AL-SAHWA: Sanaa weekly, 18-12-97. [Yemeni Congregation for Reform (Islah)] [Archives:1997/51/Press Review]

Main Headlines: 1- Parliamentary Speaker & Islah leader, Sheikh Al-Ahmer convalesces after heart surgery at Cleveland Hospital, USA. 2- The President returns home following successful visit to Oman. 3- International Association of Muslim Women concluded its second meeting on December 15th in Sanaa. 4- Prominent Islah figure, Sheikh Al-Zindani conducts a series of religious ceremonys in Hadhramaut, and donates YR100,000 to Aqsa Mosque Committee. Article Summary: More Burdens on Citizens The 1998 budget figures show that prices of basic commodities will increase. Electricity is no longer subsidized. The YR 24 billion difference will borne by the citizens, not the state’s treasury. Independent economists have cast doubt on the declared budget deficit of YR 13 billion. The improvement in the deficit has come as a result of including borrowings in the state’s general revenue, they explained. The real budget deficit is estimated at YR 41 billion.
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