In Brief [Archives:2006/921/Local News]
– The London-based Yemeni Opposition Bloc for Reform, Change and Advancement (YOBRCA) earlier this week held deliberations with factions and Yemenis in Britain and other European countries. YOBRCA agreed to form an exile government in London with the main objective to reform Yemen's state of affairs and rescue it from the Sana'a regime's practices. Haider Al-Attas, the first Prime Minister of Unified Yemen, is expected to chair the exile government.
The Yemen Times telephoned Abdullah Sallam Al-Hakimi, residing in Cairo, inquiring about published reports in Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper. Al-Hakimi denied being present in London, saying he was told of the project by phone.
– Protests against European and Danish media following published drawings of the Prophet Mohamed (pbuh) continue in various Yemeni cities and villages, particularly Ibb. The Cultural Center organized a protest last week, drawing prominent citizens, artists, writers, journalists, social and religious symbols. Protesters agreed to entirely boycott Danish, Norwegian and French products and insisted on imposing penalties on local and foreign media that republished the drawings, insulting Muslims' feelings worldwide.
– Political opposition parties grouped under the Joint Meeting Parties (JMP) in Abyan's government in southern Yemen demanded the Elections Supreme Commission resign, calling for formation of an impartial commission to ensure free and decent elections.
The JMP condemned violations the authority practices against Yemeni journalists and civil society organizations, as well as its oppressive policies. The most recent violation was closing Radafan Charitable Society without legal cause. The JMP confirmed its solidarity with the society in restoring its social and charitable activities.
– Member of Parliament Mohammed Al-Hazmi of the Islah party requested Parliament's presidential body declare constituency 8, represented by former Sana'a mayor Ahmed Al-Kuhlani, as vacant. Al-Kuhlani was appointed Aden governor in last week's cabinet reshuffling in the Yemeni government.
Al-Hazmi's request was based on provisions in Article 80 of the Constitution preventing an MP from assuming any executive authority position except the cabinet.
– A delegation of British investors and businessmen will arrive in Sana'a for a three-day visit the beginning of March to explore investment opportunities in Yemen.
The businessmen represent large British firms in areas of construction, natural gas, petroleum, health care, tourism, fish wealth and sea ports.
– Yemeni Minister of Youth and Sport Abdulrahman Al-Akwaa admitted that his ministry did not render due care to youth due to concentrating most of its interest in the sport of football, in particular.
At a news conference earlier this week, Al-Akwaa said, “Children and youth comprise 76 percent of Yemen's population. Yemeni political parties do not offer help to enrich the national strategy for youth and childhood. Their concepts have caused us to make many mistakes in preparing a strategy concerning youth.” Al-Akwaa did not rule out his party, the General People's Congress, from causing such mistakes.
– Earlier this week, a local official in Al-Jawf governorate demanded formation of a committee to investigate distribution of large quantities of expired medicine to citizens there.
The official said he learned that the YR 60 million worth of medicine was stored poorly in a governorate building for approximately three years.
The expired medicine was discovered after several health centers in governorate districts complained that the drugs were dispensed less than a month before their expiration.
– British non-governmental organization BB Trust last Monday began a four-day leadership skills training course in Aden. Several radio and newspaper correspondents are among course participants. Topics include developing leadership skills, effective leadership and successful administration, institutional communication, how to manage work teams and other relevant issues.
– Final preparations are underway for the Egyptian-Yemeni Joint Higher Commission's sixth session scheduled Feb. 25-March 2.
The two countries' prime ministers will co-chair meetings, which will be attended by several Egyptian and Yemeni businessmen. Commission membership comprises a number of ministers and officials of both countries.
– The Attorney-General, head of the South Secretariat Court, last week issued an order for immediate investigation into a complaint filed by three Somali women who said they were sexually attacked by security men after they dispersed a mid-December Somali sit-in last year.
The Attorney-General also asked the HOOD organization to submit the women's statements, indicating they were raped, to Prosecution on demand. The refugee women also will stand before Prosecution to register their statements.
– Sana'a Textile and Weaving Factory workers rallied at the Ministry of Industry and Trade protesting the delay of their June 2005 salaries. They also protested withholding of salary increases approved according to the July 2005 government implemented wage strategy. Last year, Parliament intervened following similar protests, rendering pledges to protesters which have been fulfilled until now.
– Hundreds of teachers in the Al-Udein area of Ibb province protested salary deductions, with some complaining that their salaries were deducted completely. More than 60 Al-Udein Education Office employees were surprised to find their salaries suspended by district officials without reason.
Teachers and other Al-Udein District employees did not receive their January salaries up until now, protesting the procedure they consider arbitrary.
– The Riyadh-based Philippine ambassador, Bahnarim Guinomla, and his delegates will visit Yemen Feb.16-22. He will meet with government officials, Asian ambassadors and the Filipino community to bid a fond farewell, as he is transferring to Turkey in the near future.
His delegates, Vice Consul Romulo Israel, Jr., attorney Germie Usudan and Carmelita Hidalgo, will conduct consular services 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sana'a Sheraton Hotel during the visit. All Filipinos in Yemen needing consular services are requested to proceed to the Sana'a Sheraton Hotel during this period.
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