israelis and the Palestinians to make greater
efforts towards achieving a lasting peace.

They welcomed the approval of the draft constitution of Iraq in the recent
national referendum.

Yemen voiced its support for Japan's permanent membership in the Security
Council, saying the two countries shared the view that comprehensive reform
of the United Nations (UN) is important for the UN to address the new
conditions of the 21st century.

Below, you could read full text of the statement:

His Excellency Mr. Ali Abdullah Saleh, President of the Republic of Yemen,
visited Japan from November 6 to 8, 2005, at the invitation of the Government
of Japan.

This was the second visit of the President as the head of State of Yemen,
which follows his first visit as a guest of the Government of Japan in
March, 1999, and was a good occasion to further deepen and develop the
amicable relations between the two countries.

On November 7, President Saleh made a state call on His Majesty The Emperor.
President Saleh also held a meeting with Speaker of the House of Representatives
Mr. Yohei Kono.

On the same day, President Saleh and Prime Minister Mr. Jyunichiro Koizumi
held talks and discussed a variety of issues ranging from bilateral relations
to regional and international affairs.

President Saleh also met members of the Japanese Parliament, the President
of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and others.

At all the meetings, both the Yemeni and Japanese sides confirmed their
willingness to further develop the friendly and cooperative relationship
between both the two countries and the peoples.

At the summit talks, both sides reaffirmed that the stability of Yemen
is critical to the stability of the Arabian Peninsula.

Both sides confirmed their commitment not only to strengthen the relations
in the traditional forms of cooperation but also to share information
and closely cooperate in such areas as poverty reduction, democratization
and prevention of terror, with the support of the international community
to eradicate poverty according as the Millennium Summit Declaration of
2000.

Both sides expressed their strong hope that further progress would be
made in the Middle East peace process and called upon the international
community to strengthen its political and economic support for the advancement
of the process and encouraged the Israelis and the Palestinians to make
greater efforts towards achieving a lasting peace.

The Yemeni side highly appreciated the involvement of Japan in the advancement
of the Middle East peace process and, in particular, Japan's assistance
to the Palestinians.
Both sides welcomed the approval of the draft constitution of Iraq in
the recent national referendum, as it represents a very significant step
in the development of the Iraq's political process, and expressed their
hope that this political process will lead to stable and united Iraq in
which all Iraqis of different religious and ethnic groups live in peace.


The Yemeni side highly appreciated Japan's humanitarian assistance to
Iraq and reconstruction assistance by the Self Defense Forces and Official
Development Assistance (ODA).

Both sides shared the view that comprehensive reform of the United Nations
(UN) is important for the UN to address the new conditions of the 21st
century. And both sides affirmed to cooperate toward realizing the reform
of the UN including the Security Council during the current session of
the General Assembly, recognizing that early reform of the Security Council
is an essential element of the overall effort to reform the UN.

President Saleh renewed Yemen's support for Japan's permanent membership
in the Security Council. Prime Minister Koizumi expressed deep gratitude
for the support.
Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his support for Yemen's successful and
continuous efforts in the fight against terrorism in collaboration with
the international community.

Both sides shared the view that Yemen's efforts to accelerate its poverty
reduction program and democratization will lead to the eradication of
the safe haven of terror and to the prevention of terrorism.

To that end, the Japanese side expressed its readiness to extend assistance
to achieve these goals.
Yemen welcomed Japan's decision to continue the fight against terrorism
through activities based upon the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law.

Both sides confirmed that non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
(WMD) and their delivery means is essential for the peace and stability
of both the Middle Eastern and East Asian regions and the entire world.
Prime Minister Koizumi highly applauded Yemen's policies on economic reforms
and democratization under the leadership of President Saleh. The Japanese
side expressed its support to these efforts, and expressed its hope that
Yemen's economic reforms will improve the living standard of its people.


The Japanese side recognizes the importance of basic education, rural
water supply and health services and has proactively extended assistance
to these sectors in Yemen, through its ODA utilizing such schemes as Non-Project
Grant Aid and Grant Aid for Increase of Food Production (2KR).

The Japanese side expressed its readiness to further support Yemen's efforts
in these sectors.
In this connection, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will
undertake a development study to formulate a project for rural water supply
to cover designated areas in five governorates of Yemen and to improve
the capacities of the local water supply authorities. JICA will also enlarge
Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) dispatch program which was
resumed last July.

Furthermore, in view of the presidential election and local council elections
which will be held nationwide in 2006, the Japanese side has expressed
its readiness to consider assistance to the government of Yemen to further
accelerate the democratization process in Yemen.

The Japanese side also expressed its intention to consolidate the concept
of human security in Yemen, a concept which Japan takes the initiative
to promote to the entire world. The Japanese side stated that it has decided
to extend assistance toward the Yemen Executive Mine Action Center (YEMAC)
to support the activities for clearance of land mines.

While expressing deep appreciation for Japan's assistances to Yemen to
date, including debt relief, the Yemeni side explained the economic and
social challenges which the country is facing as a result of the reforms
made by the government of Yemen and asked for increased support from Japan.

Taking into consideration the aforementioned request from the Yemeni side,
both sides decided to hold a policy consultation on economic cooperation
around the first half of 2006 in Sana'a, in order to exchange views on
Japan's medium term aid policy toward Yemen as well as Yemen's needs in
the fields of democratization and preventive measures of terror.

In light of the level of ODA Japan has extended to Yemen, the Yemeni side
expressed its wish that Japan would substantially increase ODA as well
as to resume Yen loan to finance infrastructure projects.

Both sides referred to the importance of further promoting cultural and
people-to-people exchanges, and welcomed the participation of Yemeni officials
in the Japanese Language Program offered by the Government of Japan. Both
sides also welcomed the increased popularity of Yemen among Japanese people
as a result of Yemen's participation in World Exposition 2005 in Aichi
Prefecture as well as a documentary TV program in Japan on World Cultural
Heritage of Yemen and other activities.
President Saleh expressed its gratitude to the Japanese side for its hospitality
and extended an invitation to Prime Minister Koizumi to visit the Republic
of Yemen. Prime Minister Koizumi accepted this and expressed his gratitude
for the invitation.

Ebtihag Alkamal - Some politicians believe that democracy is based �only-on constitutional foundation and legal texts, so they claim that the absence of ideal experiences in democracy, freedoms, human rights means the failure of the political regime of the country.

Those people ignore that democratic and evolution change and the respect of human rights are not a production of legislative process only but production of political, social and cultural development ,and that process may takes long time.

As the change of the legislative infrastructure and its continuous improvement is a necessity for democratic development ,hence the influence in culture and minds of political leaders , the expansion of the political participation ground and upgrading the awareness of rights and democratic conduct occupy the same importance which the democratic legislations have.

The continuation in changing different institutions in the society to the same direction where the democratic process is moving at to create a generation believe in democracy and respect human rights, especially when we talk about Yemen �which spent decades under totalitarian and dictator regimes.

Although Yemeni democratic experience is short-about 15 years old- but it exposed that Yemeni socity is attempting to make this transformation achievable and becomes a final choice without return.

During the past fifteen years of the age of democracy in Yemen ,many political activities ,social ,economical , and cultural interaction took place which confirmed the democratic choice as a best choice for rapid development.

The country has witnessed three parliamentary elections , presidential election , local governance elections, two referendums , free journalism emerged and plurality as well.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh called political parties to expand women participation in policy and public life. He stressed in his speeches on women empowerment while hisarty (GPC) suggesting 10 percent representation in political decision-making. )
To achieve all that in underdevelopment country- like Yemen �during fifteen years is to be considered as.

To achieve all that in one of developing country- like Yemen �during fifteen years is to be considered as hopeful and progressive steps towards stable democracy in the country.

The critical question is : why we want Yemeni democracy to jump to remote distances in order to be on one line with western world �during 15 years only! Could democracy jump over realities of its society!? I do not think that.

Almotamar Net -
President Ali Abdullah Saleh is to head from Japan to the United States on November 9 to hold meetings with the US President George W. Bush and a number of senior officials in the US administration
over mutual relationships and regional and international issues.

Foreign Minister Abu-Bakr Al-Qerbi stated that this visit would gain a special importance to develop and broaden the political, economical and security relations, and reinforce cooperation in vocational training and anti-terror fight.

He pointed out that the US government highly considers Yemen's achievements in political stability and human rights which would result in the US support for development works in addition to improving military training performance.

Almotamar Net -
The Cabinet in its weekly meeting on Tuesday approved
executive program of granting the concession right of block No. 18 to the Safir Petroleum Exploration Company instead of the US Oil hunt company.

The Cabinet also approved a by-law of Safir company and its capital and operation budget for the rest of the current year as well as the budget for the coming year.

The Cabinet confirmed it would finalize all legal measures to hand the block to Safir company.

All Yemeni, non-Yemeni workers and contactors who were working in the block with the US company will continue their jobs under the management of the new company of Safir upon their desire, the cabinet promised.


The Cabinet condemned remarks issued by the Hunt, describing them as damage for the national rights and sovereignty of the country.

Almotamar Net - (AP) - Scientists were counting down Tuesday for the blast off of a Russian booster rocket carrying a European-built probe aimed at exploring the hot, dense atmosphere around Venus.

The launch of the European Space Agency's Venus Express probe is planned for 0333 GMT Wednesday at the Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Venus Express was originally scheduled to go up on October 26, but the launch was postponed after checks revealed problems with the thermal insulation in the upper stage of the Soyuz-Fregat rocket.

Once it separates from the rocket, scientists at ESA's mission control in Darmstadt, south of Frankfurt, plan to make contact with the probe.

"We've just had the pre-launch briefing and everything is in the green zone," said ESA spokeswoman Jocelyne Landeau. "Everything is ready for go."

The mission, Europe's first to Venus, will concentrate on the greenhouse effect around the planet and the permanent hurricane force winds that constantly encircle it.

In addition, instruments on the probe will try to find an indication as to whether Venus' many volcanoes are active.

"Venus is still a big mystery," Gerhard Schwehm, head of the planetary missions at ESA said Monday.

The probe will take 155 days, or roughly five months, to reach Venus.

It is expected to begin its experiments in early June.

Almotamar Net - (AP) - Here in the sunny suburbs east of San Francisco, voters get a chance to make their community a national leader in solar power at a time of soaring energy prices and global warming.

A measure on Livermore's ballot would grant a housing developer the right to build what it claims will be the country's largest completely solar community, with 2,450 new homes equipped to harvest the sun's energy.

"This is an incredible opportunity to create a model community with the most energy-efficient homes we can provide," said Carlene Matchniff, a vice president for the developer, Pardee Homes. "It sets a high standard for green building."

But there's a catch: Livermore voters must agree to allow construction on hundreds of acres of protected open space and absorb more than two square miles of picturesque grassland within city limits.

Opponents, including environmental groups and the majority of the City Council, are fighting the measure they claim will swallow open space, encourage sprawl, destroy habitat and clog traffic on one of Northern California's most congested freeways.

"The bottom line is they want to build 2,450 homes outside the city on sensitive lands," said David Reid of the Greenbelt Alliance. "All the solar panels in the world don't make that environmentally friendly."

Los Angeles-based Pardee Homes is expected to spend $3 million on its campaign to persuade Livermore's 44,000 registered voters to approve Measure D, which it sponsored. Opponents, by contrast, expect to spend about $150,000.

The election is being closely watched to see if a developer can use the ballot box to change land-use regulations and bypass the traditional planning process as well as city councils.

Residents in nearby Antioch, Brentwood and Pittsburg vote Tuesday on similar developer-sponsored measures expanding city limits to add housing, but those measures have wider community support.

This former ranching town about 45 miles east of San Francisco has become one of the Bay Area's outer suburbs. Situated along Interstate 580, the city of 75,000 residents is also home to a burgeoning wine industry and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, known for nuclear weapons and energy research.

Measure D would incorporate 1,400 acres of ranchland where residents have fought off developers for more than three decades. Five years ago, voters approved an open-space initiative that restricted development in that area and others.

To entice voters, Pardee has offered to build a 130-acre sports park, preserve 750 acres as open space and provide land and funding for a badly needed high school. About 450 acres would be set aside for the new homes backers say will help ease the region's housing shortage.

"It's probably the best project Livermore's seen in decades, if ever," said Councilmember Lorraine Dietrich. "It adds amenities to the community at no expense to the taxpayer, and it enriches the balance of housing choices available."

Pardee, a division of Weyerhaeuser Real Estate, has vowed to make the community a national example for sustainable living. Every new home would have rooftop solar panels that could lower electricity bills 50 to 60 percent and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Homeowners would be credited with excess energy they generate.

Officials from Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and the California Energy Commission support the solar project because it would help promote energy efficiency.

Opponents -- including Mayor Marshall Kamena and the City Council's "slow-growth" majority -- say the measure could open the area to more development and destroy endangered species habitat, including a flowering plant called the palmate-bracted bird's beak.

Critics accuse Pardee of trying to buy off voters with perks and they're skeptical about the company's solar promises because the ballot measure doesn't provide many specifics.

"The project is classic sprawl," said Mike Daley, conservation director for the Sierra Club's San Francisco Bay chapter. "They are going to create so much pollution and devastation in the North Livermore Valley that no environmental group is supporting it."

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh arrived on Wednesday in Andros Air Base, in his official visit to the United States within his tour including France and Japan as well.

President Saleh was welcomed in the US military base by some US military commanders,
The Yemeni ambassador to Washington Abdul-Wahab al-Hajari, the Yemeni permanent representative in the United Nations Abdullah al-Saydi, some members of the Yemeni community, the head of the diplomatic corps and the American ambassador to Yemen Thomas Krajeski.

During the visit, the president will hold talks with the American President Gorge W. Bush and other top American officials about the bilateral relations and fields of mutual cooperation.

The talks will deal with the regional and international developments, specially the situations in Palestine, Iraq, Somalia and the African Horn.

The talks will focus also on efforts exerted to fight terror and means of enhancing security, stability and peace in the region and the world.

The president was accompanied with a high- profile delegation including Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Ahmed Sofan, Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qerbi, Interior Minister Rashad al-Alimi, the Minister of Industry and Trade Khalid Rajeh Sheikh and the Minister of State Abdullah Al-Bashiri.

Almotamar Net - President meets officials of Millennium Challenge Corporation and USAID in Washington
President Ali Abdullah Saleh held talks on Wednesday during his visit to United States with Chief Executive Officer of Millennium Challenge Corporation John J. Danilovich.

In the talks, President Saleh discussed with Danilovich bilateral ties between Yemen and the corporation and means of enhancing the current cooperation to qualify Yemen to get support of the corporation in order to realize Millennium development goals by 2015.
He confirmed willingness of Yemen to go ahead with its reform program to serve national interests, pointing out to the achievements of Yemen in fighting terror.
He affirmed importance of supporting efforts exerted to reduce rates poverty unemployment in fighting terrorism.
For his part, Danilovich expressed readiness of the corporation to continue cooperation with Yemen within framework of the 2000 Millennium Summit.
He valued achievements of Yemen in carrying out infrastructure projects for realizing goals of the millennium.
Meanwhile, President Saleh met Administrator of US Agency for International Development (USAID) Andrew S. Natsios.
In the meeting, they discussed aspect of the mutual cooperation between Yemen and the US agency.
President Saleh appreciated aid and projects carried out by the agency in Yemen, wishing further cooperation in the future.
The USAID official expressed readiness of the agency to increase its aid to support development projects in Yemen.

Almotamar Net - FIFA has provisionally lifted the suspension imposed on Yemen's football association (YFF) in August.

"As a result of this decision, the YFF is once again entitled to participate in FIFA competitions and all forms of cooperation can be reassumed," FIFA said on Wednesday.

World soccer's ruling body said its emergency committee made the decision this week following a report by Mohamed bin Hammam, president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), on his visit to Yemen in mid-September.

FIFA had imposed the suspension for what it called serious interference by political authorities in the internal affairs of the YFF. "In reaching their decision, the emergency committee took account of the fact that the Yemeni political authorities, led by the Minister for Youth and Sport, have pledged their support and given their written consent to all necessary steps," a FIFA statement said.

Almotamar Net -UPI - The Yemeni government is hoping President Ali Abdullah Saleh's visit to Washington will improve relations.

The official Yemeni News Agency, SABA, said Saleh's talks with U.S. officials, including President Bush, will focus on Middle East issues in the Palestinian territories and Iraq, as well as the war on terror and Yemen's efforts to introduce political and economic reforms.

Official sources said special attention will be paid to freedoms in Yemen and terrorism.

U.S. Ambassador in Yemen Thomas Krajeski said in recent comments that the process of democracy in Yemen has stopped.

Political observer and political sciences professor at the University of Sanaa, Samir Abbadi, described Krajeski's remarks as "a political blackmail on the part of the U.S. administration ahead of Saleh's visit to Washington aimed at exerting maximum pressures on the Yemeni leadership."

He said despite lukewarm Yemeni-U.S. relations, there are common points on the agendas of the two parties.

The Americans are seeking maximum cooperation from the Yemenis in terms of intelligence information and military and logistics assistance on land and in the sea to boost the U.S. war on terrorism and dry up the financial and humanitarian resources of terrorism, which is believed to have taken Yemen as a main base, Abbadi contended.

The United States also wants the terror suspects extradited, including Sheik Abdel Majid Zandani, the politburo chief of the opposition Reform Party, and is seeking more reforms in Yemen.

On the other hand, Yemen is unhappy with U.S. assistance and is seeking an increase in U.S. financial and economic aid in return for its cooperation in combating terrorism, including tightening control on its land and sea borders to curb smuggling and infiltration of gunmen.

Almotamar Net -
Yemen condemned on Thursday strongly the terrorist attacks which killed more than sixty people in three explosions in Amman, Jordan.

A source in the foreign ministry said that Yemen considered these attacks as terror acts, confirming importance of gathering world efforts to rout out the terrorism to ensure security and stability in the world.

The source expressed solidarity of Yemen with the Jordan and condolence of Yemen for families of victims and Jordanian people and government.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh met in Washington last night the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
They discussed the situation in the Middle East, mainly the developments Palestine, Iraq, Somalia and the African Horn and the efforts being exerted to fight terrorism in addition to the ways to cement security and stability in the region. The two sides also discussed means of promoting bilateral ties and joint cooperation.

Almotamar Net- The White House - PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. President, welcome. I'm looking forward to our discussion. I'm looking forward to our continued work together to make sure that al Qaeda and people affiliated with al Qaeda are brought to justice.

Today, the world saw with horror the attacks on innocent people in Jordan by killers who defile a great religion. I spoke to King Abdullah. I expressed our nation's deep concern and compassion for those who lost their lives and their families. The bombings should remind all of us that there is an enemy in this world that is willing to kill innocent people, willing to bomb a wedding celebration, in order to advance their cause. And for those of us who love freedom, and for those of us who love -- who respect every human life, no matter whether you're from the West or from your neighborhood, Mr. President, we have an obligation and a duty to remain strong, remain firm, and to bring these people to justice.

And so, Mr. President, welcome.

PRESIDENT SALEH: (As translated.) Thank you, Mr. President. I am delighted to have this friend -- friend, George Bush. This is probably the third meeting that we have together. And we discuss a variety of mutual issues, and our mutual objective here is the declaration of war against terrorism and extremism. We have seen it during 9/11 and after. I am here to reaffirm Yemen's position that it is clear and firm, our resolve is firm, to continue to work with the United States and the international community in combating terror.

Since yesterday, I had the opportunity to have a variety of meetings with members of your administration. I am delighted to have the opportunity to see you and meet with you today, Mr. President. We will have a variety of issues that we will discuss, bilateral issues, as well as issues of interest to both the international community and world peace and stability.

I thank you, very much, for your hospitality and for receiving me.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you, sir.
END 11:31 A.M. EST

Almotamar Net -


Calvalley Petroleum Inc., Calgary, hopes to start oil production by yearend from at least 2 wells in Hiswah field on Malik Block 9 in the Sayun-Masila basin.

The company has ordered equipment for an early production facility and gathering system for Hiswah's 35� gravity oil and is negotiating to deliver the oil to an export pipeline. Initial output is thought to be around 9,000 b/d.

Oil will be trucked until presumed construction of a 120 km, 50,000 b/d pipeline east to Nexen Inc.'s 150-km, 300,000 b/d pipeline from the Masila fields to Ash Shihr on the Gulf of Aden.

Calvalley declared Block 9's Hiswah, Al Roidhat, and Auqban oil discoveries and Qarn Qaymah gas-condensate find commercial earlier this
The company is drilling the horizontal Hiswah-7 well and has tendered for a second drilling rig and a workover unit. It is focusing geological and geophysical appraisal and development activities on the Hiswah structure with particular attention to mapping faults that affect the Saar-Naifa horizon and incorporation of the 3D seismic interpretation.

Preliminary interpretation has been completed on Hiswah's Qishn horizon, and work is in progress on potential re-entry of the Qarn Qaymah discovery well and drilling an appraisal well.

Driving Qarn Qaymah development is potential synergy with the development of 15� gravity oil at Al Roidhat. Block 9 partners are Calvalley 50% interest and Hoodoil Ltd. of Yemen and Reliance Industries Inc. of India 25% interest each.

Almotamar Net -
by Selma Al-Radi

[Qud�d is an ancient water-proofing plaster that has been used for many millennia in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Yemen where it probably originated. The earliest example of qud�d is found on the sluices of the famous Marib Dam which dates to the 8th century B.C. (Pl.1). The dam went through many building phases, the latest of which was in the 5th century A.D. Most of the qud�d on the Marib Dam should be dated to that century; probably only the lowest sections belong to the early First Millennium B.C.(1) Qud�d is also preserved on a number of other pre-Islamic South Arabian dams and monuments. It continues to be used throughout the Islamic Period in Yemen as an impermeable plaster on cisterns, canals, and baths, as a roofing material, and as a protective plaster on exterior facades of monumental buildings such as forts, mosques, madrasas (Pl.2) and palaces. Qud�d can only be used as a plaster on buildings constructed of stone and baked brick, it will not adhere to mudbrick, cement blocks or concrete.

A similar plaster, more or less identical toqud�d , is found in the Indian subcontinent - probably introduced from Yemen. It is also used as a protective coat on the exterior facades of buildings. The earliest examples I have been able to find in India date to the medieval Islamic Period, a time when there was massive trade between the two countries.(2) By the 17th century qud�d had spread from Yemen, Oman and India to the East African Coast, where Mombasa, Lamu, Zanzibar and other towns began to use it. Qud�d makes a particularly efficaceous protective coating in that wet, humid and hot climate, keeping the walls of houses, palaces and forts dry.

Qud�d was, and still is, an expensive, labour-intensive and time consuming process that cannot be hurried. When cement was introduced to Yemen some 25 years ago, it came as a boon to constructors who wanted to build quickly and cheaply ; thus, qud�d was set aside. When restoration projects were first initiated in Yemen in the early 1980's only a few stonemasons remembered the exact mixtures and precise procedures for making qud�d . Experimentation was necessary before it was possible to determine the correct ratio for the ingredients and the time required for doing each step of the process. It is now possible to say that qud�d is alive and flourishing, and that many workers have been trained in the process of its application.(3)

Qud�d is made up of two basic ingredients, n�ra, or lime, and an aggregate, such as fine sand or riverine pebbles, which are mixed together into a mortar, and applied in three-to-five layers to the surface that has to be protected. In the volcanic regions of Yemen volcanic cinders are used instead of sand or pebbles; this apparently makes the final product more durable. Since volcanic cinder-cones can be found in most regions of Yemen, volcanic cinders are the most common aggregate used for making qud�d .

