AL-WAHDAWI: Sanaa weekly, 1-9-98. [Archives:1998/36/Press Review]

(People’s Nasserite Unionist Organization) 
Main Headline:
1- The government introduces new amendments to the local authority law, and refers back to parliament for deliberations.
2- Oil pipeline no. 12 (64km from Safir refinery) is punctured by tribesmen demanding compensation for water wells flooded by Mareb Dam.
3- Yemeni Minister of the Interior reviews report on Saudi investigation into the death of 14 Yemenis in the Asir area of Saudi Arabia.
4- Public Funds Prosecutor investigates the sinking of the cement-loaded Syrian ship, Al-Imad, off the Mukallah Port.
5- Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Ghalib Ali Jamil escapes a hail of bullets in a robbery attempt while on his way home with his daughter.

Article Summary:
Local Governance – editorial
Dr. Al-Iryani’s government has denuded the Local Authority Law of almost all semblance of democracy. It has been amended and referred back to parliament for the third time. The government has even changed its name to the Local Administration Law.
It seems that virtually powerless local councils will be created, attesting to the elections “comedy.” The excuse often given is that there is not much public awareness at the local level. The authority’s persistence in making the people feel hopeless of democracy’s ability to achieve anything, will eventually make the latter resort to other means of change.

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