In brief [Archives:2007/1098/Local News]
German support sought for cultural activities in Yemen
Oct. 28 ) On Sunday, Culture Minister Mohammed Al-Maflahi discussed with German ambassador to Yemen, Michael Klor-Berchtold, possible German support for various cultural activities in Yemen, particularly the capital city's first cinema festival to be held next summer.
The two officials discussed aspects of cultural cooperation between their countries and the means of enhancing them, as well as the importance of training and qualifying Yemeni staff in cinema and various Yemeni arts.
Draft law for presidential research prize approved
Oct. 28 ) The Yemeni Cabinet on Tuesday approved a project under Republican decree for a presidential prize for Yemeni researchers and directed concerned ministers to complete legal measures for its issuance.
The draft law aims to encourage unique scientific research leading to knowledge that broadens and enriches scientific, technical, cultural, social and educational thought.
The prize will include the fields of natural science, mathematics, energy and alternative energy, computers, information technology, the environment, agriculture, fisheries, health and medicine, society, administration, finance, banking, education, physics, law, engineering and water.
ABYAN
Unique baby marriage celebrated
Oct. 28 ) A strange marriage held earlier this month excited residents of Homer village in Qataba region. For the first time in the region, locals were surprised to attend a unique marriage ceremony between a two-year-old groom and his 18-month-old bride.
The reason for the marriage was the insistence of the bride's father, who had sworn to marry his daughter to her cousin. A large procession of cars and attendees escorted the couple with the traditional shooting of firearms to celebrate the unique wedding.
ADEN
CCTV installed at oil refinery
Oct. 28 ) After recently winning the estimated $860,000 tender, Romanian firm UTI Systems on Saturday launched the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) at Aden oil refinery. It's the first time CCTV will be installed at the refinery since its establishment in 1954. The refinery's daily petroleum production is 100,000 barrels.
SANA'A
Domestic airline to launch
Oct. 28 ) A domestic airline will launch its first official flight by the beginning of 2008 under recent partnership agreements signed between Yemenia Airlines and three Saudi firms to establish the domestic carrier, according to an informed source. The agreements indicate that the new firm's capital is an estimated $100 million.
24th Sana'a International Book Fair inaugurated
Oct. 28 ) For the seventh day, visitors to the 24th Sana'a International Book Fair have been increasing. Organized by the General Book Authority and opened Monday by Prime Minister Ali Mujawar, the 10-day exhibition involves 270 publishing houses, 12 Arab and foreign nations, and features more than 300,000 books in varying fields.
Additionally, Book Authority Chairman Faris Al-Saqqaf notes that establishment of the Yemeni Publishers Union will be announced officially on the sidelines of the event.
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