Qud�d is made as follows:

1. Good quality lime which is freshly fired must be obtained. Stale lime should not be used as it is inactive. (4) The lime is slaked in water for a period of at least two weeks for normal surfaces. During this period the lime must be constantly turned and the water topped up; it must not be allowed to dry out. The slaking should be prolonged if the lime is required for finer finishes such as carved mouldings or panels (Pl.7,8), sometimes for as long as two to three months until it reaches the consistency of a sticky dough.

2. While the lime is being slaked the surface to be covered with qud�d can be prepared. A roof surface takes time to prepare. The temporary mud plaster that protected the roofing material (the wooden beams, twigs, etc.) until it settled - up to six months - must be partially scraped off and small stones roughly embedded into it (Pl.5:a). Any surface to which qud�d is applied has to be completely settled and stable or else it will develop cracks when it shifts, since qud�d has no give. Just before the roof receives its first layer of qud�d it has to be dowsed with water. The preparation for a wall facade is slightly different. The wall has to be washed free of any dust, and the bricks or stones have to be articulated so that the first layer of qud�d can adhere in the crevices.

3. The aggregate to be used, the pebbles, sand or cinders, must be cleaned and washed down; dust or sand particles weaken the mixture. The two ingredients are mixed together in a ratio of two parts of aggregate to one part of lime. They are blended together with water and pounded with a long shovel or wooden paddle (Pl.4:a). The required consistency is achieved when the particulate matter in the mixture has reached a size pertinent to the layer in which it belongs. For the lowest layer, the mixture has to be crude and rough, with the particles as large as corn kernels, so that it can adhere better to the prepared surface (Pl.3). The middle layers require a smoother texture, so more lime is added to the mixture and the ratio changed to half lime half aggregate. The most superficial levels require a further adjustment; for them the ratio is changed to one part aggregate to two parts lime, and pounded to a fine paste (Pl.5:a).

4. The first layer of qud�d must be about two inches thick. It is applied and worked between the pebbles, into the cracks and interstices of the surface below it, until it adheres properly. This is done with the help of a sharp-edged stone, a riverine pebble that has to be slightly larger than a fist, which is repeatedly banged down on the mixture (Pl.4:b-c). This pounding process has to be done continuously for at least three or four days, then the next layer can be added. The task is boring and easy on a horizontal surface, but when the surface is vertical the procedure is much more complicated. The qud�d has to be literally hurled at the wall facade and quickly worked into the crevices between the bricks or stones; it falls down as fast as it is thrown and has to be reapplied. It is only by dint of continuous application and pounding that the qud�d eventually starts to stick to the surface of the wall (Pl.4:c). The first layer is the most difficult one to do. It is also the most wasteful, although a careful, traditional craftsman will see to it that a good deal of the fallen qud�d is gathered up at the end of the day and reused as a filler in building walls.

5. Each layer has to be worked and pounded for at least three or four days until it adheres and becomes one with the layer below it. The qud�d has to be kept moist at all times; it must never be allowed to dry out. After working hours it has to be checked to see that it remains wet. A watery lime solution is the best agent for keeping qud�d moist; a bucket full of this mixture should always be on hand (Pl.6).

6. Three or four layers of qud�d have to applied to a surface that is exposed to the elements; facades in an interior courtyard or bath will need less. Whereas two inches of qud�d are adequate for an interior wall, a minimum thickness of four inches is needed to protect an external facade. A roof or merlons will require anywhere from five to six inches of protective qud�d covering (Pls.5:a,9).

7. Once the right thickness has been achieved, and the qud�d layers are firmly and securely damped down and smoothed, the next stage can begin. This consists of polishing or rather burnishing the surface of the qud�d with a smooth, riverine pebble until it attains a hard, marble-like quality. Using the full weight of the hand, and pressing down on the pebble and moving it either in a circular or in an up and down rythmic motion, the surface is rubbed and burnished (Pls.5:b,6). Again the qud�d has to be kept moist at all times with a watery lime wash; this can be sprinkled on the qud�d with a small broom (Pl.6). Burnishing is the most important phase of the qud�d work. The work is painstakingly monotonous but perseverance is essential. Morning and evening work shifts have to be organized lest hair-line cracks appear. Each evening when work stops care must be taken to wet the surface of the qud�d so that it stays moist until the next morning's shift. This is especially vital for the first four or five days. After that the qud�d can be polished twice a day. This twice daily polish must be kept up for a period of three or four days. Burnishing then decreases to once a day, then once every two days, and this frequency has to be maintained for at least two to three weeks. The physical appearance of the qud�d must be scrutinised carefully each day for cracks. If any hair-line fractures appear then polishing has to be increased and prolonged. In fact, polishing and burnishing can only cease when no cracks, not even the faintest of hair-lines, can be seen, and when the surface develops the appearance and sheen of marble. The time needed for the burnishing phase must be judged by the master craftsman on site. It cannot take less than a month; six weeks would probably be a more likely estimate.

8. The qud�d is then left to dry, a process that can take up to two months depending on the season of the year.(5) The qud�d should be checked regularly in case cracks appear, if they do then burnishing has to be resumed. If no cracks appear during this drying-out period then the last stage can be carried out.

9. The final process consists of applying a coat of animal fat, usually beef fat (preferably marrow), on the finished surface. The fat has to be melted down and smeared on the surface of the qud�d (usually done with a bit of sheep-skin) - it is a smelly and unpleasant process. This fatty coating provides a temporary, water-proof seal that prevents the fresh qud�d from flaking during the first monsoon rains; after that it can take care of itself.

10. Qud�d takes up to a full year to set properly and finally (Pl.2). It becomes progressively harder with age, and with care and periodic maintenance it can remain in good condition for centuries, if not millennia.

Almotamar Net - President meets Hunt Oil official
President Ali Abdullah Saleh received in Washington on Friday Chief Executive Officer of Hunt Oil Company Ray L. Hunt.
In the meeting, president Saleh said that Yemen and the American company were complying with the agreement signed between them.

They also discussed aspects of the cooperation between Yemen and the company in field of oil production

Almotamar Net -
The 2nd conference for the Association of Senates and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World (ASECAAW) was concluded
on Thursday by issuing a statement.

The statement confirmed believe of the association with democracy and respecting human rights and basic foundations of wise governance.

It rejected all form of interfere in internal affairs of any country, saying that any ourty have right to run its affairs as it like.

The statement of the association emphasized importance of dialogue between all peoples, condemning all forms of terrorism as it is dangerous enemy for human beings.

The association condemned the terrorist attacks which killed many people in Amman on Wednesday evening, expressing condolence for families of victims and Jordanian people and government.

The statement also affirmed importance of making an end for occupations in Palestine and Iraq, and help the Palestinian people to set up its
independent state.

The association expressed in its statement appreciation for steps taken toward realizing stability in Iraq, stressing on protecting unity and sovereignty of Iraq.

The association also expressed optimism over peace process in Sudan, calling all members to gather efforts to realize security and peace in Somalia.

The member countries also called to double their efforts to reduce poverty, calling rich countries to cancel debts on poor countries and help them
to combating diseases and reduce unemployment rate.

They approved a draft over the annual budget of the association, praising contribution offered by Yemen such as offering headquarters of the associations

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Sale on Thursday renewed call of Yemen to remove the name of a Yemeni cleric Sheikh Abdul-Majeed
al-Zindani from a list of suspected financiers of terrorism.

In his meeting in Washington with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Robert Mueller, president Saleh asked to drop name of al-Zindani from terror-funding list.

He also asked United States to hand over Sheikh Mohammed al-Moayyad and Mohammed Zayad to Yemeni government.

Both men are detained in a US jail in terror charges.

President Saleh said that fight against terrorism need to gather effort of all as it threatens security and stability of the world.

He also discussed with FBI director the cooperation between Yemen and United States in combating terrorism.

The FBI director valued positive results achieved by Yemen in fighting terrors, confirming concern of United States to enhance its partnership
with Yemen in different fields especially in the security cooperation in combating terror.

Almotamar Net -
President Ali Abdullah Saleh met on Thursday with the US National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley.

In the meeting, they discussed bilateral relationships and means of developing
cooperation between Yemen and United States.

President Saleh lauded the mutual security cooperation and coordination in fighting terror , wishing further cooperation in this regard.

Hadley expressed the US satisfaction over mutual coordination in security field with Yemen, praising Yemen's efforts in combating terrorism and supporting the international efforts in this field.

"Cooperation of Yemen in security filed would help in reinforcing the Yemeni-American relations," he added.

Almotamar Net -
The talks recently held with the Japanese seniors were presspersons and are to contribute to further cooperation and more favorable conditions for investments particularly in the free zone of Aden, President of the Republic Ali Abdullah Saleh stated.
At his interview with the Japanese TV NHK, Saleh said that his declaration not to stand as a candidate for next presidential elections was intended to encourage and give the chance for anyone willing to run for President.
Yemen is a democratic state and authority should not be limited to an individual, Saleh stated pointing out that Yemen was leading in democracy and willingly political reforms.
Any state in the world should reform itself before be forced to do so from other states, he added.

Almotamar Net -
The 6th anti-polio campaign was kicked off on Saturday in all governorates to implemented during the period 12-14 Nov.
The campaign, being organized by the ministry of Public Health and Population in cooperation with International Health Organization (IHO) and UNICEF, targets about four million children under five-year old.
40,000 health workers and volunteers are participating in the campaign under supervision of about 9,000 field-supervisors supplied with 9,000 cars and about 22 pediatricians to monitor and train the vaccination teams.
The director general of vaccination in the ministry D. Mohammed Al-Emad said that there are many experts from the regional office of the IHO and its headquarters would evaluate the progress of the vaccination.

Almotamar Net -
At the end of his current tour that has included Japan and the USA, President Saleh will start on Sunday an official visit to France in reply to the French President Chirac's invitation.
During the visit, president Saleh will hold talks with French president Jacques Chirac about the means of strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries and the international and regional developments, Yemeni ambassador to France Mohammed Basalamah said.
President Saleh will meet, in the visit, some senior officials in the government such as Dominique Puche, foreign minister Philippe Douste Blazy, interior minister Nicolas Sarkozy, defense minister Michele Alliot Marie and will visit the French Senate council to discuss the issues pertaining to Yemeni-French cooperation relations.
Saleh will also meet the French businessmen and investors to discuss the ways of enhancing the economic and trade cooperation and activate the private sector in the two countries, according to Basalamah.
The Yemeni ambassador added that Saleh also would participate in the ceremony of the 60th anniversary to establish UNSCO to which Saleh would deliver a speech.

Almotamar Net -
President Ali Abdullah Saleh sent a congratulation cable to the Omani Sultan Qaboos Bin Said on the occasion of the National Day.
On other hand, Saleh sent a similar congratulation cable to the Belgian king Albert II on the King's Day.
The president expressed, in the cables, his pleasure and wishes of welfare for the two countries' leaders and prosperity for their people.

Almotamar Net -
Yemen said Saturday it was preparing to receive seven Yemeni prisoners to be released by the U.S. authorities in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The official source said in a statement the U.S. authorities have decided to release seven Yemeni detainees in Guantanamo and to hand them over to Yemen.
It added that diplomatic talks with the United States were being held regarding the fate of the other Yemeni prisoners held in Guantanamo Bay

Almotamar Net -
The ministry of labor and social affairs launchedon Saturday a 4-day workshop on women issues, gender and reproductive health in cooperation with the supreme council of population and the UNPFA.

More than 40 health personnel are participating in the workshop that aimsat introducing the participants to theoretical sciences and
modern termsrelated to women rights to develop their capacities in different fields.

Speeches delivered in the workshop confirmed women should play a vital role in building society and development. Participants called for including women in decision-making in accordance with principles
in which Yemen society believes.

Almotamar Net - OMV, Central Europe's leading oil and gas group, today announces another oil discovery in Block S2 (Al Uqlah) in the Shabwa province of Yemen.
The OMV operated Al-Nilam-ST1 well, drilled to a total depth of 3,090 meters encountered a 430 meter oil column in fractured basement formation which tested at a stable flow rate of 1,800 bbl/day. The secondary target, tested at a flow rate of 200 bbl/day. This follows the successful test of the Habban-1 well, in the same structure, at a stable flow rate of 500 bbl/day in July 2005. These recent positive results lay the groundwork for assessing the development possibilities and commercial potential of the block.
Block S2 covers an area of 2,070 km� and is located in central western Yemen in close proximity to Block 2 (Al Mabar) for which OMV has signed a Production Sharing Agreement on July 13, 2005.

Helmut Langanger, OMV Executive Board member responsible for Exploration and Production stated:
'This further success in Yemen fits to our strategy to increase our exploration activities in our core regions. The positive test results further strengthen our position in Yemen. We are currently assessing the full potential of Block S2.'

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh arrived on Sunday in the French capital Paris for a three-day state visit at the invitation of French President Jacques Chirac.

The visit is the third leg in a tour that has already taken President Saleh to Japan and the United States.

President Saleh would hold many talks with Chirac and a number of French officials on the bilateral relations and horizons of developing them at all levels.

They would also exchange the viewpoints about the latest developments on the regional and international arenas of common concern, especially
in the Middle East, Palestinian, Iraq, Somalia and African Horn.

The talks would focus also on the latest developments in Syria and the outcomes of Melise report, adding to discussing efforts to fight
terrorism and means of supporting the peace steps in the area.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdulla Saleh of Yemen who is currently on a visit to France, made a telephone call to Jordanian Monarch, King Abdulla II, reiterating denunciation of the terror act that targeted Amman hotels.
During the conversation, the Yemeni President affirmed Yemen's solidarity with Jordan and its government to help them overcome the effects of the tragic attack. He described the attack as "a crime that threatens the Arab security" and extended his condolences to the families of the victims, wishing the injured speedy recovery.

Almotamar Net - The Taiz-based Human Rights Information and Training Center will organize next Wednesday a symposium on the democratic dialogue
and partnership initiative in Middle East.

Representatives of civil society organizations, media and political personalities in Taiz and Aden will participate in the symposium that will deal with the issue of activating democratic dialogue in the region that is adopted by Yemen, Italy and Turkey.

The symposium will also discuss ways of supporting civil society organizations and enhancing their role in promoting democracy.

Almotamar Net -
The National Youth Center in Taiz received on Monday various sport equipments presented by the German embassy in Sana'a.

The equipments were handed by the deputy German ambassador Stefan Buchwald during his meeting with the Director General of the center Abdullah Slam.

The German diplomat praised the center's activities and its role to serve the youths in the province of Taiz

Almotamar Net -
The German embassy would open a photo exhibition demonstrating many aspects of life in Yemen at the beginning of last century
1900-1909 on November 20th at the German Consulate in Aden and would continue until November 28th.

The photographs were taken by the German photographer Hermann Burchardt which are considered the oldest photographs on Yemen.

Almotamar Net -
President Ali Abdullah Saleh received today in Paris the advisor of French president Mr. Dumanike Pusheh.

During the meeting, they discussed the mutual cooperation between two countries and enhancing the horizons of bilateral partnership to serve
the joint advantages.

They also reviewed the issues that president Saleh would discuss them with the French president.

They also exchanged viewpoints about the latest developments on the regional and international arenas, especially in Palestinian, Iraq, Somalia and African Horn.

President Saleh assured Yemen's adherence to enhance its relations with France and supporting that relations in various fields.

He praised the growing up of the Yemeni- French relations in the currently time, appreciating the French grant to support the development in Yemen.

For his part the French official confirmed willingness of France to improve and develop its relations with Yemen.

Almotamar Net - In framework of his visit to France, President Ali Abdullah Saleh met on Monday the Board chairman of TALIS
International Group Jun Boul Barieah.
In the meeting, they discussed aspects of the cooperation between Yemen and the group in field of radar and the coast-guard and horizons of enhancing them.
They also confirmed expanding fields of cooperation between Yemen the company by possibility of providing the Yemeni coastguard with the most-up-date equipment.

Almotamar Net - President Saleh meets French foreign minister
President Ali Abdullah Saleh received on Monday at his residence in Paris the French Foreign Minister Philippe
Douste-Blazy.
During the meeting, Saleh discussed with Douste-Blazy the Yemeni-French relations and horizons of strengthening and ways of extending Yemen's efforts in economic development and reforms
programs implementation and the human source development.
They also reviewed Yemen role in democracy stabilization and fighting terror.
The two sides' talks dealt with the latest developments on the regional and international arenas specially the situations in Iraq,
Palestine andthe African horn region in addition to the current efforts aim to restore peace in the middle east region.
The meeting shade lights on issue of civilizations and cultures dialogue to enhance the convergence among the nations.
Saleh greatly appreciated relations of the friendship and partnership between Yemen and France, confirming Yemen's keen interest to develop horizons of cooperation with France. He also highly praised the French support to Yemen.
For his part, French official considers the president's visit as a great opportunity to enhance bilateral historical relations that based on mutual cooperation between the two countries.
He expressed his country's admiration of the democratic experience of Yemen. Appreciating the Yemen-French relations.

Almotamar Net -
President Ali Abdullah Saleh held talks on Monday with French President Jacques Chirac at the Alicia palace in
Paris.The talks focused on economic and security cooperation and French investments in Yemen , the available investment
opportunities as well as the big facilities offered for forging investors. The Liquid Natural Gas project which is run by French
company Total considers as one big investmental projects in Yemen.
The two leaders discussed efforts of the security cooperation between the two countries particularly in fighting terror and means of
developingdemocratic dialogue in the region within framework of G8 summit. They also discussed the rich countries support for the
developing countriesto enable them overcome the challenges they face and to reduce the poverty rates and unemployment in these countries.
President Saleh briefed his French counterpart on results of his visit to United States and Japan.
The talks of the two leaders addressed the latest developments in the region especially in Palestine, Iraq and African Horn as well as the
developmentsin Syria after the latest UN resolutions and Mehlis's report over the investigations in killing the former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq al-Hiriri.
President Saleh highlighted the level of the Yemeni-French ties and friendship, appreciating the aid offered by the France to improve
development and security capabilities in Yemen.
He affirmed the French role in pushing forward the peace process in the middle east, emphasizing on the importance of practicing
pressure onIsrael to comply with roadmap and UN resolutions related to Arab-Israeli conflict. He said that the establishment of the
independent Palestinian state is the key for realizing a fair peace in the region. He also called to open direct dialogue with Syria and
concerned partiesas the last voiced readiness to response and cooperate with Mehlis's committee and UN resolutions to avid a new
problem in the region and serve stability in the region.
He wished realizing security and stability in Iraq, saying it is important to involve all Iraqi parties without any exception in
drawing future ofIraq and building democracy and freedom in the Arab country. The French president said that the Yemeni-French ties are
strong, confirming concern of France to enhance its relations and partnership with Yemen through supporting democracy and development in it. He praised achievements of Yemen in field of democracy and reforms under the leadership of the president Saleh. He said that the democracy in Yemen is a good example in the region and receives appreciation of the international community

Almotamar Net - , Deputy Parliament Speaker Ga'afar Saeed Ba-Saleh met here on Monday with expert of the Parliament's programs
in the National Democratic Institute (NDI) for the International affairs Karoul Bend aalong with director of the programs in the NDI
Sa'ad al-Dhen bin Talib.in the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation between the Parliamentand the NDI specially what is related to developing the mechanism of theparliamentary work.
They also discussed the possibility of implementing many qualifying programs in the forthcoming period and general annual budget of the state in addition to the final accounts .

Almotamar Net -
Saffir Company commenced on Tuesday the management of the oil facilities of Sector 18 in Marib which had been submitted by the American company Hunt to the Ministry of Oil and Minerals.
The hand-over took place late on Monday and lasted all the night, in presence of Deputy Minister of Oil and Minerals and officials of Hunt Company, according to local sources.
The Oil and Minerals Labor Union expressed its approval to the governmental procedures for receiving all production, export and exploration processes of Sector 18 from Hunt with whom the partnership contract expired on Monday.

Almotamar Net - The European Commission will be providing Yemen ministry of human rights 2 million euro in assitance to help in activating its plans to protect and promote human rights and democratization more effectively.

Although Yemen is classified as one of the 49 latest development countries with close to 50% of the population under the absolute poverty line and
a pattern of gender differences, the country has set goals for its own transformation in accordance with the Sana'a declaration, and the strategic
vision 2025.

The European Union is providing a 2 million Euro assistance package under the national indicative program (NIP), agreed with Yemen. One of the priorities of NIP is to strengthen democracy and political pluralism.

The funding covers three areas, strengthening the capacity of Yemen's ministry of human rights , developing effective consultation mechanisms
between human rights NGOs and government institutions, and providing technical and financial assistance to NGOs.

The EU has consistently placed great importance in the protection and promotion of political pluralism and democracy and Yemen has advanced
these areas as one of its priorities.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh said Monday that his international tour to Japan, the United States of America and France was very successful with positive results, Saba News reported.

�We discussed with President Bush and President Chirac the mutual relations with their respective countries,� Saleh told media people after his meeting with the French President. �The discussions focused on joint efforts in the fight against terrorism within the global partnership. We have reported the positive achievements Yemen has realized in the fight against terror in solidarity with the international community,� he added.

The talks also covered, according to the president, enhancing the economic and development cooperation including the difficulties Yemen has faced in this respect as a result of terrorist attacks on USS Cole and French oil tanker, Limburg. �The Yemeni economy was terribly damaged,� he asserted.

�There�s a positive response from the American administration and the French leadership to support development and democracy in Yemen,� he added.

President Saleh declared that he discussed with American and French officials the development in the region and the horn of Africa. �What�s going on between the Americans and Syrians should be resolved through understanding,� he told the journalists. �I can not give more details on this issue until I talk with the Syrian and Lebanese. In general, I they may all reach appropriate solutions.�

He added that Yemen is concerned by the security of the region and will play its role whether it is requested to or not.

Earlier on Monday President Saleh received Mr. Dumanike Pusheh, advisor to French President.

They exchanged viewpoints about the latest developments on the regional and international arenas, especially in Palestinian, Iraq, Somalia and African Horn.

President Saleh assured Yemen's adherence to enhance its relations with France and supporting them in various fields.

The French official confirmed willingness of France to improve and develop its relations with Yemen.

Almotamar Net - Following the investigations of the operational integrity of the production test in Nabrajah # 8, including the possibility of a mechanical failure, it has now been concluded that the reservoir is not able to yield any fluid flow at this location, DNO said today.

Alternative plans for Nabrajah # 8 is pending further work and includes a possible sidetrack to another basement location to penetrate producible reservoir or alternatively conversion into to a Qishn water injector. Nabrajah # 8, which is located 1.6 km east-north-east of Nabrajah # 5 will now be temporarily abandoned and the rig will be moved to the Nabrajah # 9 location some 2,5 km west of Nabrajah # 5.

Previous production tests in the Nabrajah area have confirmed excellent productivity of the fractured basement intervals:
Nabrajah # 2 flowed in excess of 3.000 barrels of oil equivalents per day (ca. 15 million standard cubic feet per day of gas plus ca. 400 barrels of condensate per day) and Nabrajah # 5 flowed 5.800 barrels of oil per day.

The fractured basement behaves very different from a conventional reservoir, and information from additional drilling together with further technical work should help improving the J/V's understanding of the fractured basement reservoir in the Nabrajah area.

Nabrajah drilling and development schedule are progressing according to plan and early basement oil production from Nabrajah # 5 is expected to start within the coming week.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh returned to Sana'a on Tuesday after a successful 12-day tour took him to Japan,
the UnitedStates and France in which a number of political, economical and securitytopics were tackled in order to reinforce
Yemen's relations with those countries.

In his tour, President Saleh discussed international efforts for fighting terror and economic reforms in Yemen in addition to how to
develop democracyin the region on the light of recommendations of the summit of the G-8to push back hunger and unemployment.

