Al-Sahwa [Archives:2004/799/Press Review]

9 Dec.2004
Main headlines
– Tribal vengeance acts claims lives of tens of people in Jawf, flares up in Hajjah
– Islah bloc at local councils criticize local councils third conference
– Islah parliamentary bloc criticizes the speed with which the 2005 budget was referred to the specialized committee
– Parliamentary committees for services and development and oil recommend refusal of a $ 26 million loan
– Journalists stress the necessity of taking pressuring steps for the release of Al-Khaiwani

Columnist Zaid al-Shami says in his article all indicators affirm failure of the policy the government is following, that has been clarified by the prime minister in his report on results of the five-year plan. This is confirmed by what the government has presented in the budget of 2005, as public services would witness a retreat as well as job opportunities and investment. To deal with this shortcoming the government has resorted to adding a new dose to prices of oil products and after-sale tax and headed for borrowing.
The government began in warning about depletion of oil wealth, even before the people have not enjoyed its revenues even after the rise in oil prices worldwide.
During time of election campaigns, and when the government seeks confidence of the parliament, it sows the land with flowers and talks of gigantic accomplishments. However, when its appetite is open to starve the people and impoverish them, it would admit that the situations are in very bad condition.
The policy of doses, borrowing and increasing taxes would increase the state of poverty; development would stop and would distract investors. It would double suffering of the citizen, opening the doors to crime. It is hoped that the parliament would stop this rashness and to get free of party directives and take a stand biased to their people to drive away their disaster. They are owners of decision and not merely followers.
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