Terrorism tops Yemeni-British discussions [Archives:2006/915/Front Page]
Mohammed Al-Jabri
SANA'A, Jan. 25 – The press conference carried by the British Ambassador Mr. Michael Gifford for Yemeni media last Tuesday discussed several issues regarding the Yemeni British relations. The conference took place at the British Embassy in Sana'a in honor of Dr. Kim Howells the British Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. A strategy for security and counter-terrorism cooperation between Britain and Yemen was one of the main themes of the conference. Britain also assists the coast guard sector, providing training to improve its ability to protect Yemen's coasts from terrorist acts. Such aid does not include equipment, noted Gifford.
Gifford said coast guard training will enable them to curb illegal entry of Somalis to Yemeni regions and deter illegal fishing in Yemeni waters, thereby enhancing security and the national economy. Yemeni and British officials unanimously agreed that terrorism is an international phenomenon, not confined to one country, but found worldwide.
In the press conference, the ambassador said Howells discussed with Yemeni ministers issues related to press freedom in Yemen. Gifford affirmed that last year was a black year for journalists, noting that the draft press law should meet journalist requirements. “Dr. Howells expressed his belief that a free press is a critical element of democracy,” he added. In a meeting with Minister of Interior, Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, Howells affirmed Britain's commitment to help Yemen fight terrorism. He said terrorist acts in Yemen and the region in general really do influence Britain and Europe.
Regarding Yemeni elections, Gifford said Britain lays great stress on the September presidential elections. Therefore, the British government is giving subsidies to the Supreme Committee for Elections so elections will be conducted in a democratic manner. Corruption also figured among topics discussed during Howell's visit to Yemen. Gifford said Howell discussed with Yemeni Prime Minister Abdulqader Bajammal domestic challenges in the administrative, economic, health and educational sectors. He affirmed that Britain upholds reform programs in Yemen and will help the government fight corruption in these sectors.
The ambassador stated that if Yemen's government seriously responds to fighting corruption, implementing reform programs and respecting human rights, Britain will double its aid to Yemen. He added that judicial reform should be given significant attention, as it is important for development and respecting human rights alike. “Dr. Howells noted the important decision by President Saleh to stand down as head of the judiciary,” Gifford added.
Concerning Iran's nuclear program, Gifford accused Iran of halting negotiations regarding its nuclear efforts. “Iran has resumed work on its nuclear program, ignoring its obligations toward the International Atomic Energy Agency,” he stated, adding that asking Iran to stop its nuclear program is not at all a type of hostility toward Iranians.
While in Sana'a, Howells visited the Old City, which he described as “magnificent,” and had the opportunity to meet and talk with workers in the suqs of the Old City. “The visit of Dr. Howells,” Gifford stated, “has been an important milestone in British-Yemeni relations, which continue to develop and strengthen. I hope it will lead to even closer cooperation in combating international terrorism, which is a problem of grave significance for both our countries.” His visit is the first of its kind by a British Minister of State.
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