At his arrival, Saleh stated to Saba that he was satisfied to the results of his tour which came up with reinforcing Yemen's
relationships withthose countries and obtaining support for economic, democratic and financial development in Yemen.

Moreover, Yemen attained support to complete its drive in fighting terror, which has been noticeably decreased in the country and gained
donor countries'admiration.

"Yemen exposed its point views over reforms and the situation in Iraq, Palestine, Somali and the Horn of Africa region in addition to Mehlis report and Security Council resolutions No. 1559 - 1636.

"We also asked for liberating Iraq and ending occupation to give a chance for Iraqis build their country and govern themselves," Saleh
said.

Almotamar Net -
The general assembly of the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA) on Tuesday elected Yemeni News Agency (Saba)to be a member in the federation's general secretariat.

The move came in recognition to Saba's significant standing among the Arab agencies and its role in activating the federation.

The decision was made at the conclusion of 33rd meeting of FANA's
general assembly in the Kuwaiti capital, Kuwait City.

In their meeting, heads of Arab news agencies highlighted the need fordrawing up plans for training staffers of those agencies to enhance their performance.

Saba's Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, Nasr Taha Mustafa, represented Yemen to the meeting.

Almotamar Net - OMV has made another oil discovery in Block S2 (Al Uqlah) in the Shabwa province of Yemen. The OMV operated Al-Nilam-ST1 well, drilled to a total depth of 3,090 meters encountered a 430 meter oil column in fractured basement formation which tested at a stable flow rate of 1,800 bbl/day. The secondary target, tested at a flow rate of 200 bbl/day. This follows the successful test of the Habban-1 well, in the same structure, at a stable flow rate of 500 bbl/day in July 2005. These recent positive results lay the groundwork for assessing the development possibilities and commercial potential of the block.

Almotamar Net - A number of Yemeni businessmen and investors will partake in the Islamic Trade Exhibition that will take place in Kuwait during the period of 10-13 December.
The trade bulletin issued by the chamber of commerce and industry stated that the Yemeni trade delegation would meet with some of the participating delegations to create an economic partnership in the investment and development fields and to make good use of the participants' expertise.
In addition, the delegation will highlight Yemeni achievements in this field and the facilities available for investments in Yemen, particularly in the Free Zone of Aden.

Almotamar Net -

The UAE Red Crescent Society's campaign will reach Yemen tomorrow to combat malaria and eye diseases whereby eye-operations will b conducted, in collaboration with the Yemeni Ministry of Health.

Khalifa Nasir Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the RCS said:" The campaign is part the RCS's programme to reduce the number of casualties and death resulting from malaria and to control the spread of blindness in the country while raising health levels there".

"The RCS has adopted humanitarian initiatives which have established the position of the UAE worldwide. It has through the support President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and follow-up of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the RCS, provided help to great segments of beneficiaries in the UAE and abroad", he said.

Almotamar Net -

President Ali Abdullah Saleh received here Wednesday a letter from President Bashar Al Asssad of Syria on the ongoing bilateral relations and latest developments between Syria and the U.N's Inquiry Committee headed by Detliv Milis as well as the Syrian views regarding the way of dealing with the committee in accordance with the Security Council resolution no.1636 on investigating the assassination of former Lebanese, Prime Minister Rafiq Al Hariri.
The President also made a phone call to President Bashar Al- Assad during which he discussed his latest talks with the US president George Bush and French President Jacque Chirac during his last visit to both countries regarding the Syrian situation in light of Milis' report and Security Council resolution no.1636.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh met here on Wednesday with the Italian Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu who is
currently visiting Yemen.
In the meeting, Saleh discussed with the Italian minister aspects of the bilateral relations and fields of the mutual cooperation
especially in field of fighting terrorism in accordance with the security agreement singed between the two friendly countries.
The meeting also discussed results of the Yemeni-Italian talks which were held in Sana'a
by the two interior ministers of the two countries.
The two ministers discussed ways of enhancing the security coordination and fighting terror in sphere of information exchange and the CoastGuard.
For his part, the Italian official confirmed his country's concern to enhance its relations with Yemen through cooperating efforts of the
twocountries in field of fighting terror.
He voiced the Italian support for Yemen in this regard, saying that Italy and Europe are interest in security and its stability of Yemen.
President Saleh expressed concern of Yemen to promote its relations with Italy, pointing our that the Yemeni-Italian relations are ancient and good.
He highly appreciated level of the cooperation between Yemen and Italy in various fields

Almotamar Net - Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training Ali Mansur Safa held a meeting on Wednesday with
World Bank delegation headed by the technical education expert Jilian Birkinz. During the meeting, the minister was briefed on the
outcomes of the delegation'svisit and support of the bank for the 2nd Vocational Training Project.

Birkinz reviewed the goals of project which aims at giving assistancesto restructure the technical and vocational education in
the country.In the meeting, they also discussed the executive stepsand time for carryingout the 2nd project that would be financed by
WB. The minister appreciated support of the bank for the technical education and vocational training in Yemen, wishing further assistances offeredby the bank to execute the national strategy of education, especiallyin building the schools and institutes.

Almotamar Net - Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Elections and Referenda (SCER) Khaled al-Shareef met here on Wednesday with a team of international electoral experts team.

The team would take part in a workshop to be jointly organized by the SCER, the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) and the UN Development Program (UNDP) in order to develop skills of election supervisors.

During the meeting, they previewed goals of the workshop which would improve the capabilities of SCER's staffers to handle elections
according to the relative disciplines.

Al-Shareef spoke favorably over the partnership between the SCER, IFES and UNDP in holding such enlightening and training workshops.
He expressed his ambitious desire to help this workshop establishing election training center in Yemen for the region.

Almotamar Net - Interior Minister, Rashad Mohamed Al-Alimi met this morning in Sana`a the Italian counterpart Mr Pisanu. The parties, according to a note, "discussed the fight against terrorism, organized crime, drugs trafficking and illegal immigration" as under prior agreements between the two countries.
As for illegal immigration Al-Alimi spoke of his "appreciation for Italy's contribution to patrolling the Yemeni coastline thanks to the provision of patrol boat and thanks to cooperation on training".
Mr Pisanu later met with Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh. The parties agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation "in all sectors". Pisanu is the first Interior Minister to have traveled to Yemen.


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Almotamar Net - The cabinet approved on Wednesday the draft of the state budget for the year 2006 for both central and local levels with a total YR 1,052 trillion, which exceeds last year's budget with 38.8 per cent.

The cabinet confirmed recommendations of the Supreme Committee for Budgets, that insisted the need for keeping the deficit under 3 per cent.

On the other hand, the cabinet assigned ministers of finance, legal affairs and state minister for parliament affairs to submit the draft budget to the parliament for final endorsement.

Almotamar Net -
President Ali Abdullah Saleh presided on Thursday a joint meeting that brought together members of the cabinet and the general committee of General People's Congress
(GPC).
The meeting reviewed outcomes of president Saleh's tour to Japan, the United States and France in addition to Thailand.

The meeting discussed topics related to democracy, the national economy and procedures of combating corruption.

The meeting also discussed work process in the oil block No. 18 in Marib after Safir petroleum company took over its operation from the
U.S. Hunt oil company after the end of Hunt's concession in mid-November.

The officials also discussed arrangements for holding the 7th GPC general conference and political program of the party for the next
period.

The meeting recommended the government to hold periodical meetings until the holding of the PGC conference in order to come out with
suitable procedures for enhancing reforms process.

Almotamar Net - Director of Taiz Commercial and Industrial Chamber Mofid Abduh Saif discussed on Thursday with a team of Ethiopian diplomats aspects of enhancing trade cooperation between the chamber and its Ethiopian counterparts.

Saif's talks with the Ethiopian diplomats possibilities of forming a delegation from the Taiz chamber to visit Ethiopia next year to be enlightened about investment chances in the African country.

Almotamar Net -
Vice President Abdu Raboh Mansor Hadi left Sana'a on Thursday for Oman to attend ceremonies marking Oman's
national day.

Upon his departure, Hadi said the participation in ceremonies of the Omani people on 35th anniversary of the national day came within significant ties between the two brotherly countries under
sponsorship the both political leaderships in two countries headed by President Ali Abdullah Saleh and Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Saeed.

"We will convey congratulations of the president Saleh to Sultan Qaboos and the Omani people on this occasion," he said.

He added that "undoubtedly, the relations between Yemen and Oman formed a model for the real brotherly ties."

He made it clear that the joint outlets between the two countries became bridges for brotherly communication and centers for trade.

"There are many fields of extending joint cooperation between the two countries to serve common interests of both peoples," he said.
Hadi is being companied by a number of ministers and other officials during this visit.

Almotamar Net - Vice president Abdu Rabo Mansour Hadi met hereon Friday at his residence in Albustan Palace Shihab Bin Tariq Al
Saeed the Advisor of Sultan Qabous Bin Saeed.
During the meeting Hadi expressed his admiration of the rapid change and unique development progress in the Sultanate of Oman since 1970.
He also praised the Yemeni Omani historical relations on all levels, pointingout that the Yemeni and Omani peoples aspirations are
interpreted in thereal ground that based on the common interests and brotherhood. The Omani official that Oman has a keen interest to
boost its economicrelations with Yemen, confirming that a number of Omani financial companies, corporations and businessmen have
commenced their investment activitiesin Yemen. He added that the Omani and Yemeni businessmen implement a numberof agreements and protocols in different economic and investmental fields.

Almotamar Net - A parliamentary delegation headed by Deputy Speaker Ja'afar Saeed Ba-Saleh left Sana'a Thursday for Thailand to take part in 6th meeting of the general assembly for Asian Parliament League.

The meeting would be held on November 19-24.

In a statement to Saba, Ba-Saleh said the meeting would discuss key issues such as the role of the Asian parliaments in pushing peace process in the region and fighting terror as well as the participation of woman in political life.

Almotamar Net - Minister of Public Health and Population Mohammad Yahya al-Noami held talks here on Saturday with regional
manager for theMidlle East at the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr Abdul Razaq al-Jazairi.

During the meeting, they discussed issued related to the public health in Yemen and efforts exerted by the ministry in cooperation with its partners, particularly the WHO in field of enhancing services of basic health and fighting epidemic diseases such as polio.

Al-Noami highlighted the importance of reactivating relations of bilateral cooperation in field of vaccination and the blood bank and rehabilitating the staffers in this field.

For his part, the WHO official highly appreciated efforts exerted by the ministry in improving the health situations, confirming continuation of WHO's support to Yemen in that field.

Almotamar Net - Vice President Abdu-Rabu Mansour Hadi returned to Sana'a from the Sultanate of Oman where he attended
ceremonies markingthe 35th anniversary of Oman's national day.

During his visit to Oman, Hadi convoyed President Ali Abdullah Saleh's greetings and to the Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said al-Said
and the peopleand government of Oman.

Hadi spoke favorably over the Omani achievements and developments.

He also praised Yemeni-Omani unique and strong relationships
reinforcedby agreements and protocols which aim to develop mutual
cooperation in addition to harmonizing point views towards regional, Arabic and international issues.

On the way back, Hadi paid a visit to al-Mahra governorate to have a look at work steps in the Saihoot-Nashtoon road which would connect al-Mahra with the rest of the governorates.

Almotamar Net - Five republican decrees were issued on
Saturday appointing new Yemeni ambassadors to Arab and western countries.

Hussein Ali Hassan, Noriah Abdullah al-Hamami, Mohammed Ali Muhsen al-Ahwal, Mustafa Ahmed No'man, and Jamal Abdullah al-Salal, were
appointed as ambassadorsand plenipotentiaries to Libya, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, India, and Iran respectively.

Almotamar Net - Yemeni government and the World Bank are going to start on Sunday discussions on the bank's aid to Yemen
during the coming four years.

Director of the International Cooperation at the Planning Ministry Nabil Shaiban said the opening session of the discussions would be
chaired by Deputy Primer and Minister of Planning and International
Cooperation Ahmed Sufan.

The discussions would focus on directions of the WB assistance in Yemen and what kinds of programs would be financed by WB, he added

Almotamar Net -
Shura Council chairman Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Gani met with the Belgian non-resident ambassador Rodi Shelienk and discussed anumber of issues and cooperation aspects.

They also talked over Shura Council and Belgian Senate Council role in pushing forward both countries relations to serve common interests.

Almotamar Net -
In the opening of the 3rd national forum on " Fighting Malaria and Transmitted Diseases", prime minister
Abdul-Qader Ba-Jammalcalled for the international and regional cooperation with Yemen to fightand eradicate malaria and other
transmitted diseases.

He confirmed that this kind of cooperation did prove remarkable success in previous malaria fighting campaigns.

Ba-Jammal clarified that preparing and qualifying cadres to fight malaria in addition to cooperating with others form the main factors for Yemen's success in this field.

He also exposed the environmental, hygienic, cultural and enlightening factors to avoid being affected with malaria and emphasized on health culture which help people take precautions of diseases.

On the other hand, Minister of Public Health and Population Mohammed al-Nemi spoke over Yemen infection with malaria which puts it in the African-Asian group list. He confirmed that health progress was the main goal of thehealth system in Yemen in cooperation with the World
Health Organization,the International Fund for AIDS and Malaria Fight, UNESCO, WB, KSA, UAE and Oman which he paid much tribute to them.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh sent on Sunday a congratulation cable
to his Lebanese counterpart Emile Lahud on the occasion of the Independence Day.

The president expressed his wishes of welfare for Lebanese leadership and peoples.

Almotamar Net - The Public Prosecution freed on Sunday 240 prisoners who were unable to pay debts or financial fines, a prosecution sourcesaid.

The sources said the move was part of an initiative by President Ali Abdullah Saleh who ordered the government in the holy month of
Ramadan to pay forthose insolvent prisoners.

The prisoners were set free after their debts, totaled YR 37.1 million, were settled from state funds, said the sources

Some 1382 prisoners were released during Ramadan, most of the them spent 75 per cent of their imprisonment punishment and showed good
behavior during their terms, the sources added

Almotamar Net - The Republic of Yemen has been elected as the deputy chairman of the 6th conference of information ministers
of nonaligned nations that is being held in Kuala Lumpur.

The information minister Hussein Daifullah al-Awadi, the head of Yemeni delegation, briefed that Yemen was elected by the Asian group
because of the Yemeni active role at the regional and international levels.

In the conference, that would last till November 22, the information ministers would discuss a number of topics that strengthen the information cooperation among member states and the role of news agencies in nonaligned nationsin achieving and protecting common interests.

They also discussed the international directions and developments in terms of information and telecommunications.

In the conference that came after 8 years stopping, the ministers would also discuss some suggestions such as establishing a news information web including all member states.

Almotamar Net - Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qerbi met here on Sunday with head of the U.N. Security Council's subcommittee on
fightingterrorism John Bawl Laborde.

The two officials discussed cooperation between the Yemeni government and the United Nations in general and its anti-terror committee in particular.

They stressed importance of bringing together the efforts being put by the international community to abort terror activities

Almotamar Net - One day-pay in favor of Pakistanis

The Yemeni Government decided to deduct a day-pay from the salary of civil servants in favor of victims of earthquake in Pakistan, informed sources stated.
The decision is in line with Yemeni help provided to Pakistanis suffered from the earthquake recently hit their country, according to the sources.
Yemen had announced for a grant and aid campaign for the same purpose through the Yemeni Red Crescent, in addition to the two planes loaded with foods, medicines, blankets and tents.

Almotamar Net - The vice-president Abd Rabu Mansour Hadi inspected on Tuesday the progress in implementing the new building of parliament.

Vice-president met the vice speaker of the parliament Yahya al-Raei, minister of public works and roads Abdullah Hussein al-Dafei and exchanged remarks with them over the project

Almotamar Net - Minister of Oil and Minerals Rashid Ba-Raba'a stated that Yemen has special relations with many international oil companies.

He said in a statement on Tuesday that more than 26 oil companies in different countries such as America, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia enjoy good partnership relation with Yemen.

These companies work in fields of production, discovering, exporting and transferring oil and gas, he said.

In remarks to Saba, Ba-Raba'a said the existence of these companies was strong evidence of good relations and respect exchange between Yemeni government and such companies.

Almotamar Net - ( Sheikh Abdulmajeed Al-Zindani, the chairman of the Islah Party�s Consultative Council harshly criticized on Friday a prominent member of his own party, while praising President Saleh in an unprecedented development.

Al-Zindani said he was grateful to President Saleh for his �efforts exerted to remove his name from the accusation chart of the USA�, but he expressed dismay in a lecture at the Al-Iman University in Sanaa at Islah�s political department�s chairman Mohamed Qahtan for allegedly declaring that �women are better than Sheikh Al-Zindani�.

Almotamar Net - Vintage Petroleum, Inc. reports that the An Nagyah #18 well in the Republic of Yemen has tested light (43 degree API) oil from the subsalt Upper Lam �B� formation. The well is the sixth horizontal well drilled in the company�s An Nagyah field.

The An Nagyah #18 well was drilled horizontally to a total measured depth of 6,628 feet (2,020 meters) and was completed in 2,559 feet (780 meters) of gross oil bearing Lam �B� section. The interval was tested at a stabilized rate of 1,300 barrels per day of oil with less than one percent water cut, 838 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas flowing at 220 pounds per square inch tubing pressure on a 48/64 inch choke.

The Lam �B� reservoir is located approximately 140 feet (43 meters) below the currently producing Lam �A� formation in the An Nagyah field. The An Nagyah #18 is the first commercial producing well in the Lam �B�. Drilling of additional Lam �B� wells may be necessary to completely develop the reservoir.

With testing completed at the An Nagyah #18 well, the drilling rig is moving approximately 14 miles (22 km) to the northwest to drill the Hatat #1 prospect. This 6,560 foot (2,000 meters) exploration well will test a potentially fractured, granitic basement play.

Current daily production from the Block S-1 concession is approximately 11,300 gross barrels of oil per day (5,900 barrels net) and should exceed 12,000 gross barrels of oil (6,250 barrels net) by year-end 2005

Almotamar Net - A delegation, headed by Ahmad Ba-Matraf, deputy justice minister for technical affairs, left for Germany to participate in the conference labeled "Human Rights in International Context as approved by the International Criminal Court."

The focus of the visit would be on the International Criminal Court in The Hague, a body established in 1998 on the base of Rome Statute, that was endorsed by 120 states, and aims at prosecuting crimes against peace and humanity on an internationally legitimized bases when the national judicial systems are unable to deal with such cases.

Worthy to mention that Yemen has signed the Rome Statute in 1998 and held an international conference on the topic early in 2004.

Almotamar Net - The Cabinet aproved in its periodical meeting on Tuesday, headed by premier Abdul-Qader Ba-Jammal, the cooperation
agreementsbetween Ministry of Oil and Minerals and Baron Energy Yemen Company Ltd.,Kilta Hi Advent Co. Ltd. and Yemen General
Corporation for Petroleum andGas to drill in block 6 in Shabwa.

It also approved an agreement between Korean national oil companies Samsung, Adesong Industrial Ltd., G.S Holding and the Yemeni Public Corporation for Petroleum and Gas to discover oil in block 16 in
Mahra governorate.

The cabinet assigned Minister of Oil and Minerals to have the two agreements inked and coordinate with State Minister for Parliament and Shura CouncilAffairs to complete constitutional procedures to ratify the two agreements.

Almotamar Net - Cabinet Discusses Health Insurance Project
Headed by Abdul-Qadir Ba-Jammal, the Cabinet discussed on Tuesday the initial results of health insurance system study which was prepared by the Ministry of Public Health and Population and the German company GTZ.
The system aims to develop health care quality for all social classes,in addition to establishing continuous support for health care. The Cabinet asserted the significance of health insurance according to legitimized bases.

Almotamar Net - The meeting of the 33rd round for the conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) decided next conference for the organization to be held in Yemen.
The March-conference, 2006 will be held with participation of more than forty agriculture ministers in the Middle East, Arab Peninsula and south of the far east.
Upon his arrival, the minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Hasan Umar Suwayd said that the meeting recently concluded in Rome also approved the agenda of the third millennium plan of fight against poverty in the third-world countries including Yemen.
In the meeting, the participants elected Mr Jacques Diouf as the executive director for the Organization.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh met here on Wednesday the Chinese ambassador to Sana'a Gao Yuching.

In the meeting, they discussed preparations for the coming visit of president Saleh to China that will coincide with celebrations of the
two countrieson passing 50 years of good relations.

They also discussed aspects of mutual cooperation and projects that China would finance such as establishing a port, railway, power plant, investment hospital, cement factory and a hole for the international conference in Sana'a.

Saleh praised the Yemeni-Chinese relations, saying that they are historic

Almotamar Net - Deputy Education Minister Abdul-Aziz bin Habtour met here on Wednesday with the World Bank delegation
headed by the director of education sector of the WB.

In the meeting, bin Habtour discussed with them fields of educational cooperation between Yemen and WB and horizons of strengthening them.

The meeting discussed the National Strategy for Basic Education and its priorities to enhance the educational sector and needed support
in thisregard.

Bin Habtour highly appreciated efforts of the WB in supporting the Education Ministry, specially its aid to make the the National Strategy for Basic Education a success

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh received here on Wednesday the ambassador of USA to Sana'a Thomas Krajeski.

In the meeting they discussed the bilateral relations and terms of mutual cooperation between the two countries after the successful visit of president Saleh to America.

They also reviewed talks between president Saleh with American president Gorge W. Bush and US officials who have concerns over common interests
between two peoples.

Krajeski confirmed the satisfaction of the American administration over the outcomes of president Saleh's visit and fruitful discussions.

He said that Bush had assured that President Saleh was able to deal with difficulties that face Yemen and that US administration highly evaluates
Yemen cooperation on fighting terrorism.

He also affirmed that America would continue supporting reforms in Yemen and democratic trends and that it support Yemen to get more aids from
international organizations and donor countries.

Almotamar Net - Ministry of Interior and the UN High Commissionaire for Refugees Affairs (UNHCR) would launch on November 27th refugees registration in six centers to be available for such
purpose.

The spokesperson of UNHCR Jennifer Bagneese appreciated humanitarian efforts of Yemen for refugees like presenting care and shelter for African Horn refugees.

She pointed out that Yemen situation in the region places it the first country that is considered a good refuge for those who escaped
from war and poverty.

"The increase in refugees rate pushes the UNHCR representative Antonio Giotireese to call for an accurate study over reasons of the phenomenon,"Bagneese added.

She stated that the latest statistics of refugees in Yemen on October shows that refugees reached 79,000, 68,000 of them are Somali.

Almotamar Net -
The Yemeni authorities will receive next few days 11 of Yemeni detainees in the US Bay Guantanamo, informed sources stated.

Sources confirmed that contacts are ongoing with US authorities to complete procedures of handing over the Yemenis in a few coming days.

The sources said that the detainees would be investigated and tried according to Yemeni laws.

Sources pointed that contacts would continue over the case of many other Yemenis in Gitmo whom US authorities promised to release.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh received on Thursday a written message from the Custodian of the two holy mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz included an invitation to him to participate in extraordinary Islamic Summit to be held in Mecca next month.
The message also dealt with fraternal relations between the two countries and means of enhancing them in addition to international, Arab and Islamic latest developments.

Almotamar Net - The Republic of Yemen will take part in the 6th annual conference of "States party to Ottawa treaty" to be held in Ukraine, 27-29 November.

Minister of state, chairman of the National Committee for Mines Action, Qasim al-Ajam said while leaving to Ottawa that the Yemeni delegation would present the Yemeni experience of de-mining comparing with other experiences.

Al-Ajam said Yemen was considered one of the first countries to take a remarkable stage in de-mining field and that encouraged donors to continue supporting Yemen in the field.

The countries which have verified the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty are 145 countries including Yemen

Almotamar Net -
Women Center for Researches and Training in Aden University will organize a workshop on "women and media", in cooperation with the Dutch organization Novek.

The workshop, to be held from 7 to 12 December 2005 with the participation of a journalists and university professors and students, aims at increasing awareness of women's issues and the role of media in covering such issues.

Almotamar Net - The world premiere of Yemen�s first feature film, �A New Day in Old Sana�a� took place on Sunday at the Yemeni Cultural Centre. The film, the British entry to the current European Film Festival, was directed and produced by Bader Ben Hirsi, a Yemeni-British director.

Invited guests including diplomats, journalists and businessmen, and a big gathering of both foreigners and Yemenis filled the large cinema. Frequent laughs and loud clapping could be heard throughout the performance. Many said that they liked the film. Many, especially those who knew about its background and the challenges that the film crew faced during the shooting, said they were very impressed at the final production. A spokesman from the British Council described the film as a �wistful and funny romance about confused identities.� The spokesman said: �The film is also a homage to the beauty and unique character of Old Sana�a.�

Almotamar Net - With 60 percent of Yemen's population at risk of malaria, the disease represents one of the biggest health challenges for the country's 19.7 million people.

A three-day seminar on malaria and other diseases that wrapped up on Tuesday in Sana, the Yemeni capital, called for more cooperation and support to confront the disease, as well as increased political commitment

to ensure sustainability in the fight against it.

"Malaria has been a major health challenge for some decades, " said Yemeni Public Health and Population Minister Mohammed al-Nomi at the seminar.

The minister said that Yemen had made progress its fight against the disease. The epidemic infection in the Tihama region, some 226 km west of Sana, had dropped from 46 percent to 11 percent, for example.

In Socotra, an island in the Indian Ocean, the prevalence rate had fallen from 36 percent to less than 1 percent.

Still, Yemen is one of the most malaria-affected countries in the Middle East, with an estimated 800,000 cases per year, according to Dr Mohammed Khalifah, an expert on malaria from the UN World Health Organization (WHO).

A global problem

Malaria is an acute and chronic infectious disease caused by parasites and spread through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms of the illness include chills and a high fever.

Untreated, malaria can result in death. The disease is widespread in tropical regions and affects one in every 12 people globally. The Plasmodium falciparum parasite causes 90 percent of the malaria cases in Yemen.

Internationally, it causes 120,000,000 new cases and up to 1,000,000 deaths per year. It is this deadly species that has given rise to the formidable drug-resistant strains of malaria emerging in Asia, according to WHO reports.

The seminar's 300 participants, including staff from Yemeni hospitals and medical colleges as well as international health experts, emphasised the urgency of reviewing the current antimalaria drug policy.

Because studies indicate that Plasmodium falciparum malaria has a high level of resistance to chloroquine treatment, they proposed shifting to artemisinin-based combination therapy, according to Khalifah.

The seminar also recommended that all insecticides and drugs be ordered and delivered according to WHO specifications.
A shared responsibility

Funded by the World Bank and UNDP, the seminar highlighted the achievements made so far and stressed the importance of collaboration with all partners - public, private and local and international NGOs.

"Malaria and other vector-borne diseases like dengue fever are not the mere responsibility of the ministry of health but should be the joint responsibility of different public and private sectors," Khalifa said.

He noted that since 2001 the government of Yemen had invested US $18,814,443 per year in the fight against malaria.
Yemen was hard-hit by the disease in 1997-1998 after an extremely heavy rainy season. The number of annual cases during that time soared from 1.5 million to three million, with a mortality rate of between 15,000 and 30,000.

Following the Gulf War of 1991 and the cessation of the Gulf countries' support to Yemen, antimalaria programmes suffered.

With guidance from WHO, the government of Yemen established its National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) in 2001. The NMCP's strategy includes measures for capacity building, early and correct diagnosis, prompt and effective treatment, integrated vector management, surveillance and information systems, community participation and prevention of malaria during pregnancy, according to Khalifa.

Through WHO, Yemen has built a strong partnership with neighbours Oman and Saudi Arabia. The Saudis committed themselves to providing Yemen with pesticides, space-spraying machines and vehicles to strengthen the transport system of the NMCP.

There has also been support from Japan, the United Arab Emirates Red Crescent Society, the World Bank and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) among others.

In 2002, WHO helped Yemen produce a proposal for the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria, which concentrated on capacity building, community participation and the provision of bed nets for pregnant women and children under age five, Khalifa said.

The application was accepted by the fund and Yemen thereafter received $12 million for five years.

The proposal also involved strengthening the infrastructure of the NMCP through building its headquarters in Sana and a sub-regional office in the western city of Hodeidah, which will be the best equipped malaria centre in the region and is due to open in 2006.

Khalifa said, however, that financial support, affordability and compliance by the different sectors and the community were still major challenges to efforts to roll back malaria.

"Resources and fundraising are among the main problems we face. Therefore, we have to look for new partners in the Gulf countries, Global Fund and ECHO [European Union Humanitarian Aid Office]," he stressed, adding that the support Yemen had received over the last few years had enabled the country to drop the incidents of malaria in all the areas in which the malaria control measures were implemented.

Almotamar Net - The Arab Association for Air Transportation (AAAT)General Committee, to be held in Sana'a 29 November, will discuss a numberof issues related to air transportation services and reinforcing competition among member companies.
It would also tackle cooperation in air-servicemarketing and liberating air-lines in the Arab World. The 38th session in Sana'a on 29 November. The session would include heads and representatives of 23 air-transportation companies. Moreover, the meetings would depict and discuss future plans of the international air companies and different issues related to the association activities.

Almotamar Net - Based on research in Hodeidah, Zabid and Al-Garrahi, focused on the cultural and social Tihama arts, I came up last week with a startling discovery.
In Hodeidah city, I met some of the people interested in arts, literature and education. At the Cultural Forum, I met Sheikh Mansour Wasel, member of parliament and adviser to the Forum, and Ahmed Salem Bajil, head of the Cultural Forum. They and many others, helped me understand detailed aspects of Tihama art, which I will explain in a series of issues of the Yemen Times.
Let me start with one discovery that truly amazed me, and which had a magical effect on my whole journey. It was an instrument called "Al-Khallool".
At the first glance, I thought that this instrument was some kind of cudgel for protection, or a stick used for herding sheep. But I soon discovered that this one meter long stick was actually a musical wind instrument, i.e., a flute. Not only did it look too large or long to use, but it only had two large holes far away from the opening for blowing in. My amazement increased as the scene unfolded in front of my eyes.
The owner neatly held it with his hands, and played it, producing melodious music. The instrument was so long that in order to keep both his fingers on the two holes, he had to lean his head a little to the left to be able to blow through it. It seemed like an awkward task, but he managed, perhaps because he was used to it.
The mystery of Al-Khallool was not reported by any other newspaper or any other media. I really felt sorry that such a historic and melodious instrument was ignored. This flute is said to be the oldest ever in Yemen.
Everyone I met assured me that the Al-Khallool indeed is the oldest musical instrument in Yemen. They claim that it is one of the oldest musical instruments in the history of mankind.
References to it go back some five hundred years - to the time of the Turkish conquest and the wars between them and the competing Portuguese forces.
Unfortunately, no one knows where the instrument originated. This instrument was used by the farmers and the Tihama people in their festivals, celebrations and entertainments. It was quite puzzling to hear that this instrument has been in use even long before the Turkish conquest. In fact, the owner claims with surprising confidence that the flute in his hand is of the same type used by the Prophet David around 3000 years ago. There is no way to verify such claims.
Scientists will have to test the actual age of the instrument. What we do know is that this strange instrument has become the base of various social Tihama arts the dances of "Alhaqfa", Al-Saif Al-Yamani (The Yemeni sword), the Camel Dance, etc. Since these dances have evolved over a long time, the instrument must have existed for a long time.
This instrument was used in nightly entertainment which often lasted until the next morning. The exciting thing about this instrument is that it produces excellent music, with a sad thick sound that can not be separated from the poetry. Once I listened to its music, it gave me a feeling of the past, the memories, the old history, and the simplicity of the life of the Tihamian people. While playing with its tones, the Tihami person using it had been trying to get a sound like "Da'ood' which is the name of Prophet David in Arabic. It was quite true, it did speak the word "Dawood' in a sad and magical manner.
Al-Khallool was also used by many people who used to travel on camels. It has been said that when the camels listened to this music, they shake their necks and walk for extremely long distances. Tihamians claim that this is how the camel dance actually originated in the Tihama. This instrument has been distinguished by its strange length and the holes and grooves, as I saw it with one of Tihamian citizens who told me that he had inherited this instrument from his deceased father, who taught him how to use it. We asked him how you would make a similar instrument? He simply said that not only would no one from the new or previous generation know how to construct one, they would even not be able to use it. When I calculated his and his fathers age it was around 150 years, he also said that he will pass it on to his son and grand son as he has inherited it from his father and grandfather. This drives us to make a very important conclusion about the artistic position of this instrument, which should be studied so that we can discover the secrets behind it. I concluded that even with only its documented history, Al-Khallool is still a very old and valuable instrument.
The Al-Khallool is quite unique and can easily be distinguished from the newer generation flutes used today. As we all know, today's flutes are made of either plastic or copper and have around 5 to 6 holes. They are also around 20 to 40cm in length. However, Al-Khallool is cut from an old sugar-cane's and is around one meter in length, it has only one open hole at the top. The other end of the instrument is closed and carved. The instrument has only two holes which are not parallel and the distance between these holes is around 15 to 20 cm for breathing. The person who plays this instrument needs to have good lungs so that the music can be continuous. Being played with one finger of each hand, the Al-Khallool is quite awkward to use. It is very difficult to obtain notes from classical music. It does not even have any musical scale. The sound circulates around itself in a very limited path with an incomplete musical tone, which can be distinguished by the ear from among any other musical instrument in the world. Some claim that this indicates that this instrument was made in the old ages when musical scales were not known. It is a historical musical instrument that produces previously unheard magical tones.
Al-Khallool is an important part of Yemen's heritage from the old ages through which the Tihamians found their own cultural music, which they see as essential to pass on to the next generation. This instrument has a unique progression through its possessors in Yemen. No one was able to correctly identify its age and explain its workings.
Al-Khallool is not widely known today because of the difficulty of its use and its inability to generate today's music tones. This leads to ignorance and a shift to the new flutes produced and used today.
In the end, one cannot help wondering how this instrument came all the way from Israel and the Prophet David, to the coast of the Tihama. Could it be that what we call Al-Khallool today is in fact the same instrument the Prophet David used? I can never describe how tears filled my eyes when I heard the music of Al-Khallool. It wasn't only music that I heard. It was history itself being played in a sad way. The sound of Al-Khallool will definitely stay in my mind forever, reminding me of the sounds of the past.

Almotamar Net - , US Central Command commander General John Abizaid arrived Friday in Sana'a in a two-day official visit for holding discussions with Yemeni government officials on military and security ties. and he will also discuss means of enhancing and improving them.

Almotamar Net -
SOCO's majority owned subsidiary, Comeco Petroleum, Inc. ("Comeco"), through which the Company holds a 16.785% net working interest in the East Shabwa Development Area in Yemen ("ESDA"), announced the successful production test of the KHA-3-07 well. The well was drilled as part of the continuing appraisal and development of the Basement reservoir in the Kharir Field.

The KHA-3-07 well spudded on 31st August 2005 and reached a total depth of 3,472 metres Measured Depth ("MD"). The objectives Related Pictures

Kharir Field, Yemen
Buy the Wallmap

of the well were to appraise the basement reservoir in the previously undrilled Kharir North structure, and evaluate reservoir development in the northern extension of the Kharir structure as currently mapped. KHA-3-07 tested over 850 barrels of oil per day against a 26/64 inch choke. The well is now connected to Kharir's main production facilities.

The rig has since moved to drill the Jathma-1 well, an exploration well on a new Basement prospect in the northern area of Block 10. The well spudded on the 22nd October 2005 and is currently drilling at 2,673 metres MD. A second rig commenced drilling a water injection well on the Atuf Northwest Field on the 19th November 2005. The partners have also recently contracted a third drilling rig that is currently moving onto the Block in preparation to drill a second Basement exploration well.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh met here on Saturday with the US central forces commander John Abizeid.
The discussion focused on mutual cooperation relations, security and fighting terrorism.
They have discussed the cooperation on military training following the successful visit of president Saleh to America.
They have also reviewed talks held between president Saleh and US president Gorge W. Bush and US officials during the president's last visit to USA.They shed lights on the current situations in the area especially in Iraq, Somalia and the African Horn.
Abizeid praised the level of mutual cooperation between the two countries, mentioning to the important of continuing efforts to enhance the peace and security in the African horn.
He also spoke highly on the important role of Yemen and its support for security in the African Horn

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh received on Saturday a condolence cable from the Eritrean president Isaias Afworki on the deatho f the ex-premier Mohammad Saed al-Attar

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh met with the head of the Islamic Propagation Organization (IPO) Field Marshal
Abdul-Rahman Swar al-Dahab (Former Sudanese president).
They have discussed the IPO activities that aim to spread Islamic Daawa, the Arabic language and offer humanitarian relief and charitable worksin the Africa and east Europe regions.
They also discussed challenges facing the Islamic Umma, the Islamic Daawa affaires and supporting the organization projects if the field of Daawa, health and education.
In his turn, Saleh asserted Yemen support for the organization to help it perform its charitable and humanitarian works that serve the Islamic propagation and the Arabic language.
Al-Dahab highly appreciated Yemen's stances which support the Islamic and Arabic issues and the charitable and humanitarian works in Sudan.

Almotamar Net - President Saleh congratulates the Albanian president
president Ali Abdullah Saleh sent on Saturday a congratulations cable to the Albanian president Alfred Moisiu on
the occasiono f the Independence Day

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh received on Monday a condolence cable from the Saudi crown prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud on the death of the ex-prime minister Mohammed Saed al-Attar.
Al-Attar died abroad last week after struggle with
illness.

Almotamar Net - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf would pay an official visit to Yemen from 3rd to 6th it was officially announced on Monday.


President Pervez Musharraf visit to Yemen that takes place after a hiatus of 15 years, will afford a useful opportunity to reaffirm Pakistan's commitment to strengthen bilateral political and economic relations and terms of cooperation between the two countries

Almotamar Net -



The Prime Minister Abdul Qader Bajamal discussed here today with the Chief Executive for International Federation , currently visiting Sanaa.
The meeting covered cooperation ties between Yemen and the Federation.

Almotamar Net - The British Council in Sana'a and its partners in the European Film Festival 2005 announced on Monday that the
EuropeanFilm Festival will run on 3 December in Aden.

The annual Festival presents some of the best film-making in Europe inrecent years. The countries which are participating in the
festival aremore than ever before.

Ten Festival will offer British, German, Austrian, Finland, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish and Turkish films.

In previous years, the Festival has presented films refer to only countries which have diplomatic representatives in Yemen, but this
year the Festivalwill also feature films from European Union countries which are not representedin Yemen such as Austria and
Finland.

As Britain currently holds the Presidency of the European Union, the British entry will open the Festival.

The British Council is delighted to be holding the Yemeni premiere of Bader Ben Hirsi's "A New Day in Old Sana'a", a Yemeni-British co-production, that was shot last year in Old Sana'a. It was the first ever Yemeni-made feature film.

Almotamar Net - Prime Minister Abdul-Qader Ba-Jammal met on Monday with the executive director of the International Air Transport Association(IATA) Juvani Bneritiani to discuss cooperation aspects between Yemen Airways and the IATA in transportation in addition to discussing a numberof issues related to air transportation costs.

Bneritiani asserted the importance of establishing an Arabic regional
cooperation to decrease costs. He said the association was keen to create economic bases for contest among airways companies.

Bneritiani highly appreciated Yemen support for hosting the 38th round of the general assembly of the Arab Union for Air Transport that will start on November 30th.

Almotamar Net - The ministry of civil Service and Insurances announced on Monday that next Wednesday, the 30th of November is an
official holiday for employees in public and mixed sectors on the 30th anniversary of evacuation of occupation forces from the south of Yemen.

The ministry congratulated people and leadership on this occasion.

Almotamar Net - Lahj governor Mansour Abdul-Jaleel met with the regional consultant for the World Health Organization (WHO) Omar Mahboob.

They discussed the support of WHO for health administrations in the governorate.

They tackled ways of improving health services through increasing the number of health workers and beneficiaries which would be possible
viaWHO support.

Almotamar Net - Yemen would participate in meetings of the 2nd Gulf Security Meeting due to be held in the Bahraini capital Manama on December 2-4.

Representatives from the Arab Gulf states, Yemen, European Union, the United States and several international organizations would take part in the gathering


The meeting would focus on issues related to regional security, terrorism and relations among Gulf countries with the United States,
Iraq and Iran.

In remarks to reporters, Interior Minister Rashad al-Alimi voiced hope the meeting would come out with good results that would bolster ties among participating countries and serve security, stability and peace in the region and worldwide.

He said Yemen, with its strategic geographic location, constitutes a frontline for the Gulf region's security in terms of combating terrorism, piracyand drug trafficking.

"The security of Yemen is part of security of the Gulf," al-Alimi said."Danger could come from any side, thus a regional security strategy based on the concept of real partnership is needed."

Alimi said Yemen would present to the meeting a work paper discussing the issue of security in Yemen and the Gulf region.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh sent congratulations cable to president of the United Arab Emirates Khalifa bin Zayid al-Nuhayyan
on the National Day.


He expressed wishes of more progress for UAE government and people

Almotamar Net - The Emirates Red Crescent medical team headed by Saleh al-Taee left Sana'a on Wednesday after a successful work visit to Yemen. During the visit, they discussed health and medical cooperation aspects between the two countries.
Al-Taee stated to Saba that the visit was successful and the first medical team carried out, in cooperation with Yemeni doctors, more that 150 successful eye surgical operations in addition to more than 2000 free medical checkups for Suqtara's inhabitants.
He added that that second medical team took part in malaria fighting campaign.

Almotamar Net - Prime Minister Abdul-Qadir Bajammal met on Wednesday with the new appointed ambassadors, he spoke over the
responsibilitiesand duties of the diplomatic man.

He also called upon them to represent Yemen in the best portrait and dedicate their efforts for the sake of the country in order to contribute in strengthening Yemen's relations with the friendly
countries."You have to reflect a real image of Yemen, its achievements and the economic and political reform in the country."
Bajammal said. He pointed out that the embassies should focus its activities on contacting with Yemeni communities and students to tackle their problems.

Almotamar Net - UNITEL Yemen Telecom Company signed on Sunday a new permission agreement with the Ministry of Telecommunications& Information Technology.
The agreement grants UNITEL priority in operating the third GSM company in Yemen. The agreement is valued at US$149,000,000. It is considered a good deal for both partners the government and investors in the telecom sector.
The company is expected to play an important role in the Yemeni economy.
UNITEL intends to bring superior service and partnership with the Chinese, especially their experts in technology.
UNITEL aims to supply services to the entire population of Yemen, a rpiadly gorwing market. The signing of this agreement provides UNITEL with great opportunities to bring services into even the remotest regions of the country

Almotamar Net - Two Chinese trade delegations including 40 businessmen will visit Yemen next December for marketing Chinese products.

Chinese businessmen will discuss opportunities cooperation with Yemeni trade companies in field of investment and medium-and-small industrial projects as well as engineering contracts. They will also discuss creatingreal economic partnership in trade area and how to expand it in future.

The Chinese delegation will also visit the Aden Free Zone.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh received a congratulations letter from the Egyptian president Mohammed Hosni Mubarak on the 38th anniversary of the Independence Day.
Mubarak wished Saleh and Yemeni people more progress and welfare

Almotamar Net - French delegation of seven airports service companies held a meeting on Tuesday with officials in Civil Aviation and Meteorology Authority (CAMA) to promote the CAMA activities and projects to be setup in Yemen.

In the meeting, some companies have shown their services and activities via the Power Point.

The head of the French delegation Laurent Locledere, said the seven companies were members of one association called (PROAVIA), a French association for promoting airport technologies and services.

The association includes fourteen member companies in France. He said that the visit of the delegation came after Yemen had announced to expandthe new Sana'a International Airport.

Yemen is a good market and the visit is chance for us to promote our services in Yemen," he said.

The French ambassador to Sana'a Alan Mourou said that the delegation came to meet officials in CAMA to promote their services to see possibilities of carrying out projects in Yemen especially new project of Sana'a airport.

He expressed wish that the companies could contribute in set up new Sana'a international airport

Almotamar Net - The capital Sana'a will host next December the first conference of "Childhood and Youth", deputy youth and sport
minister for youth sector Ahmad al-Oshari said.

Al-Oshari said that the conference would be organized by the ministry of youth and sport in cooperation with the ministry of social affairs
and labor to analyze social, economic, political and cultural conditions which affect the conditions of children.

The conference will also discuss the current government programs and policies in this regard and the international support for youth sector.

Recommendations of the conference will be helpful to prepare plans and programs that may develop the status of children and youth and protect them from poverty and bad conditions.

Almotamar Net - Minister of foreign affairs Abu Bakr al-Qirbi confirmed that the latest tour of president Ali Abdullah Saleh to Japan, America and France was to convey Yemen concerns in development and economic, political and social reforms.

Al-Qirbi said that the opposition abroad was an attempt to harm the country for individual benefit, confirming that the political and economic reforms are a national interest and that Yemen would shoulder the costs of such reforms.

'The inside opposition faces problems of its made partly because it cannot comprehend international changes," said al-Qirbi." I think the opposition abroad does not represent an important voice."

Al-Qirbi pointed that Yemen does not accept bargaining in the Palestinian issue, asserting that the naturalization of relations with Israel was not discussed in talks between president Saleh and US president George W. Bush because, he said, Yemen stance was firm and clear towards the issue

Almotamar Net - General Director of Arab Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) Mongi Bousnina arrived to Sana'a on Friday to participate in the 10th session of Arab higher education ministers meeting to be held in Taiz on 7th December.

Bousnina said that the meeting is very important because the subjects that would discuss dealt with quality, qualification and invention thataim to improve the higher education in the Arab world.

Almotamar Net - Arab Woman Union (AWU)elected on Friday chairwoman of Yemeni Women Union Ramziah al-Eryani as a secretary general of the Arab union.

The conference of the Arab union was concluded here in Sana'a by approving Sana'a as headquarters for the union for three coming years.

Almotamar Net - The Vice President Abduh Raboh Mansor Hadi sent on Friday a cable of congratulations to crown prince of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayad bin Sultan al-Nahyan on national day of UAE people

Almotamar Net - A number of Arab delegations arrived here today to participate in the conference "Women's Rights in the Arab World: From
Words to Deeds" to be started on Saturday.

The visiting delegations included Sheikha Rasha al-Hamoud al-Jaber al-Sabah,deputy minister of high education in Kuwait. Al-Sabah described the conference as "the first ever initiative of its kind" for its importance at the level of United Nations and European Union.

Al-Sabah expressed hope that the conference comes out with positive and applicable recommendations.
"We, Kuwaiti women, look forward for more participation in all areas of public life in Kuwait and to get organizations and ministries of concerning with human rights,particularly women's rights like Yemen," said al-Sabah.


The visiting delegation included also Tahya al-Rais, chair of National Union of Female Writers in Tunis, Raja Hassan Khalifa, chair of Sudanese
Women Union, Rashida Jasee, head of Tunisian Women Lawyers Association and Sameera al-Sheikh, member of Businesswomen Society for Development in Egypt

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf held talks on mutual cooperation, especially in fieldsof economy and security.
They have also discussed coordination efforts in fighting terror.
The two leaders exchanged viewpoints over the latest developments in the region and issues of common concern.
President Saleh highlighted the good level of the mutual cooperation and showed Yemen's keen interest to bolster its ties with Pakistan to serve the common interests of two peoples.
President Musharraf showed his desire to deepen bilateral ties with Yemen, appreciating the position of the Yemeni government and people and their support for the Pakistani people after the earthquake that hit Pakistan last October. The talks were attended by senior Yemeni and Pakistani officials

Almotamar Net - The Beirut-based Al-Quds Corporation started here on Sunday a three-day conference to tackle issues related to the endowment of Al-QudsMosque in the framework of a project scheduled in the coming year.

In the opening session vice president Abdu Rabo Mansour Hadi delivered a speech welcoming the participants in their second home.

In his speech Hadi said the conference coincided with big events and challenges face the Arab and Islamic world.

Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people is a serious indication of the Israeli hostile policy which targets peace in the region, Hadi added.

We are in Yemen renew our support to Palestinian people, wishing that
this conference would come out with recommendations that protect Al-Quds against Israeli attacks, he said.

Speaker of Parliament and deputy chairman of Al-Quds International Corporation Sheikh Abdullah bin Hussein al-Ahmar said the conference would make a new progress on the pathway to coordinate efforts of all concerned bodies to adopt the issue of Al-Quds and to protect its Arab identity and civilization.

He considered Al-Quds as "probity of all Arabs".

He added that Al-Quds corporation is a civil independent organization and that its task focuses on protecting Al-Quds city from dangers and all Zionist plots.

He affirmed the achievement of security and stability in the region would not be realized without approving rights of Palestinian people.

He pointed out to the activities of the corporation in protecting the Islamic holy places in Al-Quds and supporting education and health in the city.

Chief of trustees council of Al-Quds corporation Sheikh Yosef al-Qaradawi called for specifying further endowments in favor of Al-Quds in all Araband Islamic countries to support the legal struggle of the Palestinian people to restore rights.

He highly appreciated the support of Yemen for the Palestinian issue and all other Arab issues.

The advisor of Iranian president Ali Akbar Mohtashimi stressed on the important role of the Islamic countries to defend their holy places by unifying efforts at the ordinary and official levels to support unarmed Palestinian people to face Israeli military forces that target the Palestinian territories.

He confirmed that the issue of Al-Quds would be the central issues of all Muslims, calling international organizations of human rights to
findways to help the Palestinian people.

Almotamar Net - The article started by an introduction on certain decoration found on several Yemeni-Islamic buildings, and their importance within the study of the Islamic arts.
Then the text of the article started in stating that there are some elements of decorations visible on Yemen's Islamic architecture which clearly had its precedence of the pattern of Islamic art right from the birth of Islam.
This pattern is exposed through the various forms of botanical, engineering and written decorations. Those are considered the three main elements to concentrate on the religious buildings constructed within the structure of Islamic patterns.
Besides, there are other decorations of human and animal features, such as the drawing of birds facing each other to be found on the external walls of the "Big Mosque" of Sana'a. Such clearly engravings of bird scenery is quite known in the field of Islamic arts.
On first sight by the researcher or viewer to Yemen's architectural archeology, the "Kufi" writing looks clearly visible within both its first and later stages of development. The foundation wall-faces of Sana'a "Big Mosque" illustrate the pattern of this writing been adaptable in the second Hijria century (eight century A.D.). It also shows the "Kufi" wirting style, which in-turn expresses its perfection, or accuracy, from the technical point of view on one hand, and its adoption through the engraving-stone writings on the other. Here, it is also possible to associate it; in respect of the subjective and artistic points of view; with the foundation portraits found attached to the Islamic patterns of the religious buildings related to other Arab countries.
Another illustration of the "Kufi" writing; that had technically developed during the fourth and fifth Hijria centuries (tenth and elementh A.D.); can be found on the wooden supporting-stands of the small-sized Quranic documents placed in the praying halls of Yemeni mosques e.g. Al-Hadi-ill AlHaq mosque in Sa'adah, which verify the development of the writing and the adaptability of the artists. Moreover, there are many other examples of Arabic writings been shown in their splendid patterns and variations of the kinds, which to be found in both Yemen and the Arab world. All such writings give an indication of Yemeni capability to be adapted with the changing patterns that regularly developed during the Islamic world.
For enriching the field of Islamic archeological inscriptions, there is a need for their studies and treatment in more academic forms and ways. This is because of their context which constituted several aspects, such as the presence of many verses of the Holly Quran, sentences of prayers to God and dates of establishing buildings Moreover, they are more distinguished in Yemen when compared elsewhere by the fact of having a more enlarged and enriched wealth of language that had expressed certain horizons of culture and intellect.
This is very rarely visible in other Islamic archeology of similar patterns. Thus, Yemeni linguistic formation ought to undergo more research and studies in order to find the connecting link between it and the others of the Arab world.
Next to the written inscriptions, there are many gypsum-powdered decorations, which are almost everywhere found on the Islamic monuments in Yemen, either in the formation of the mosques' shrines, or on the walls of Yemeni-Islamic teaching schools. Such botanical decorations were the product of the Yemeni artist, or maker; being transferred from the hands of one generation to another; throughout the historical ages. It had a wide devoting of many people, due to the abundant wealth of such decorations on these Islamic archeological buildings.
The examples are many as one may see in the form of architectural blocks made of the gypsum been decorated by stripped-lines of writings that proceed along a series of patterns around the main front shrines. It is usually placed at the middle taking the shape of a hollow arch of a semi-circular, or, end-pointed shapes. Sometimes, it may take the shape of a pearled chain, when it becomes similar to those found in the old Islamic Empire of Spain.
In many parts on these blocked; constituting Yemen's gypsum-powdered shrines; one may notice the "Arabsic" decoration.
These are plant-like decoration wit very concentrated elements of round shaping, which had prospered during the sixth Hijria century. Its style was again continued with more advanced progress during the seventh and eight centuries (13th and 14th centuries A.D.). They are more apparent on the upper coaching levels of the arches related to these gypsum shrines. Due to the very scrutinized style of industrial craftsmanship, such decorations deserve a detailed study from the archeological aspect of the subject.
The decoration on the timber structures found inside many civil and religious buildings in Yemen also deserve a scientific thorough study. These timber lengths that have visibly engraved sculptures are fixed as the structural supports of the main pray halls of Yemeni mosques. It is well known here that such wooden structures inside the mosques, and; in particular on the burial tombs of the saints found in or around the areas of such mosques; are considered part of the fields of archeological studies respective to the style of decoration. They form a kind of an existing pattern found in all Yemeni and other Arab origins. They have had various changes that developed along the same kind of changes that occurred through the Islamic ages on the industrial pattern of the timber, and its decoration in general, but more particularly in Yemen than any where else.
Moreover, it is worth noting that the pattern of decoration on Yemeni wood structures can also be traceable on the front entrances of old Yemeni houses. Such pattern and style do carry some paragraphs of publicity; as well as; botanical and technical aspects of decoration. Actually, it constituted an important addition in the field of wood decoration treatment within the Islamic art. Again, other residences have metallic doors that also have had various forms of decoration. On the other hand, some old Islamic schools and mosques contain peculiar technical pieces of decorative designs; together with; their dates of origin, or, manufacture labeled on them. All these can help a lot in initiating a thorough study of the decorations on the Islamic timber structures.
On the other hand, the pillars and constructional supports are also among the architectural and decorative elements found in the Islamic buildings. These constitute
another subject noticeable about Islamic archeology in Yemen. In fact, most of these embody the Islamic pattern placeable on every pillar, either on the decorative style of its upper "throne" structural-part, or all around its body.
A study on this aspect may add a new scientific contribution to the field of Islamic archeology.
It is important, too, to point out the water decoration pattern (liquid form of drawings) found on the interior portion of the domes placed usually on the top surfaces of such Yemeni archeological buildings; as well as; on the walls of some mosques. This had been done by Yemeni artists through the work of drawing with the use of liquid-coloring elements on the layers of the gypsum before it had been hardened. This type of painting can be clearly viewed on many hollow and interior sections of the domes and arches related to Yemen's archeological architecture. It had been conducted through following certain known principles related to this field. Such decoration largely carried several decorative designs well adaptable to the art of the Islamic ages. Thus, it is worth to have a link that may associate it with the other Islamic monuments found in the Islamic world. This is because liquid form of designing was known in Yemen at the early phase of Islamic to form part of the Islamic arts, which were viewed particularly on the civilian houses and residences. It had since then spread and continued for many centuries in compliance with specific and certain directives closely related to the field arts.
___________________________________
Source: "Maeen" periodical, issue No. 58 of 1990
A published review of an article on Islamic
Studies in Yemen
Author: Dr. Mustafa Abdulla Sheikha

Almotamar Net - Yemen is free from flu bird disease, according to latest official laboratory results, the deputy minister for industry and trade and the deputy minister of agriculture have said.

Speaking at a meeting on the bird-flu threat organized by the Consumer Protection Association (CPA), the two officials said that there had been no cases of the potentially deadly disease.

They also reviewed measures taken by the government to protect Yemen from the disease, such as a ban on chicken imports from infected countries and the hunting of migrant birds.

Almotamar Net - A new exhibition of traditional Japanese toys is to open in Sana�a and Taiz next month.

The display will feature examples of two of the Asian countries oldest and most popular traditional toys, spinning tops and kites.
In Sana�a, the exhibition will be held at the Bait Al-Thaqafa (Culture House), and will run from December 4-11, from 08:00-13:00 and from 16:00-20:00.

In Taiz, the exhibition in Taiz will be held at Al-Saeed Foundation for Science and The Japanese Traditional Toys Exhibition is organized by the Embassy of Japan and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in cooperation with the Al-Saeed Foundation for Science and Culture and the Yemeni-Japanese Friendship Association.
Culture and will run from December 14-24, from 08:00-13:00 and from 16:00-19:00.

Almotamar Net - Yemen and Pakistan on Tuesday signed four agreements aimed at boosting bilateral ties, including one on security cooperation, Yemeni officials said.


The agreements were signed at the end of a three-day state visit to Yemen by Pakistan�s President Pervez Musharraf.

The security agreement allows both countries to exchange intelligence as well as transfer criminal suspects wanted in the other jurisdiction.

Another agreement provides for the establishment of joint-venture in oil exploration. The two remaining pacts deal with cooperation on air transportation and vocational training.

President Saleh and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf , on Tuesday discussed �current developments on the regional, Islamic and international arenas,� .

Almotamar Net - The participants in the conference "women's rights in the Arab conference: from words to deeds", 3-5 December,
called upon Arab governments which have not ratified the Convention of Eliminating all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) to quickly approve the convention and its optional protocol.

The participants, 300 women representing governmental and non-governmental organizations in may Arab countries, called also Arab governments which have ratified the convention to lift their conservations and to be realisticin applying the convention in
practice without contradiction with the main principles.

The final statement of the conference recommended to put strategies and mechanisms that may help to implement all conventions concerning women's rights. It recommended that the Arab legislations should be reviewed to eliminate all discriminative articles to guarantee gender equality so that men and women can enjoy the same human rights.

It also recommended that political elite should guarantee the real participation of women in the decision-making positions through quota
system and republican appointment decrees in the executive and legislative authorities.

The recommendations called for making progress in field of women education through eradicating illiteracy among women and female escaping from schools as well as the application of the principle of free basic education in rural and urban areas to encourage girls enroll schools as that is considered a human principle.

The participants urged the Arab governments to consider the motherhood as a social and national job that must be respected and
protected to helpwomen play their doubling role, delivery and productivity, perfectly.

They called the governments to apply the equal wages policy between men and women and to encourage working women and providing them with
an access to information and knowledge to enable them keep up with modernity and developments around them.

The participants said the media institutions should present the real image of Arab women and the capacity women to shoulder political and
social responsibilities.

They expressed their support for the Palestinian people, urging the international community to help the Palestinian women and practice pressure on Israel to respect human rights in Palestine and quickly release women prisoners and all prisoners in Israeli prisons.

They also called for putting an end for the America occupation in Iraq and all human rights violations there, particularly those against Iraqi women.

The statement finally assured that the status of Arab women in political, economic, social and cultural areas still needs to be more
empowered. It pointed that women in the Arab world continue to suffer increasing violence and that inequality between men and women is
still found in ruraland urban areas alike.

The conference was organized by the ministry of human rights in cooperation with Netherlands, France and UK governments, UNDP and GTZ
in Sana'a

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh headed on Tuesday to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the meetings of the
extraordinarySummit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference to be held in Mecca.
The Summit, that will commence its works sessions on Wednesday, will discuss the challenges facing the Islamic nation and the ways of enhancing thejoint Islamic work and the necessity of activating and developing themechanism of the joint work.

Almotamar Net - Many Yemeni businessmen are to participating in the Arab-Belgium-Luxembourgian Economic Forum (ABLEF) to be held in the Belgian capital Brussels in December 7-8.

According to a weekly bulletin issued by Aden Trade Chamber the forum aims at boosting trade relations between Arab businessmen and their Belgian and Luxembourgian counterparts.

In addition, the forum will discuss commercial relations between the public sector in Belgium and Luxembourg and the trade chambers in the
Arab world through experiences exchange

Almotamar Net - The position of women in the Middle East is in need of improvement in all fields, including the political, economic, social and cultural, a recent conference devoted to "Women's Rights in the Arab World," concluded.

The symposium was held in the capital Sana'a from 3 to 5 December under the slogan "From Words to Deeds."

Citing recent research on the subject, a final statement noted that "violence against women and unequal opportunity in the Arab world are still prevalent in both rural and urban areas."

The gathering, which included some 300 participants from all over the world, collectively urged the Arab governments which have not ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to do so immediately.

It also chastised signatory countries that had added subsequent articles negating CEDAW principles.

Often called "an international Bill of Rights for women," CEDAW was adopted by the General Assembly at a 1979 UN "Decade for Women" conference in Copenhagen.

The Sana'a convention, organised by the Yemeni Ministry of Human Rights and financed by the UNDP and several western governments, further called on Arab leaderships to "promulgate national legislation aimed at enforcing women's rights�and excluding all discriminative articles."

The statement cited national personal-status and citizenship laws as frequent examples of discriminatory legislation in Arab countries.

Further, the conference called for "necessary actions" aimed at guaranteeing greater female representation in the political decision-making process, such as a quota system in general elections and the appointment of women to executive and judiciary positions.

In an effort toward reaching these ends, the conference made a number of recommendations.

It urged, for example, the improvement of education for women and the elimination of high female illiteracy rates in the Arab world by making primary school education both free and compulsory.

Civil society organisations, meanwhile, should be granted a consultative role in drafting legislation and overseeing its implementation.

Opening the conference, Prime Minister Abdul Qader BaJammal promised that his government would take the conference's recommendations into consideration, and vowed its compliance to all international conventions ratified by Yemen.

BaJammal went on to urge local political parties to adopt a quota system giving women 15 percent of their parliamentary seats.

Notably, the conference, also attended by participants from Europe and the United States, covered more than just women's issues.

In its final statement, the symposium also advocated the "right of return" for Palestinian refugees displaced by Israeli occupation and the "release of all female Palestinian prisoners currently held by Israeli authorities."

It also called for "terminating the US invasion of Iraq and immediate intervention to end obvious human rights violations suffered by Iraqis, especially those faced by Iraqi women."

Almotamar Net - Vice president Abdu- Raboo Mansour Hadi held
talks here on Tuesday with the Iranian ambassador to Sana'a Hussein Kamalian on bilateral relations and the latest regional and international developments, especially the situations in Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria.Hdi assured that the Yemen position over the Iranian nuclear file, whichannounced by President Saleh, shows the Yemen support for Iran's rightto use the nuclear technology for the peaceful purposes. In the meeting, they have also discussed aspects of mutual cooperationin different areas.
In health sector, the Iranian ambassador said that health cooperation is very good and there are a modern medical equipment will be sent to
Yemen from Iran

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh sent on Tuesday a congratulation cable to the Thai king Phumiphon Adunyadet on the King's Birthday.

Almotamar Net -
Parliament Speaker Sheikh Abdullah bin Hussein al- Ahmar met here on Tuesday the Political official of Hezeb Allah of Lebanon Hassan Hadrog who took part in the 4th conference of Al-Quds that concluded its sessions
today.
During the meeting, they have reviewed the recommendations and decisions of the conference that would support the issue of al- Quds Mosque. Al- Ahmar praised the efforts of the Lebanese National Resistance in fighting the Zionist terror.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh and the accompanying delegation arrived to Jeddah to participate in activities of extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) to be held on Wednesday in Mecca.
The meeting will discuss challenges facing the Islamic nations, enhancing joint Islamic activity march and improving its mechanism.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh called for, in his speech in the opening session of the Islamic summit in Mecca, establishing an Islamic union and stimulating the structural system ofthe organization of Islamic conference.
He also called for reviewing the current charter of the organization and to allocate budget of the organization according to the incomes of each member state. He affirmed the importance of unifying efforts of all Islamic countries to serve interests of the Islamic nation.
He wished the summit would come out with positive decisions reflect the political spirit and the aspirations of Islamic peoples and enhance the Islamic solidarity and develop joint work as well in order to face all challenges surrounding the Islamic nation

Almotamar Net -
Interview conducted by Abdul Nasser Mugali(the nation)
Upon his latest visit to Washington and the round of talks he made with the US administration and with President George Bush, the Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh uncovered causes behind hi announcement towards non nomination decision on 2006 presidency election. He declared in an interview with Chief in-editor of THE NATION Abdul Nasir Migeli that the Arab region is inflammable and might see deterioration soon, because of the absence of applying the international legitimacy resolution in an equal and just manner.
Q: Mr. President, would you please express causes and effects of your historical decision in the last September, towards giving back properties to AL Hameed Eldin�s Family. Was the decision taken to cut off any adventure that could have been taken place by remains of the Royal family, And do you still have impression that such adventure may take place after forty years of the revolution?
A: First we think that the Yemeni Revolution is as solid as mountains, it is protected by the Yemeni people, but for returning back the properties to the late Royal Family according to legal documents provided ; that decision was taken out of humanitarian aspects to show how much has the revolution got Noble targets and human objectives.
Q: Mr. President, you had repeatedly announced that �July Events� were deliberately made, while majority of opposition leaders did not accept such views, in other words, did you have material evidence confirming what you believe, And if those events were deliberately made� why didn�t you order to present main contributors to the court? Especially that you declared that such prosecution would be public?
A: All people whom caused those events, got forgiveness, and all whom were involved got released and this file was completely closed.
Q: what about your none nomination in 2006 presidency elections? Was it just for propoganda as opposition says, or was it aerial intention, as had been declared?
A: when we announced that we were and still mean it, the target was to push others for nomination, so that every one in our country get used to democracy and peaceful transition of power.
Q: Fine, but what about the alternative?
A: the alternative is the person whom would be elected by people through ballots.
Q: do you think that the opposition through its figures is capable to fill the gap, if you insist on your position.
A: this question must be directed to the opposition, but we call it develop leader ship that can hold responsibility.
Q: Openly, why did you declare that, though you were not obliged to do so? I mean was there a political necessity behind that announcement?
A: In order every one in our homeland learns principles of democracy and the peaceful transition of power, and in order to stabilize and develop multiple choices in democratic practice.
Q: Your answer leads me to ask the following questions: were there any kinds of pressure practiced against you from inside or outside, that pushed you to take that decision?
A: No pressures from any where had been taken place, further more, we do not accept and kind of pressure, but that came out of our national predicts, and our caution towards developing our democratic process, which depends on competition by means of political agenda, which in turn translated in to votes at the election ballots.
Q: What do you say to the opposition, whom started to throw doubts, that you will never leave power?
A: The opposition may have the right to doubt every thing, but for myself, I call on opposition to practice its role within limits of objectively, responsibility and country interests.
Q: Mr. President, it was noticed that the opposition has moving strongly against you outside of Yemen; what dangers these moves may effect stabilization and security inside Yemen?
A: We already chose multiple democracy based on freedom and human rights respect, and it was out of our national principles because democracy is the right selection of the twenty first century; we will work always to strengthen democracy, and I think the door is open for the opposition to practice the role inside our country, and has the full freedom to express various views and stands through all platforms that were widely opened in Yemen.
Q: You visited Japan � what consequences of that visit, Does it direct Yemeni interests towards the East?
A: Yemeni politics depends on establishing friendly relations, developing cooperation, and mutual interests will all countries all over the world. We have new developing ties with Japan whom always supports our democratic process and economic development. During our visit to Japan we conducted positive talks with Emperor Akhito and with Prime Minister Kwizoomi and other Japanese officials. Talks were concentrated on means for boosting relations, during which we welcomed Japanese investments in our country especially in the free zone in Aden, we hope a lot of Japanese companies to come and invest in Yemen; also Japanese government promised to increase support to our country; also talks are taking place that may lead Japan to finance a number of strategic projects in Yemen in different areas.
Q: What about France?!
A: French Yemeni relations are strong and good, they are relations depending on friendship and cooperation; my relationship with the president Chiraq are old and real. Our talks in Paris tackled economic, democratic, security and political issues; we talked on means for combating terrorism, in addition to latest regional and international developments of mutual interest, especially those in region. On outside we are satisfied with the escalating development of our relations with France, and the French role in stabilization in our area.
Q: Mr. President, what do you think of the Arab deteriorated situation either in Iraq which is already under occupation, or Israeli Palestinian conflict, in addition to the crisis in Syria and Lebanon in accordance with Melit�s report towards Hariri slaying?
A: The situation in the region is flammable and may explode at any moment, because of the crucial events and because of the absence of justice in executing the international legitimacy resolutions, regarding the Israeli Arab cause and the oppression on Palestinians by Israelis. No doubt the exit of this situation is to apply principles of just peace in the area, through which security and stability will be restored. That can be achieved by termination of Israeli occupation to the territories according to the international resolutions related, so the Palestinian State can be establish with Jerusalem as capital for such State.
Iraq may get peace and stability through restoring it�s sovereignty under participation of all Iraqi factions and sectarian groups, who must rebuild a new democratic, free and independent Iraq.
Regarding Syria, we already call for dialogue between Syria and all parties concerned, in order to avoid any kind of escalation in the region which may expose the whole area to chaos. Also Syria should cooperate with the international investigation committee headed by Melit�s to uncover circumstances behind slaying Rafik Al Hariri.
Q: Israel proclaimed that there is a kind of cooperation with most of Arab Countries, �Cooperation� means here establishment of diplomatic relationship, or at least readiness to accept such relations, what about Yemen?
A: Yemeni chance towards this point is clear and solid, we are not against Judaism as a religion, we are not against any religion, but naturally, relations with Israel is too hard to exist, unless just and comprehensive peace takes place in the area and after giving the Palestinian people their legitimate rights, especially establishing a Palestinian State with Jerusalem {Al Quds} as a capital. If all this happen, Yemen then will behave in accordance with the Arab United decision concerning this matter.
Q: How do evaluate Yemeni relation with the gulf cooperation council, and how things with Saudi Arabia are.
A: Our relations with brothers in Gulf Cooperation council are good and developing, either bilateral relations or with the G.C.C itself, also we have good brotherly and solid ties with Saudi Arabia. Cooperation with Riyadh is in excellent levels, we are happy with that especially after demarcation of the borders agreement that took place in Jeddah.
Since then our relations have seen strength in all fields have of cooperation towards serving interest of both Yemeni and Saudi peoples.
Q: It is well known that Yemen is a major partner in Combating terrorism, is it real partnership or just you conduct what Americans decide as a consequence of what happened to the U.S.S. �Koal� barge in the Gulf of Aden, and other consequences?
A: Combating terrorism is a Yemeni demand before considering it an American demand, because Yemen was affected by terrorism prior to September 11 attacks, suck as the attack on U.S.S. Koal is Gulf of Aden, and the attack on the French ship �Lambourge� and on Mukkala shores, in addition to other terrorist events.
Yemen is effective partner with the international community against terrorism, because it is dangerous �disease� threatening security and stability of the whole world; Yemen has achieved tangible successes in fighting terrorism either through our security forces military action against �AL-Qaeda� activists whom involved in terrorist attacks in Yemen, or through dialogue with those whom had been jeopardized but did not commit terrorist deeds; it was positive practice and could be taught to others.
Q: If it were a matter of partnership and cooperation, why then United State arrested the Yemeni citizen and the member of �Shura Concil� at Al-Islah party, Mohammed Ali Al-Muayad who is at a U.S. prison, just for probable accusations lacking evidence. Did you discuss that with the U.S administration?
A: Yes, we discussed that with the U.S. administration and asked to deliver Mohammed Ali AL-Muayad and Mohammed Hussain Zayid to the Yemeni government; we also asked to talk out Sheikh Majeed Al-Zandani�s name from the black list of people whom accused of supporting terrorism. This came out of our Concerning towards every one of Yemeni people, whom may be arrested in Arab and foreign Countries, whatever the cause is, we are also Concerned towards Yemeni immigrants any where in the world, this is our responsibility and duty.
Q: What about Yemeni detinees at Guantanamo?
A: As I told you before, we Confirmed our concern towards following up affairs of Yemeni detinees in every brother and friend Countries, whatever the reason behind their detention, we also confirmed our readiness to receive any detinees that might be released, we always have contacts with governments who detain Yemeni citizens and ask them to avail proper trails and solid evidence, this applied on detinees at Guantanamo, we follow up their affairs, we will receive a number of them, and they will go under Yemeni laws.
Q: How do you evaluate relations between your Country and the United States, now a day?
A: Our relations with the United States are good, and the cooperation between us has been escalating development in political, economic, security and anti terrorism aspects�
United States is a great Country and has its effective role on the international arena, so we have to boost our relations with it, in order to achieve peace and stability in our region and the world.
Our latest visit to Washington and our talks with the U.S with the officials, especially with president George Bush came to boost our bilateral relations and partnership, and strengthening the existing cooperation between the two countries for the interest of both American and Yemeni people.
Q: If things go within such context� why then the U.S ambassador to Sanaa� lately declared that democracy in Yemen is in jeopardy?
A: Democracy in Yemen did not stop, instead it is in a continuous development, there is no other way to follow rather than democracy, it is our national way for building up our country, it was not imposed on us by others.
Further more Yemen is leading pioneer in democratic practice, lots of brothers and friends testified on that. But for the U.S ambassador�s announcement you might hear of his reversal stands, he said that his sayings were translated in wrong way, he added that democracy in Yemen is a model in the region.
This is really what we hear by American officials.
Regarding results of our latest visit to Washington, you can follow up its results out of what have been declared; especially that it will open new horizon for bilateral relation that may support our partnership and democratic, economic, security and anti terrorism scales, in addition the U.S support to the democratic process and development in Yemen.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh met separately in Mecca, the Djibouti president Ismail Umar Guelleh, first deputy minister of Qatar foreign minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jasam, al-Thani and Syrian foreign minister Faroq al-Shara.
In the meeting, president discussed with them the latest developments in Arab and international arenas and aspects of mutual cooperation between Yemen and their countries

Almotamar Net - Vice president Abdu-Rabu Mansour paid a visit to Geology Survey and Mineral Resources Authority where he asserted the importance of exploiting mineral resources which are available in the country.
He confirmed on the necessity of activating economic cooperation relations between the government and private sector to serve the national economy.

He pointed out that the government offers more facilities for investors.
He appreciated all efforts that help in evaluating gold reserve in Hadhramout which increased from 22 tons to 100 tons.
He concluded his visit by a tour in the authority museum and followed up the work procedures and appreciated the authority employees efforts urging them to further their efforts as they contribute efficiently in developing the national economy.

Almotamar Net - An independent commission for fighting corruption in Yemen is to be established, once Parliament gives its expected approval to tough new laws to tackle the problem.

A joint committee, formed from the Constitutional and Financial Parliamentarian Committees, presented its recommendations to the government to set up the national taskforce. The recommendations come after President Saleh�s approval last week to set up such a commission, composed of members of government institutions and civil society.

The organization�s exact responsibilities, and its relations with other public organizations, will be determined by law. The law will also regulate financial departments in public institutions, and is expected to combat financial irregularities.

The committee asked the government to create laws to block illegal earnings, and called upon the civil society organizations to help in the establishment of the organization.

Almotamar Net -
The Yemeni Journalists Syndicate has received today a memo from the Media and Culture Committee of the Shoura Council accompanied by a draft of the amended press and publications law, a source at the syndicate said.

The source added that the memo requested journalists to present their opinions through the YJS to the Shoura Council concerning the draft law so as to discuss it and forward the draft law to the parliament for debate and approval.

Almotamar Net - A delegation of Pakistan's pharmaceutical exporters will visit Yemen, from December 7 to explore markets .

The representatives of exporters and manufacturers said on Tuesday that a seventeen-members delegation of Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) and officials of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) would hold meetings with officials, representatives of drug registration authorities and importers of medicines during visit to these countries.


Zahid Saeed, an executive member of PPMA, said Pakistan's exports to Yemen were estimated to be around $57.8 million in 2004-2005,.

Almotamar Net - Prime Minister Abdul-Qader Ba-Jammal opened on Wednesday the 10th conference of Arab Higher Education ministers in Taiz.

In the opening ceremony, Ba-Jammal talked over the importance of Higher Education in developing knowledge and increase the level of education in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

He added that the conference should discuss all troubles that face higher education and put suitable plans to finger them

Almotamar Net - President Saleh returned on Thursday morning from Mecca in the Saudi Arabia following participation in the extraordinary summit of the Islamic Conference Organization (OIC).

In the summit, Saleh called for establishing an Islamic union and stimulatingthe structural system of the organization of Islamic
conference.

He also called for reviewing the current charter of the organization and to allocate budget for the organization according to the incomes of each member state. He affirmed the importance of unifying efforts of all Islamic countries to serve interests of the Islamic nation.

President Saleh wished the summit would come out with positive decisions reflect the political spirit and the aspirations of Islamic peoples and enhance the Islamic solidarity and develop joint work in order to face all challenges surrounding the Islamic nation

Almotamar Net - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning & International Cooperation Ahmed Sofan held talks on Thursday with UK official of international cooperation Na'ma Manqosh.
The talks focused on relations of bilateral cooperation between Yemen and the government of United Kingdom in field of development.
They also discussed the aid offered to Yemen for the forth-coming elections.
Sofan praised the level of development cooperation between Yemen and UK, saying that development assistances presented by UK last year reached $ 20 million dollars

Almotamar Net - The Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qerbi said that the results of the Mecca extraordinary Arab summit considered a new successfor the organization and it came out with successful recommendations and decisions. " The ten-year plan was active for efforts of Sana'a meeting for Islamic foreign ministers". Al-Qerbi said.
He wished that the committee formed to carry out the summit decisions for enhancing the joint Islamic work and for finding economic cooperation among member states.

Almotamar Net - President Saleh conducted a telephone conversation on Friday with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
They have discussed the latest developments in Syria after the confrontations took place between the Syrian forces and the terrorist group in Adlibcity in addition to the latest developments in the Arab region. Bashar briefed Saleh on the situation in Syria, confirming that the Syrian forces have put an end for the event and captured all the participated persons.
He added that Syria is ready to cooperate with the international sides on top of them the United States of America and France in the issues related to the developments in the region.

Almotamar Net - Participants in a meeting organized by the Yemeni Export Supreme Council have recommended implementing procedures to prepare an investment map of Yemen.

In the meeting, over existing plans for supporting and insuring exports in the region, participants from investment corporations in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain urged the finalization of measures to establish a Leasing Legal and Regulatory Framework in Yemen. They also called to set up a joint database on investment projects.

The meeting was organized in coordination with the Arab Corporation for Investment and Insurance of Kuwait, the Arab Company for Investment in Bahrain, the Saudi Fund for Development, the Saudi Export Program and Watani Bank.
In the opening session of the meeting, Khaled Rajah Sheikh, the Minister of Industry and Trade, said that the size of inter-Arab trade exchange reached only 10% of the total Arab trade exchange with the rest of the world.

�It is a low rate and does not reflect the geographic reality that links the Arab world,� he said.

In a speech to the participants over existing mechanisms of funding and insuring exports, the minister said that the meeting was a good occasion to discuss two key topics related to aspect of the Arab trade cooperation.

�The first topic is the development of trade exchange and investment between Arab countries, and the second is the means of joint cooperation between the Yemeni investors and exporters from one side, and their Arab counterparts from other side,� he said.

He pointed out the importance of benefiting from the national corporation, which granted insurance and encouraged investments and exports. The minister also welcomed an initiative presented by the Inter Arab Investment Guarantee Corporation in Kuwait, to set up a national agency for investment guarantee in Yemen, calling on national banks to work to establish such agency.

He also called Arab businessmen to invest in Yemen and to benefit from the Yemeni Investment Act. He said that the Yemeni law of investment allowed businessmen to invest in any field.
Fahad Al-Ibrahim, the director general of the Inter Arab Investment Guarantee Corporation, said he appreciated the efforts of the Yemeni government to merge its economy with world economies through negotiations to access the world trade organization, and its third five year plan which aims at enhancing economic reforms and decrease dependency on oil, as well as activating role of the private sector in the development.

He reviewed activities of the Arab corporation in working to increase the volume of inter-Arab trade exchange.
He said that Yemen, from the establishment of the corporation until the end of last October, had benefited from the corporation�s services as importer, making up 7.6% of the total of Arab imports.

He added that Yemen ranked 13th in terms of the beneficiaries from the corporation, exporting a sum of US$24 million, or 0.95 % of the total of the Arab exporting countries.
He suggested the establishment of a national agency to offer insurance for Yemeni exports, to protect them from �commercial and non-commercial risks.�

�The corporation bridges to present all technical and training assistance for setting up the agency,� Al-Ibrahim said.
Faisal al-Alwan, the general manager of the Arab Investment Company based in Bahrain, said that the meeting was a chance to extend cooperation between exporters, importers, and funding and insurance corporations.

Al-Alwan said that Arab banks and financial institutions are playing key role in capitalism in the international market, in order to reform the conditions of Arab commerce.
Noman Al-Malsi, the secretary general of the Yemeni Export Supreme Council, said that the meeting aimed at informing businessmen, export corporations and other concerned investment bodies about insurance services for exports.

He said the meeting was a big chance to set up joint projects between participating businessmen and Yemen exporters.
Al-Malsi said that the government has granted facilities for projects for exports, especially for non-oil products such as fishes, fruits and vegetables.

He added that the volume of Yemeni exports had enjoyed large increases since four years ago, and that the volume of agricultural exports had increased from YR 6.8 billion to YR 14.3 billion in 2004.
However, there was room for further increases, he claimed. �It is possible to increase the size of fisheries exports to up to 75,000 tons yearly,� he said.

Saleh bin Ali al-Awaji, director general of export guarantee for the Saudi Export Program, said that the program would extend its range of investment guarantees in Yemen, through contributing and funding Saudi exports to Yemen. �Yemen has a lot of investment chances that are still unutilized,� he said.

Abdul-Salam Al-Athwari, secretary general of the Yemeni Council for Businessmen and Investors, said that the meeting had discussed the means of increasing the volume of trade exchange between Arab countries, and reviewed the services of the guarantee corporations for investments and exports to reduce risks on those investments.
�The Yemeni private sector should benefit from those services, as they are important to insure investment in the country,� Al-Athwari said.
He added that the establishment of a national agency for investment guarantee was very important, particularly to create partnerships with similar corporations in the region.

�We adopted this idea of setting up this agency through participating banks and financial institutions, as well as international corporations who have experience in this regard,� he said.
Mohammed Abduh Saeed, head of the general union of Industrial and Commercial Chambers said that there was �no doubt� of the importance of exports for developing a country.

�The export process is very important for development in any country, and we have to pay further attention to this process, which reflects positively on the investments inside the country regarding exports,� Saeed said. �The wonderful location of Yemen qualifies it to be a good port to export products to African markets.�

He added that the initiative to set up the agency under the sponsorship of the inter-Arab investment guarantee was a step to encourage Yemeni exporters

Almotamar Net - The Chief of Trustless Council of al-Quds foundation Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi said that the Sana'a conference
of the foundationwas fruitful and came out with positive results.
Upon his departure, Sheikh al-Qaradawi said that the donations reached about $ 4 millions for supporting the activities of the
foundation. He expressed his thanks for the Yemeni efforts to contribute in bringing the conference into success.

Almotamar Net - The 22nd meeting for the joint Yemeni-Saudi demarcation committee will meet next Sunday in Muenster, German, with Hanza Loft Build company assigned to implement the demarcation between the two countries according to Jeddah agreement.
Head of the Yemeni side in the committee Mohsen Mohammed Ramadan said that this would be the last meeting for the committee.
During the meeting, final review for the maps will be carried out and then printed in April - March, he added

Almotamar Net - The Arab Sisters Forum for Human Rights will celebrate on Saturday the annual anniversary of the International Declaration of
Human Rights. It will also organize a three-day workshop on women's rights entitled" legal awareness and state duties: challenges and solutions."

Almotamar Net -


Vice president Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi attended, on Monday, the opening ceremony

of a national conference on "safe motherhood" taking place in Sana'a, 12-14 December.

The conference, held under the motto: "Safe Motherhood is the Ground of Safe Society", would tackle the basic health care of child and mother
and aspects of family planning.

A number of senior officials attended the opening ceremony and talked over health care significance and government efforts in this field

Almotamar Net - Yemen signed a protocol on marine life diversity and establishing a network of marine protected areas in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The protocol would reinforce and improve regional cooperation among member countries to execute the verdicts of biological variety agreement, and to save and protect marine life.
Representatives of member countries in the Regional Authority for Protecting Marine Environment in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden signed this protocol at the head quarter of the Authority in Jeddah. Member countries are Yemen, Jordan, Djibouti, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Egypt

Almotamar Net - British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is holding a training workshop for two weeks over the coverage of presidential elections next year.

Forty journalists are participating in this workshop that was organized by the Democratic Direction Support Foundation (MADA).

It would illustrate the aspects of press behavior while covering elections.

It aims to show journalists how to be accurate, neutral and objective.

Almotamar Net - A mass grave with the remains of at least 24 bodies that could date back to a civil war two decades ago in Yemen's former Communist south has been unearthed near Aden, security officials said yesterday. An official at the hospital where the bodies were taken said 16 bodies were unearthed late Saturday and another eight yesterday. The remains show that some of the men had their hands bound before "being killed execution-style", said the same official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the political sensitivity of the affair. There has been no official reaction yet to the find. The remains of the men in military uniform and covered in blankets were found during a dig at a plot of land near Al Sulban barracks in Al Areesh suburb, northeast of the port city of Aden.

Almotamar Net - An envoy of the Libyan President will arrive Tuesday in Aden to deliver a letter from the Libyan president Muammar Al-Qadhafi to the president Ali Abdullah Saleh.
The letter pertains to the bilateral relations, the aspects of cooperation between the two countries and the means of fostering them, in addition to the international and regional developments to coordinate the Yemeni and Libyan attitudes towards these issues

Almotamar Net - Minster of Technical Education and Vocational Training Ali Mansur bin Safa meet here on Monday the director of human development sector for Middle East and north Africa in the World Bank
Michal Rutkowski.

During the meeting, the two men discussed the Yemeni experience in terms of technical education and vocational training.

In addition, they discussed the mutual cooperation between Yemen and WB.

Bin Safa called WB and international organizations to assist Yemen to execute the Strategy of Technical and Vocational Education that would
support the development process in general and create means to fight poverty and unemployment.

For his part, the WB official praised the Yemeni experience in education area and the partnership between the government and the private sector,
assuring the WB's adherence to back such an experience

Almotamar Net -

Calvalley Petroleum Inc., Calgary, has started production from Hiswah oil field on Malik Block 9 in Yemen. Calvalley is the operator and has 50% working interest.

The Hiswah-6 horizontal well went on stream Dec. 10. Initial production is constrained to 2,000 b/d by the capacity of a terminal to which the oil is being delivered by truck. This bottleneck is expected to be relieved within 2 months, when Calvalley expects production of 10,000 b/d.

Calvalley is designing and building a pipeline that it expects to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Four other Hiswah wells are expected to be brought on stream during the next few months. Calvalley completed its fifth horizontal development well in the Sayun-Masila basin last month (OGJ Online, Nov. 21, 2005).

Calvalley estimates full productive capacity from existing wells on Block 9 to be more than 20,000 b/d. The company declared Block 9 commercial after four discoveries (OGJ Online, June 23, 2005).

Almotamar Net -
The Yemeni film �A New Day in Old Sana�a� won the first prize, worth 100 thousand Egyptian pounds, at the Cairo Film Festival on Thursday, Dec 8, 2005. The festival that ended on Friday Dec 9, 2005, included films from different countries around the world such as China � guest of honor-, Greece and France. The film was screened three times at �Grand Hayat Hotel� in the Egyptian city of Cairo. The organizing committee selected the Yemeni film from a collection of 150 movies from all around the world to participate in the formal competition of the festival along with other 14 films, two of them are Arab-made.

�A New Day in Old Sana�a� was co-produced by the Yemen Media Center in Sana�a and London-based Felix Films. It marks Yemenis� ability and creativity in the film industry and the possibility of getting a thriving film making sector. The film was directed by Yemeni international film maker Badr Al-Hirsi and involved some 20 cinematography experts and technicians as well as 70 actors working over 60 days. The 90-minute film is set in the alleys of the magical old city of Sana�a. Produced late 2003 and early 2004, the Yemen�s film follows the lives of a number of persons during a day that soon becomes a local legend. The region waits keenly for the wedding of the year, not knowing the inner psychic disturbance of the groom who realizes that the woman he loves is not the wealthy girl he is to marry today but actually a low-class orphaned lass. Passions such as love and envy interplay leading to changes in the lives of the people concerned. Finally, the groom has gets compelled to choose between marriage and tradition on one hand or love and whatever it entails on the other.

Depicting aspects that are diametrically opposed to what most outsiders think of Yemen, the film provides a true and honest portrait of life in Yemen. It is interesting to know that the leading actor Nabil Saber of Old Sana�a, and his co-star actress Julia Towns of London found real-life romance and exchanged wedding vows last year in London, after which they eventually married. Earlier, Bader Al-Hirsi categorized his film to be some sort of a �romantic drama, showing a severe conflict between modern values and old, [but] is respectful of the strong morals of Yemen�s Islamic society.�

Before this event, this film was selected to participate at France-based Cannes Film Festival in 2004. The Film was accepted as part of the Cannes Film Festival during May 11-22, 2005. Although the film did not compete for the Palm d�Or (Golden Palm), because of its unfinished status caused by insufficient funding, it was introduced as part of the Marche du Filme (Film Market). It is worth noting that it was the first Yemeni film ever featured at Cannes. The film was also promoted at the 2005 European Film Festival that started on Dec 4, 2005, in the city of Aden along side with many other European films.

The film is planned to be screened at Dubai International Film Festival this month and at Muscat Film Festival this January. It is also expected to be featured at some 80 film festivals across Europe, America and Asia over the next years. The film was produced as part of the celebratory functions of the Sana�a as the Arab Culture Capital for 2004. It is noteworthy that the total cost of �A New Day in Old Sana�a� was to the tune of $750 thousand.

Almotamar Net - President Saleh discussed today with the Vice-governor of the Chinese Bank the funding of three gas stations, a multipurpose seaport on the Red Sea, and a train railway from Sana'a to Belhaf on Arab Sea.
At his meeting with the Chinese Official, Saleh also discussed the preparations for Saleh's expected visit to China

Almotamar Net - The permanent committee of the General People's
Congress party approved on Wednesday in its fifth meeting all papers and documents, which will be presented to the party's 7th assembly to be started on Thursday.

The meeting, headed by President Ali Abdullah Saleh, discussed recommendations and a report presented by the general secretary of the party.

In the meeting, president Ali Abdullah Saleh delivered a speech to the participants congratulating members of the permanent committee.

Saleh said that the 7th conference "is to be held in a critical time at the national, regional and international levels", adding that
people arewaiting for the consequences and decisions of the conference, particularly the party's program of economic, social,
political reforms as well as fighting corruption.

He pointed to the project of setting up an independent body for combating Corruption. He said the body would be run by representatives of non-governmental organizations, public and private sectors as well as state bodies.

"The corruption must be uprooted through referring corrupt people to the courts. Some accuse others of corruption as they are themselves corrupted," said Saleh.

He said that to fight corruption state has first to fight those corrupted who raise anti-corruption slogan, in the opposition parties
or in the GPC party.

He said the 7th conference of the party would discuss key issues and comeout with a set of decisions which formulate the party's future
programs.

The party has leaded and protected the country from challenges and plots, especially the plot of separation in 1994.

Regarding initiative of the joint meeting of opposition parties on political reform, president Saleh said those parties have to work
hard to get the confidence of people in local, parliamentary and presidential elections.

He said that the GPC would continue its tasks to push the country forward in the framework of the local, regional and international
changes.

The secretary general of the GPC Dr. Abdul-Kareel al-Eryani presented to the meeting the report of the Permanent Committee which will be
discussed in the conference.

Dr. al-Eryani said that the past activities of PC were to serve goals and principles of the party, which aim at developing the country in
allaspects of life, and strengthening democracy through adopting multiparty policy and respecting human rights.

He confirmed that GPC could gain the confidence of the people, saying that such confidence encourages the members of GPC to double their
effortsto face challenges of development, security and economic stability in the country.

He also confirmed the obligations of the party towards the Yemeni people, saying that the party responses to any positive steps by the
oppositionto share development efforts and protect national interests

Almotamar Net - Chinese trade delegation represents 17 Chinese companies specialized in electronics, generators and electronic appliances is to visit Aden on Thursday.

The bulletin issued by Aden Trade and Industry Chamber said that the visit aims to create a wide economic partnership between Yemen and China.

The delegation will meet some Yemeni businessman and investors. It will tour the Free Zone in Aden as well

Almotamar Net - Russia's former prime minister and the advisor of Russian president for industry and trade chambers affairs Yevgeny Primakov arrived in Aden on Tuesday on a few-day official visit.

During the visit, the Russian official would meet with a number of Yemeni officials and businessmen, and with staff of the industry and
trade chamberin Aden.

Almotamar Net - The German embassy would organize in cooperation with Al-Wahda Sports Club in Aden the first soccer competition 22- 23 December.

The competition would be of two categories: youngsters and adults.

Winner of each category would be awarded a German prize by the German embassy.

On the sidelines of the competition, there would be a football photo exhibition in addition to a video show over previous world cup championships.

Worthy noting, the German Consulate in Aden would hold a press conference on 20 December over the event.

Almotamar Net - Defense Minister Abdullah Eleiwa met on Wednesday with the Chinese outgoing ambassador Gao Yuching on the end of his
tenure in Yemen.

During the meeting, Eleiwa spoke favorably over Yuching efforts in developing the Yemeni-Chinese relationships and founding a strong friendship
between the Yemeni and Chinese armies.

On the other hand, Yuching appreciated the support of Yemeni government that facilitated his tasks in the country.

Almotamar Net - ADEN- The 7th conference of People's General
Congress (PGC) continued on Friday its sessions in Aden city headed by president Ali Abdullah Saleh.
In Friday session, the secretary general of PGC Dr. Abdul-Kareem al-Eryani presented the permanent committee report which focused on
the cultural,economic, political and social activities of the PGC during the last period.The report said that the arrangements for 2004 parliamentary elections were main task of the party as the it succeeded to win the majority seats of the parliament.
The report affirmed the party concern in promoting women sector in the political, economic and cultural life.
Dr. al-Eryani said that the PGC worked for strengthening democracy in the country, considering it a national choice, through popular participation, human rights respect and constant contact with the other political parties. The report also said that the political committee succeeded in restructuring
to be a constructive board focusing on political affairs.
The report pointed out to the political role of the party toward the internaland external issues, especially the rebellion of Badereddin
al-Houthi .The report also said that a number of political studies and researches on local and regional levels were prepared.
On foreign level, the report said that the party held talks and contacts with a lot of Arab political parties to enhance bilateral
relations withthem in addition to its participation in many regional meetings. About guidance, the report affirmed its leadership
care in this regardthrough moderate speeches encouragement depending on open-mindedness principles, brotherhood and the real Islamic teachings.The report said that the party prepared studies to tackle extremist speech.
Regarding economy and public services, the report said that the party worked hard to continue the economic activities to set up
databases onthe economic situations and public services development which have been implemented by the government since 1997 until end of 2003. The report pointed out to the government achievements and the implemented projects in the field of health, education, road, infrastructure, electricity, water and other public service projects.

Almotamar Net - ADEN - The People's General Congress (PGC) 7th Conference elected on its closing session on Friday President Ali Abdullah Saleh the PGC president and vice president Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi, Dr. AbdulKarim Al Eryani vice president and Prime Minister Abdul Qader Ba Jammal Secretary General of the PGC.

The PGC final session also elected seven members for Prospection
and Control Assemble.

Almotamar Net - ADEN, Dec 15 (Saba)- Chairwoman of Yemeni Women Union and secretary general of Arab Women Union Ramziah al-Eryani valued the supports of the People's General Congress (PGC) for women.
In her speech in the PGC 7th conference, al-Eryani praised the initiative of president Ali Abdullah Saleh to allocate 15% of seats in the elections for women.
She praised efforts of PGC in strengthening rules of the democracy in the county, saying that PGC supports the activities of women syndicates and civil society organizations.
She highly appreciated efforts of female members of PGC in all governorates who are working to spread noble and fair principles of the PGC party among society.

Resource: SABA

Almotamar Net - When Bader Ben Hirsi planned to make a feature film about women in Yemen, he never imagined the reaction would be so hostile.

Angry men stormed the set during filming in the capital Sanaa, husbands prevented their actress wives from taking part and actors were insulted in the streets.

Despite these problems, "A Brand New Day in Old Sanaa" was made, becoming conservative Yemen's first full-length offering to the global film industry.

"The papers said we were doing pornography in mosques, or that we were with the CIA or Mossad. On the first day (shooting) we were stopped by a group calling itself the Sons of Old Sanaa. I told them, I'm a Yemeni too," ben Hirsi told Reuters.

Once he had assembled a cast, the London-based documentary maker had to spend five months training them to act in ways other than the theatrical style seen in many soap operas across the Arab world. Even that posed problems.

"It was UK-style drama training -- pretending to be animals or trees -- and people were overhearing them doing this. The actors did get some verbal abuse," Ben Hirsi said after a screening at the Dubai International Film Festival this week.

Yet the movie has won over Arab audiences because of its retention of some soap-style acting alongside the art-house cinema style not often seen in mainstream Arab films.

One minute old veiled women on the streets gesticulate as they gossip about a girl's bad reputation, and then Ben Hirsi takes us into the sensual inner sanctum of female society employing a lush palette of colors with his camera.

All this is set against a soundtrack that moves from disco funk to classical Arabic, making light of the heavy reality of crushing social mores that can ruin the dreams of many youth.

ARAB WORLD CLICHES

The plot centers on a young man called Tarek who considers shunning a high society arranged marriage to run away with a "low-caste" girl, played by a young Lebanese actress.
"I'm from Yemen and I want to thank you so much," one young man told Ben Hirsi afterwards. "I'm like Tarek. He at least had a chance to cheat the system. I don't. That's why I cry."

Ben Hirsi and his producer Ahmed Abdali, another London-based Yemeni, said they wanted to avoid the cliches found in many Western films about Arabs, where he said the funders often have demands about how Arab society should be represented.

"They have their conditions when you get the funding. With this one it was completely independent. There was no major funder who could make their conditions," Abdali said.

"Arab films around the world titillate the senses, or there's something against Islam, or about Palestine, and it becomes political propaganda."

Despite being dominated by men in public, the women in private are shown as beautiful, cunning and in charge.

The other major star of the film is Sanaa itself, a city in the mountains of Yemen with its distinctive architecture and intriguing alleyways. The U.N. cultural body UNESCO lists Sanaa's "old city" as a world heritage site.

Now with the country presented in such a flattering light, Yemen's media is praising the film, which has gained an award in Egypt, Ben Hirsi said.

"It has had two screenings in Yemen and they loved it, which was nice," he said.

Almotamar Net - (Reuters) - Norwegian oil group DNO ASA (DNO.OL: Quote, Profile, Research) failed to find oil or gas from one well in Yemen but a damaged well on the Tasour field is pumping 1,000 barrels per day after repairs, the company said on Friday.

"The Balan number 1 exploration well will be suspended after failing to test any hydrocarbons," it said in a statement of the test of the well in block 32.

"On the Tasour Field the repair of Tasour number 19 has been completed and the well is back on stream at about 1,000 barrels of oil per day," it said.

It said that the drilling rig would move from Balan to Block 53 to drill an exploration well at a Basement Prospect. Another rig was planned to start drilling a water injection well in the Tasour field in early December," it said.

"The Tasour field is currently producing in excess of 12,000 bpd (about 4,700 bpd to DNO, pre-tax) and is expected to maintain this rate for the balance of 2005," it said.

Almotamar Net - ADEN -



The new general committee of the General People's Congress (GPC) held its first meeting on Tuesday headed by President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
At the banging of the meeting, Saleh congratulated the committee on the success of the 1st round of GPC's 7th assembly.

He praised good preparations and the democratic discussions in the round, as well as the positive outcomes and recommendations that embodied the political function.

The final declaration issued by the 7th assembly reflected the people hopes and aspirations in areas of development, democracy and reforms
in different terms, Saleh said

Almotamar Net - A joint Chinese-Yemeni technical committee will start next January initial studies for the establishment of railway in the eastern governorates to transport minerals from mines in those areas.
The railway project will include Marib, Jawf and Shabwah, General Director of Cooperation with East Asia - Ministry of Planning stated pointing out that course of the railway will be based on the mines map.
The Chinese-funded study will cost US$ 100 thousand, and the project, along with other Chinese projects, will be implemented throughout next five years

Almotamar Net - Education Minister Abdul-Salam al-Jawfi confirmed that raising the awareness of the rural Yemeni women and
enhancing therole of women in general in various fields "is considered a main issuethat the governments should deal with seriously.

He said in the opening ceremony of the regional meeting on the role of rural women in the sustainable development and fighting poverty
that startedits works on Tuesday in Sana'a, that governments can not talk on the development without talking about women, the reproductive health, the motherhood, fighting poverty and enhancing democracy.

For his part, the general secretary of the National Commission for the Education, Science and Culture Dr Mohammad Abdul Bari al-Qadasi
saidthat the women in the Arab and Islamic countries, especially in the rural areas and remote districts, "are still in need for good
circumstancesthat enable them to carry their message in this life."

He pointed out that the Islamic Organization for Education, Science and Culture has put the issue of rural women among its plans to study
their reality and needs, especially what is related to the reproductive health, safe motherhood and the family planning.

On other hand, representative of the Islamic Organization for the Education, Science and Culture Mustafa Ahmad Ali pointed out to the
importance ofholding the meeting to tackle issues of the Arab and Islamic community.

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh met with the visitingItalian Coast Guard general commander Luchiano Dasati.

During the meeting, Saleh discussed with the Italian official the bilateralrelations and fields of cooperation between Yemen and Italy
speciallyin security, coast guard and fighting terrorism.

Saleh was informed about talks between the Italian official with his Yemenicounterparts that tackled means of cooperation between Yemen and Italyin field of the coast guard and the Italian support for Yemen in thisfield.

Saleh highly appreciated the level of cooperation between Yemen and Italyand said that the Yemeni-Italian relations are deeply rooted, underlingthe interest of the two sides to enhance and develop such ties.

Almotamar Net - The AIDS Combating Unit at the High Population Council would organize next Saturday a debate on AIDS disease.

Parties, parliamentarians, civil society organizations and local councils will participate in the debate.

The executive director of AIDS Combating Unit Abdullah Abdul-Karim al-Arashi briefed that the meeting aims to enhance the social awareness of the disease dangers.

The two-days debate will discuss four working papers. The papers will tackle the Islamic view on AIDS patients, the people political view
on fighting the disease, the social situation of AIDS infected at the local,national and international level and the health, social and
economic impacts of the disease

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh met on Tuesday with Libyan president envoy Mansour Saleh who delivered a letter from
the Libyan leader tackling fraternal relations and cooperation aspects between the two countries and ways to develop them.

It also includes the updated Arab, regional and international issues which are of importance to both countries.

Worthy noting, the letter involves an invitation for Saleh to visit Libya.


On the other hand, Saleh conveyed Libyan envoy his greetings and wishes of prosperity to Libyan leader and people

Almotamar Net - Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Ahmed Sufan held discussions with the UAE development delegation headed by director of Fund Operations Mohammed al-Suwaidi.
During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between Yemen and the fund in addition to related projects sponsored by the fund. Sufan expressed satisfaction over the growing relations between Yemen and the UAE.
The minutes which was inked between Yemen and the UAE via the fund includes the implementation of dams projects at a total cost $ 150 mln. It also includes future projects plans to would be agreed on between the two sides

Almotamar Net - The Palestinian president Mahmoud Abas, Abu Mazin, will be on an official visit to Yemen next January, 2006.

Informed sources said Abu Mazin would hold talks with president Ali Abdullah Saleh and senior Yemeni officials on developments of peace process and efforts of the Palestinian government to rebuild the Palestinian state
along with all Palestinian factions.

The visit of Abu Mazin to Yemen is the first since he took power after the late president Yasser Arafat.

Noteworthy, Yemen has exempted the Palestinian products from tax to encourage the Palestinian economy.

Almotamar Net - Syrian President Bashar al-Asad met here on Thursday the Yemeni newly-appointed ambassador to Damascus Saleh Ali al-Ansi. During the meeting, al-Ansi submitted his credentials to the Syrian president. In the meeting the ambassador conveyed greetings of President Ali Abdullah Saleh to the Syrian president and his wishes of good health and progress and prosperity for Syrian people

Almotamar Net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh conducted on Thursday a telephone call with Djibouti President Ismail Umar Guelleh. They discussed the latest regional, Arab and international developments of common concern, particularly the situations in
African horn and Somalia

Almotamar Net - Yemeni ambassador to Amman Hussein Taher bin Yahya met with chairman of the Jordanian Trade Chamber Haidar Morad.
In the meeting, they discussed the economic developments Yemen witnesses and the facilities granted by the Yemeni law of investment for Arab investorsin addition to the available investment opportunists in Aden free zone. Bin Yahya confirmed the necessity of integrating efforts that aim to developthe economic and trade cooperation between Yemen and Jordon. Bin Yahya also met with the chairman of the Jordanian industrial chamber Hatem al-Haluani and discussed with him the industrial situation in Yemenand the private sector role in activating industry. They also discussed the facilities presented by the Yemeni law of investment in this regard

Almotamar Net - Yemen ambassador to Rabat Ahmad Abdullah al-Basha met here with the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Cooperation Mohammad Bin Issa.
In the meeting, they discussed the mutual cooperation and ways of enhancing the bilateral cooperation.
They also discussed arrangements of holding the coming meeting of the Yemeni-Moroccan Ministerial Joint committee in the Moroccan capital Rabat early 2006.

Almotamar Net - ADEN- President Ali Abdull-ah Saleh conducted on Thursday a telephone call with Djibouti President Ismail Umar Guelleh. They discussed the latest regional, Arab and international developments of common concern, particularly the situations in
African horn and Somalia

Almotamar Net - A delegation of Yemeni businessmen are going to visit Austria next February.
An economic bulletin published by industrial and commercial chamber in Aden briefed that the delegation would discuss the mutual cooperation between Yemeni and Austrian businessmen. The talks will deal with economic and investment oppportunities.
They would also discuss the possibility of extending horizons of commercial and economic cooperation between them

Almotamar Net - Yemen has welcomed the resolutions issued at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Abu Dhabi. Foreign Minister Dr Abubakar Al qirbi expressed his government�s appreciation for the resolutions, particularly those related to the boosting of joint cooperation between the GCC and Yemen.

The GCC leaders also approved proposals and suggestions made by President Ali Abdullah Saleh in a letter to the GCC leaders on how best to boost relations and to rehabilitate Yemen for the smooth integration in the economies of member-states of the regional bloc.

Al qirbi said the resolution, read at the end of the 26th GCC summit by GCC Secretary-General, Abdul Rahman Al Atiyyah, was �a positive progress� in this regard, particularly the call by the GCC to the various GCC development funds operating in Yemen to probe and identify the latter�s development requirements, adding that the resolutions pointed to the GCC leaders� positive approach to the Yemeni president�s letter, which he personally presented to the GCC leaders prior to the holding of the summit

Almotamar Net - Calvalley Petroleum, an international, junior oil and gas company based in
Calgary, Alberta, is pleased to provide the following update on its operations
on Block 9 in the Republic of Yemen.
The drilling rig was released on December 16th from the Company's sixth
horizontal Hiswah well (Hiswah-8) which was spudded on November 25, 2005. The
well was drilled horizontally into the oil-bearing Saar-Naifa formation and is
located approximately 250 metres east of the Hiswah-6 well. The well was
drilled parallel to Hiswah-6, although in a northerly direction and was
successfully drilled to 1,816 metres with the last 599 metres being an open
hole in the pay zone. The well penetrated oil-saturated, porous, carbonate
grainstones over much of its length.
Hiswah-9 was spudded on December 20, 2005 and is located approximately
275 metres west of the Hiswah-6 well. The well will be drilled in a similar
fashion to the Hiswah-6,7 and 8 wells and is expected to be completed within
the next two weeks.
Four containers shipped from Canada have arrived in Yemen containing all
the pumps and related well production equipment for the Hiswah horizontal
wells. Good progress is being made on the Hiswah Early Production Facility
(EPF), which the Company anticipates completing, on schedule before the end of
the first quarter.
At the present time, production from the Hiswah-6 well is running at
about 2,000 bbls per day (bpd), net 1,000 bpd to the Company. This level of
production is expected to be maintained for the next few weeks until de-
bottlenecking is completed at the Safer unloading facility, on Block 18, when
production will be increased gradually to an anticipated 10,000 bpd
(net 5,000 bpd to Calvalley).

THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including
expectations of future production, cash flow and earnings. These statements
are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and
uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from
those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks
include but are not limited to: the risks associated with the oil and gas
industry (e.g. operational risks in development, exploration and production;
delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects
or capital expenditures; the uncertainties of reserve estimates; the
uncertainty of estimates and projections related to production, costs and
expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks), commodity price, price
and exchange rates fluctuations and uncertainties resulting from potential
delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects
or capital expenditures. Additional information on these and other factors
that could affect Calvalley's operations or financial results are included in
Calvalley's reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

Almotamar Net - The Palestinian Sport and Youth Ministry delegation headed by Assistant Deputy Minister of Youth Sector in
the Ministry Mosa Mahmoud Hassan arrived on Friday in Sana'a .

He said that that his visit comes in framework of bilateral cooperationbetween the two countries in sport and youth fields and to get use from Yemen experience in holding youth and summer camps program.

Almotamar Net - A number of Yemeni businessmen and members of Aden chambers of commerce will participate in the 2nd conference on Arab trade.

The conference will be organized by the Arab Administrative Development Organization ARADO on May 3 , 2006, in Qatar.
The conference aims to introduce the reality of Arab trade and the Arab bilateral trade and its development trends in Arab world.
It will also discuss the difficulties and obstacles facing Arab trade among Arab countries .

Almotamar Net - Prime Minister Abdul-Qadir Ba-Jammal called Yemeni and Saudi businessmen to adjust with governmental plans of both countries in order to develop mutual trade ties.
Ba-Jammal stated to Riyadh daily that establishing Yemeni-Saudi cargo companies would make goods movement easy, and enhance the trade
partnershipbetween the tow neighboring countries.
He also called for establishing mutual centers on the borders to facilitate import and export process.

Almotamar Net - The AIDS Combating Unit at the High Population Council held on Saturday the 1st session of debate on AIDA disease. Parties, parliamentarians, civil society organizations and local councils participated in the debate.
In the opening of the session, the deputy of health ministry Majed al-Junaied assured the importance of establishing a activity partnership with all bodies to fight the spread of AIDS disease and enhance the social awareness of the disease dangers.
Deputy of Religious Endowment & Islamic Affairs ministry Yahya Ahmed al-Najar briefed that the Islamic view on AIDS patients doesn't stripping them from any political or socialist rights.
The executive director of AIDS Combating Unit Abdullah Abdul-Karim al-Arashi delivered a speech wished in it more success in this function. He said that the last statistics briefed that there are 1714 cases of AIDS disease in Yemen.

Almotamar Net - At an interview with the Kuwaiti newspaper "Alsyasiah", President Ali Abdullah Saleh praised the results of the GCC summit that was held in Abu Dhabi especially in terms of the significance of enhancing relations between Yemen and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Yemeni re-welcoming of the Gulf and Kuwaiti investments.
Saleh affirmed that his decision to not run for presidency in the upcoming 2006 presidential elections comes to arrange the Yemeni house from the inside and to push the national high-profile politicians to take the initiative as candidates for the presidency.
The current Arab nation's circumstances are difficult and depressing, Saleh stated emphasizing on the Arab solidarity to cope with the challenges that facing the Arab nation.

anti polio - The 7th anti-polio campaign was kicked off on Sunday in all governorates.
The campaign, being organized by the ministry of Public Health and Population in cooperation with International Health Organization (IHO) and UNICEF, targets about four million children under five-year old. 40000 health workers and volunteers are participating in the campaign supplied with 9,000 cars to carry them to the remote regions

Almotamar Net - x
Prime Minister Abdul Qader Ba-Jammal confirmed here on Monday that enhancing the performance of security systems depends on different security functions in addition to the initial information that help in preventing the crime before its happening.
Saying that the 6th Conference of Security Leaders, contributes in integrating and building the bridges of confidence among people and policemen. This is the most important factors for security and fighting crime.
" Policeman do great and an outstanding work when he face the lawbreakers who try to disturb the society by their violations" Ba-Jammal said.
For his part, interior minister Rashad al-Alimi said that the conference dealt with a lot of topics and activities which took place last year, confirming that the conference recommendations and estimations certainly will contribute positively in enhancing the work of the ministry of interior in 2006

almotamar-net - President of the Republic Ali Abdullah Saleh sent on Tuesday congratulation cable to the newly elected Tanzanian President Jackie Jakaya Kikwete on his winning the presidential elections.

almotamar-net -
The presidents of Sudan and Somalia and the Ethiopian prime minister arrived in here on Wednesday for the 4th round of talkson boosting security and economic cooperation.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh, Sudanese president Omar al- Bashir, Somali President Abdullah Yusif Ahmed and Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi will discuss issues of regional security, mainly the fight against terrorism in the Horn of Africa and improving security in the southern part of theRed Sea.

Reconciliation in Somalia and the conflict in the western Sudanese regionof Darfur would also be tackled during the meeting, official sources said.

The three guests were welcomed by President Ali Abdullah Saleh and other senior Yemeni officials as well as ambassadors of the three countries to Yemen.

almotamar-net -
President Ali Abdullah Saleh met here on Wednesdaywith the Gulf Cooperation Council education ministers who participatein the 3rd consultative meeting for GCC education
ministers being held in Sana'a.

The president was briefed on issues to be discussed in the meeting suchas exchange expertise to develop the education in member states of the Education Office in GCC.

The meeting was attended by the education minister Abdul-Salam al-Jawfi,minister of state and secretary of the Presidency office Abdullah al-Bashiri.

almotamar-net -
President Ali Abdullah Saleh sent on Wednesday a congratulation cable to the Palestinian President Mahmowd Abass on the occasion of launching the Palestinian revolution

almotamar-net -
President Ali Abdullah Saleh met here on Wednesdaywith the Gulf Cooperation Council education ministers who participatein the 3rd consultative meeting for GCC education
ministers being heldin Sana'a.

The president was briefed on issues to be discussed in the meeting suchas exchange expertise to develop the education in member states of the Education Office in GCC.

The meeting was attended by the education minister Abdul-Salam al-Jawfi,minister of state and secretary of the Presidency office Abdullah al-Bashiri

almotamar-net - Parliament approved on Wednesday the 2006 state general budget.

The 153 members voted in favor of the budget, 45 members disapproved,seven members rejected to vote and the rest were absent.

The approval came after the budget committee in the parliament raised recommendations to the the parliament asking for the approval of the bduget that exceeds one trillion and 179 billion Yemeni rials

almotamar-net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh announced on Wednesday Yemen readiness to offer any assistance for reducing
tensions betweenEthiopia and Eritrea in order to serve security and stability in the region.In opening session of Sana'a Forum for
Cooperation summit, being heldin Aden, president Saleh called the two neighboring countries, Ethiopian and Eritrea, to hold bilateral talks to settle their disputes in orderto avoid any clash between them. He also confirmed Yemen support for the current Somali
government whichintends to build a state of institutions.
Regarding current situations in Palestine and Iraq, president Saleh said that the depressed developments in Palestine require the
interference of the international community in order to practice pressure on Israelto stop its aggressions against the unarmed Palestinian people and toget it implement the international
resolutions which call for establishingthe independent Palestinian state and for realizing a fair peace in the region.
He expressed his hope that the occupation forces will pull out from Iraq soon to allow all Iraqi functions take part in building the new democratic independent Iraq.
He wished that the forum would open wide horizons of cooperation the to serve the common interests of the member states, pointing out to
theimportance of pacing measures of setting up a free trade among the countries of the forum to promote economic cooperation and investments among them.
He affirmed that the forum is open for any country wants to join it.
In the opening session, the Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir called other countries to join the forum to serve security, economic,
political, development and stability in the African horn and south of the Red Sea. He confirmed that the peace agreement in Sudan has put an end for war in the south of Sudan , saying that the agreement implementation is going on in agood manner as the National Party and Popular Movement are working hard to carry out articles of the agreement perfectly.
He added that the government of Sudan reached an agreement with the National Gathering of the opposition, saying that negotiations over Darfur region are progressing day by day under the sponsorship of the African Union.
He indicated that the previous period witnessed exchanging visits amongthe officials of Sana'a
Forum to coordinate their political and diplomatic position on the regional and international levels.
He said that the security committee held a number of meetings and exchanged information to prevail stability and security in the region
as well asfighting terror.
The Sudanese president also pointed out to the positive increase in volume of the trade exchange among the member states of the bloc. He expected that the summit will come out with signing a set of cooperation agreements such as the agreement of establishing free trade zones in the region. Prime Minister of Ethiopia Meles Zenawi said in his speech that the forumis formed newly, but it managed to create good cooperation among the member states specially in the security, economic, political and cultural fields.He pointed out to the key goal of the forum is to realize peace and security
in the African Horn and South of Red Sea, considering that peace would support efforts of development inside the member states.
He considered the agreement of peace in Sudan would open a new page in this African country and in the region in general. He called on
continuing efforts that support peace and stability in the region to achieve more development in the member states countries.
The Somali president Abdullah Sheik Ahmed said that the Somalia needs for support to realize peace and security as the security of Somalia
associatedwith stability in the region.
He said that the achievement of security requires strong capabilities to settle any disorder situation in the country, calling for support and aid of the forum countries to realize that.
Then, the leaders of the forum were held a closed session in which they discussed issues of the summit's agenda and means of enhancing
join cooperationbetween countries of the forum.
They also discussed the latest developments in the region, especially in Iraq and Palestine as well as international efforts in fighting
terror.

almotamar-net - Ministry of Oil & Minerals, General Institution for Oil & Gas and the Korean National Institution for Oil (Korean Financial Union) singed on Wednesday cooperation agreement on oil. The memo includes an agreement of production partnership in sector No16 of al- Qamar Gulf, in al- Mahra governorate.
Under the memo, the Korean institution would pay the cost excavation process in sector 16 with the area 10864 KM.
The memo also included anther function of the Korean institution, it is engraving an oil well with total cost US $ 13 million

almotamar-net -
Deputy Minister of industry and trade Ali al-Saghi held talks here on Wednesday with director of the Organization of Development and Economic Cooperation Barnar Gigar.
The talks focused on Yemen's participation in the ministerial meeting for trade and investment to be held in Amman next February.
The talks also addressed the technical assistance offered by the organization will be use for promoting the industrial zones in some Yemeni provinces and encouraging the private sector to invest in trade and industry sector

almotamar-net - Landslides have destroyed a small village near the capital Sanaa, killing at least 32 people including women and children with dozens more missing, officials said on Thursday.

official source said rocks had slid off a mountain late on Wednesday and collapsed into the al-Dhofair village -- about 20 km (12 miles) southwest of Sanaa -- destroying its 27 houses.

Police cordoned off the area and are searching for survivors.

official source said tens of people were injured -- some seriously -- and have been taken to hospital.
.

almotamar-net - Chairman of Yemen Commercial and Industrial Chambers Union (YCICU) Mohammed Sared expressed his hope that Sana'a Forum for Cooperation is to be an economic and industrial gathering for member countries.
the offocial stated that recent steps taken by the forum confirmed involvement of private sector in some of the agreements which link
private and governmental sectors.
The YCICU suggested a project to establish a joint council for Yemeni, Sudanese, Ethiopian and Somali Businessmen and the project
is under studyby businessmen in these countries, " Saed stated.
He expressed hope that the project to be inked by the technical committee in its coming meeting which will take place in Yemen next June. He concluded by saying that the project would develop relationships between businessmen and increase investments

almotamar-net - Vice President Abduh Raboh Mansor Hadi paid on Thursday a visit to the damaged village of Al-Dhafir in Bani Matar
district,Sana'a province to see the damages and victims.
Most of house of this village were damaged due to mountain landslide claimed life of tens of peoples.
He headed a meeting included prime minister Abdul-Qader Ba-Jammal,
AhmedSodan and deputy prime minister, minister of justice Adnan al-Jafri and governor of Sana'a Abdul-Waheed al-Bokhiti in which
they discussed the current situation in the village and organize rescue works and relief as well as offering required needs to break big rocks which damaged 25 houses.
The meeting formed a committee to do these works.
Many victims were brought to hospitals in Sana'a , while rescuing works are going on in the village.
President Saleh soon gave his directives to senior officials to rescue and support the victims of the village with aids and camp was set up for the homeless families there.
President Saleh expressed his deep and heartfelt condolence to the victims families

almotamar-net - - President Ali Abdullah Saleh received on Thursday telephone conversation from Libyan leader Muammar Al Qaddafi during which he expressed his condolence on the death of more than 41 people in thetragic landslide accident took place in Dhafir village of Bani Matar district, Sana'a Governorate.
Al Qaddafi expressed his condolence to president Saleh and the victims families and affirmed Libay's readiness to offer all possible support to Yemen to overcome this catastrophe

almotamar-net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh received on Friday a condolence cable from king of Jordan Abdullah II on the death of dozens of Yemeni people in the landslide accident in Al-Dhafir village of BaniMatar district.
In his cable, king Abdullah II expressed his sadness and condolence for president Saleh, Yemeni people and families of the victims. The death toll was increased up to 41 person.

almotamar-net - The Islamic Relief Agency said it is preparing to offer an emergency relief for the families of victims of the landslide occurred in al-Dhafeer village, west of Sana'a, last Wednesday night.

Al-Sahwa.net quoted the resident representative of IR Al-Moled as saying that coordination is ongoing with the ministry of interior to start the relief campaign during the coming few hours.

Source said the rescue team could get out 45 deaths, six people alive and 17 were still under the trap. It said the people trapped due to the landslide were 70 according to local sources.

Local sources said a house of six floors collapsed while it was including 20 persons. They said that some families left their houses out of fears of more landslides.

almotamar-net - Chairman of Shura Council Abdul Aziz Abdul Ghani returned back to Aden on Friday after he took part in the
United Arab parliament opening session held in Cairo.
Abdul Ghani is the chairman of the Associations of Senates and equivalent councils in Africa and the Arab World. Abdul Ghani emphasized in hisspeech step of setting up of United Arab
parliament, considered this accomplishment step toward Arab Unity.

almotamar-net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh issued on Saturday the law No. 53 for 2005 endorsing the general budget of state for the financial year 2006.

After looking at the constitution and the law number 8 for 1990 related to the financial law and its amendments and the law number 4 for 2000 related to the local authority and after the Parliament's approval with majority, we legitimated the general budget for 2006,"
the president said.

almotamar-net - The German Foreign Minister Frank-WalterSteinmeier expressed his country's thanks to president
Ali Abdullah Saleh and the Yemeni government over the successful role which was made by security forces to release the German diplomat and his family members who was kidnapped in Shabwa Governorate on last Monday.

During the telephone conversation with Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu Baker Al Qirbu the German official pointed out that cooperation conducted between the two countries to deal with this
issue come out with fruitful results and helps in enhancing current mutual cooperation relations between the two countries

almotamar-net - Cabinet approved on Tuesday urgent measures to tackle damages at al-Dhafeer village, west of Sana'a, due to rockslide happened.

The measures include building new houses for the residents of the village whose homes were destroyed.

The cabinet formed also a committee including ministry of local administration and ministry of public works to draw a plan for rebuilding the destroyed village.

The cabinet also asked the ministry of oil and minerals to make necessary studies to check up whether there is a danger of more rockslides in the region.

almotamar-net - SANA'A, President Ali Abdullah Saleh conducted a telephone conversation with Algerian President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika on
Saturday in which he congratulated him on his return to his country after a successful treatment journey to France, wishing him good
health, happiness and progress for the two countries bilateral relations.

On his part Bouteflika, expressed his thanks to president Saleh wishing him good health and happiness and the Yemeni people progress and prosperity

almotamar-net - Cabinet studied on Tuesday a report presented by Ministry of Interior over the current security situations concerning tourists kidnapping and condemned this kind of action which affects Yemen economically and deforms its image.

It called upon all political parties and civil organizations to shoulder in order to eliminate this exceptional phenomen on and show reactions towards these irresponsible acts

almotamar-net -
ADEN- President Ali Abdullah Saleh received here on Tuesday the Turkish investor, chairman of Turkish company for investment (Shalik Hollidangh) Ahmad Shalik.

Shalike handed over a letter from Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to president Saleh concerning brotherly relations between the two countries, especially in trade and investment areas.

In the meeting, they discussed the possibility of investing in areas that Shalik Hollidangh company seeks to invest such as cement, fiber, natural
gas and tourism.

Saleh welcomed the Turkish investment in Yemen to serve the common interests between the two countries, mentioning the various chances for investing in Yemen.

President Saleh listened to detailed explanation on the investment projects of the company including building hotels, towers, trade markets, restaurants, hospitals, schools, mosques, health and sport clubs with total cost of US $ 500 million.

almotamar-net - Prime minister Abdul- Qader Ba- Jammal sent on Tuesday a cable of congratulations to the reelected President of
Zanzibar government in Tanzania Amani Abeid Karume.

In the cable Ba-Jammal expressed his trust that the Yemen-Zanzibar governments would increase cooperation areas to serve the common
interests.

He also wished in the cable the Tanzanian people more success and progress.

almotamar-net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh authorized Foreign Minister Abu Baker Al Qirbi to flight to the United Arab
Emirates on Friday to convey UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan his, Yemeni Government and people deep
condolence on the death of UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Governor Sheikh Maktoum binRashed Al Maktoum.

almotamar-net - ADEN - Yemen exported 164,653 tons of food stuffs in 2005 via Aden port at Yr 13,826,772,000,000.
In 2005, the imports reached 3,303,216,000 tons which provided local markets with foodstuffs and others.
The General Director of Aden Customs Port Essam Shakir stated to Saba that custom revenues in 2005 are estimated at Yr
9,730,125,000,000. He pointed out that 375 ships and containers arrived in Aden port last year.

almotamar-net - Vice President Abdu-Raboo Mansour sent a cable of condolences to the ruler of Dubai sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
al-Maktoom on the death of his brother, ex-governor of Dubai, Maktoom bin Rashid al-Maktoom.
In his cable, Vise president expressed sympathy on the death of Maktoom.
Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Sheikh Abdullah bin Hussein al-Ahmar sent a similar condolence letter to Mohammed al-Maktoom on
his brother's death.

almotamar-net-Mareb - Five Italian hostages, who were kidnapped by armed tribesmen in eastern Yemen earlier this week, were released unharmed on Friday, government sources said.
The sources said that negotiations with the abductors were successful which resulted in the release of the five Italians safe and sound.
Armed tribesmen kidnapped the five Italian tourists, three women and two men, in the Maarib province, about 170 km east of the capital Sanaa, .
The hostages were usually set free unhurt after negotiation between authorities and kidnappers

almotamar-net - Four Yemenis were killed and other three injured in the accident of collapsing a hotel in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on Thursday.One Yemeni is still missed. All Yemeni victims were working in store in the hotel.
the bodies of the four men, Mohammed Yusof Ali,Abduh Saleh Hamad, Adel al-Sharabi, Abdullah Hafdallah transferred to one of Mecca hospitals . The other three injured people, Ali Qasam Ahmed, owner of the shoesstore, Mohammed Abduh Yahya al-Matari, Khaled Mohammed Saleh al-Alaj are now receiving treatment in hospital in the city.

almotamar-net - Vice President Abdu- Raboo Mansour Hadi paid on Saturday a visit to headquarters of interior ministry.

In the ministry, the vice president headed a meeting in which the Deputy Minister of Interior for Security affairs Mohammed Abdullah al- Qawsi
presented a detailed report on the successful security operation to set the Italian tourist hostages free.

The report included the steps of cooperation among the air forces, unit of fighting the terrorism , the special forces, security units and the
people of the area.

Hadi assured the importance of benefiting from this experience in fighting any one wants to harm the country reputation and security.

He praised the great outcomes of that efforts, mentioning to the president Saleh's watching to the work implementing from the beginning until freeing the hostages

almotamar-net-Mareb - Newly appointed Governor of Marib Araf al-Zawka held a meeting on Sunday to discuss security plan in the governorate for 2006.

The meeting brought together security officers in the governorate who discussed the plan and the problems that would face carrying out the
plan.

The governor affirmed importance of maintaining security to improve development process of the country.
He pointed out to the importance of enhancing partnership between the society and the government to combat all negative acts such kidnapping and smuggling antiquities.

almotamar-net -
The candidate of the ruling General People�s Congress won today the last vacant seat of the Yemeni parliament, according to the Supreme Commission for Elections and Referenda.

Khalid Majoud Taha Al-Saadi of the GPC secured the seat on behalf of division 227 in the province of Raimah with 10,896 votes compared to 7,376 for his rival from the opposition Islah party. He will be taking the place of his father whose death prompted this complementary election in the Raimah

almotamar-net - A Yemeni expert Naja al-Masabi is to represent Yemen in 7th meeting of drafting international agreement
over rightsof disabled people in the mid of the current month in New York.

In remarks to 26sep.net, al-Masabi said that the meeting would discuss a draft of the international agreement for protecting rights
of disabled people.

She added that she would review laws of Yemen associated with rights of the disabled people.

The meeting would determine a date of the next meeting in 2007 to announce officially the agreement, she said that.

Representatives from different world countries will take part in the meeting.

almotamar-net - The Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority(PEPA) announced on Sunday new oil discovery by OMV
Austrian companyin al-Aqlah block S2, Shabwa governorate.
In a statement to Saba, chairman of the authority Nabil al-Qwasi said that the initial results of the block indicated that the amount of oilin is ranges from 50 to 173 million barrels and might be increased. He announced that the initial production is estimated at
5000 b/d andoil production will start in the second half of 2006 then it will be
increased up into 10000 barrels next year.
It is expected that the production will be increased up to 32,000 barrels by 2009, he said.
He considered this new discovery as key exploration in this block. He also confirmed the existence of oil in the basic rocks of Shabwa

almotamar-net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh received congratulation letters on Eid al-Adha from prince Naif bin Abdul-Aziz, Saudi InteriorMinister, prince Ahemd bin Abdul-Aziz,
vice Interior Minister, and prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdul-Aziz, assistant Interior Minister in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
They hoped Saleh and Yemeni people a life of prosperity and welfare

almotamar-net -

Yemen to host three day international women and science conference on the fourth of February with the participation of more than 60 women leading figures in scientific research fields.
Director of woman center for training and studies Dr. Rakhsana Ismael said that the conference which is organized in cooperation with Yemeni Woman Society will enhance scientific researches among researchers.

almotamar-net - The commercial attach� of Chinese embassy in Sana'a said that the volume of the trade exchange between
Yemen andChinese was 3 billion dollar last year.
In remarks to 26 September weekly, the Chinese attach� said that the Yemeni-Chinese trade ties witnessed notable progress during the previous period. He said that this year would witness increase in volume of the trade exchange, especially after Chinese investments in
Aden Free Zone. He said thatthe Yemeni accession into the World Trade Organization would contributein increase exports

almotamar-net -
Vice president Abdu-Rabu Mansour received a cable of congratulations on Eid al-Adha from sheikh Tameem bin Hamad
al-Thani,Crown Prince of Qatar, Salman bin Hamed al-Khalifa, Bahraini Defense Forces Commander, Fahad bin Mahmood al-Saeed, Omani
vice chairman of the Cabinet,and Ali Taha, Sudanese vice president.
They all expressed true and warm wishes to Mansour and for Yemeni people more success.

almotamar-net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh renewed on Monday call of Yemen to set up Islamic union to face current challenges.

In his speech for the nation on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, President Saleh said that sons of the Islamic and Arabic nation should realize their situation and work to change it.

He also pointed out to the achievements in the country at different levels, announcing further measures to enhance democracy and the development in the country.

He said that the coming period would witness many steps in making changes in the current laws of economy and investment in order to better investment environment and attract further foreign and local investments to the country.

He renewed call on all businessmen inside or outside of the country to invest in Yemen.
He also called all in the nation for doubling efforts to reach goals of development and building the country.
He pointed out that acts done by some people in the country such tourist kidnapping harm interests of the country and damage economy and tourism.
He confirmed those would not escape from the justice and they will receive just punishment.

He said that the terror and extremism are global diseases which have not nationality or religion, calling for gathering effort of the international community to root out these diseases as they are threatening peace and security of the world.

almotamar-net - MUKALLA- President Ali Abdullah Saleh returned home on Monday after a short visit to Kuwait to offer condolence for Kuwait government and people on death of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah.

almotamar-net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh arrived on Monday in Kuwait city along with a high-profile delegation to offer condolence to the Kuwaiti government and people on the demise of the Kuwaiti Emir Jabir Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

President Saleh was accompanied by the Parliament Speaker Abdullah Bin Hussein Al-Ahmer, the President's advisor Salem Saleh Mohammed, Sheikh Senan Abu Lehwm, the Minister of Information Hussein Dafallah Al-Awadi, the Minister of Justice Adnan Al-Jafri and the Minister of State, Secretary General of the Presidency Abdullah Al-Bashiri.

Upon his arrival, he went to Bayan palace to offer condolence to the Prime Minister Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jabir Al-Sabah and to all the Al-Sabah's family.

President Saleh was welcomed by the Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Dhafallah Sharar, top Kuwaiti officials and the Yemeni ambassador to Kuwait Ali al-Ahmadi.

almotamar-net -
official source in Yemen said on Saturday that 11 Yemeni pilgrims have died in the stampede in this year's hajj season in Saudi Arabia, in whih nearly 400 pilgrims perished as they performed the stonning of the symbol of devil known as the Jamarat ritual last Thursday.

At least two million muslim pilgrims annually travel to Saudi Arbia to perform the once in a lifetime religious obligation.

The Awqaf ministry said five of the dead yemenis were members of the hajj mission while the other six are residents of Saudi Arabia.

almotamar-net - Yemen announced on Sunday three days of national mourning for the death of Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Jabir al-Ahmad al-Sabah who died on Sunday.
The Presidential declaration offered the condolences of the Yemeni people and leadership to the people of the Kuwait on the death of their Emir Jabir al- Sabah.
"Al- Sabah has been devoted Muslim leader who struggled for the prosperity of his nation and the regional and global peace", the declaration said

almotamar-net - The offices of the Authority for Standardizations and Specifications prevented passing frozen chickens from the all countries affected with the virus of bird flu.
"The authority is looking closely at the developments of the bird flu virus internationally in collaboration with local and regional bodies.
The source confirmed that Yemen is free from the virus, adding that the ministerial committee is continuing its work in all Yemeni
regions throughfield visits for specialized work teams

almotamar-net - President Ali Abdullah Saleh paid an inspection visit to under way projects in Hadramout where he had a
look at the pavementworks of the road project that links Al-Mukalla Al-Nashima, Ahwar, Shaqraareas. The project would facilitate
movement and goods freight via thisroad. He urged the company to double its efforts in order to fulfill theproject as soon as
possible according to the qualities and criteria inked.On the other hand, he paid a visit to Broom port project site which would be implemented soon, to be the main sea port for the governorate.He also talked to citizens of Broom to fulfill their needs and directed concerned authorities to follow closely development projects in the governorate.

almotamar-net - The cabinet headed by Prime Minister Abdul-Qader Ba- Jammal approved the executive by law of universities law no. 18 of the year 2005.

The cabinet also approved the draft of the republican decision that concern with establishing the General Body for the Areas and Urban Planning.

The new body aims at benefiting from the areas and country's landed as well as encouraging the investment. It also will contribute in
establishing a database for the national geography.

almotamar-net - The general director of Al-Jumhury Hospital Nabil Dhabaan discussed with Drug Fight International Authority secretary Hanifah Rabbani cooperation aspects between the hospital and the authority in order to support establishing Drug Addicted Medicine Center in the hospital.

They discussed possibilities of providing medical aids and qualifying programs by the authority to make the center ready to provide medication for addicted people.

almotamar-net - A state-security court began Wednesday the trial of six tribesmen charged with taking five Italian tourists hostage in northeastern Yemen early in January.


The six men, Ali Saleh Ubad al-Zaidi, 24, Muryee Ali Ahmad al- Ameri,35, Ubad Saleh al-Zaidi, 21, Naji Mahdi al-Zaidi, 20, Hadi Muhammad Ali al-Ameri,24, and Muhammad Saleh al-Zaidi, 30, appeared in court in handcuffs and blue prison uniforms.

Chief Prosecutor Saeed al-Aaqil read out the charges list saying that the six men �took part in forming an armed gang to kidnap foreigners.�

The defendants confessed to the kidnapping but pleaded not guilty on the charge of forming an armed gang.

The tribesmen freed the five Italian captives, three women and two men, on January 6 after holding them hostage for five days in a mountainous village in the Marib province, about 195 kilometres northeast of the capital Sana�a.

Under a deal brokered by tribal dignitaries, the abductors released their hostages unharmed and gave themselves up to security forces besieging their hideout.

almotamar-net - A civil society group held a meeting on Wednesday that brought together 150 women to discuss the most effective ways to raise awareness about the importance of female participation in upcoming elections.

Under the slogan, "Enhancing the role of women in local communities," the Foundation for Supporting Civil and Democratic Initiatives (MADA) looked for women willing to participate in local and presidential elections, scheduled for September.

"We've held this extensive meeting to draw a plan of action for spreading awareness about the importance of women's participation, both as voters and candidates," said MADA Chairman Abdul Majeed al-Fahd.

"We wanted to know what exactly we need to encourage women to take part in the election process, and also to encourage men to support them," he added.

At the meeting, British ambassador Michael Gifford, whose embassy supported the event, praised the role of Yemeni women in society.

Gifford went on to commend a recent decision by the ruling People's General Congress to reserve 15 percent of the country's decision-making positions for women, urging opposition parties to follow the suit.

Despite the conservative nature of Yemeni society, in which women's roles have traditionally been associated with the domestic sphere, there is no a legal obstacle preventing women from participating in elections, either as voters or candidates.

Nevertheless, statistics point to a recent decrease in the number of women running for office, even as female voter registration increases.

The number of women registered voters has almost trebled, from 15 percent of total voters in 1993 to 42 percent in 2003.

Concurrently, however, the number of female candidates fell in the same period from 42 to 11.

The number of women winning parliamentary seats has also shrunk, from 11 in 1990 (in the parliament of former South Yemen), to a single woman in the current 301-seat assembly.

Meanwhile, only two female appointees sit on the 111-seat Shura Council, the consultative upper house of parliament, members of which are directly appointed.

almotamar-net - Yemen�s Ambassador in Damascus Dr. Salah Ali Ahmad al-Ansi yesterday discussed with Higher Education Minister Dr. Hani Murtada means of developing cooperation and coordination in the scientific and cultural fields between the two sisterly countries.

They also reviewed issues of scholarships, student missions and future scientific and cultural activities in a way to achieve the joint aims of both countries in these two fields.

Dr. al-Ansi underlined the Syrian-Yemeni distinguished relations in all domains to serve the joint interests.

almotamar-net - SEYOUN-official of General Authority for Investment in Hadhramout stated that four factories would be established in 2006 at a total cost of US$ 18.5 million.
The government would establish a factory for packing dates at a cost of USD 3 million,
another factory for medicine at a cost of US$ 5 million.
The third factor for tiles and red bricks at a cost of US$ 8.5 million and the forth would be for leather at a cost of US$ 2 million.
Such projects in the governorate would contribute in reduce unemployment rate.
Deputy Governor of Hadramout Ahmed al-Juneid called concerned authorities to follow work process in these projects and provide them
with basicservices such as roads and electricity.

almotamar-net - MUKALLA - President Ali Abdullah Saleh made phone call with Secretary-General of the Arab League Amr Mousa.

In the phone, president Saleh discussed with Mousa the latest developments in Somali and efforts to enhance the peace in Somalia.
They also reviewed Aden declaration that concern with Arab support for Somalia accordance with decisions of Arab summit that held in Algeria.

President Saleh affirmed importance of financial assistances of Arab countries

to Somali in order to achieve the peace in African Horn and establish the country's foundations.

almotamar-net - Speaker of Parliament Sheikh Abdullah bin Hussein al-Ahmar met here in Wednesday with the visiting Indonesian Chairman of Consultation Council Mohammed Hadait Noor Waheed .

During the meeting, they held talks over mutual relations, especially parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

Al-Ahmar warmly welcomed the Indonesian delegation, highlighting deep historical Yemeni-Indonesian ties.

He also praised the Indonesian stances which stand in favor of the Palestinian issues and support Palestinians right to set up their
independent state.


Waheed considered his visit to Yemen a good chance to see Yemen's parliamentary experience which is considered as one of the successful
experiences inthe region.

He confirmed Indonesian firm stance towards Islamic and Arab world issues. Waheed invited al-Ahmar to visit Indonesia.