In Brief [Archives:2008/1217/Local News]

Yemen, US discuss security cooperation

Minister of Interior Mutahar Rashad al-Masri held a meeting on Saturday with the US ambassador to Sana'a Stephen Seche over the mutual security cooperation between Yemen and United States.

Al-Masri affirmed important cooperation between the two countries to enhance security and stability in both counties especially in field of combating terror and organized crimes.

For his part, the US ambassador highlighted recent successes achieved by the Yemeni security bodies against terrorism.

Anti- terror unit of central security is the best unit in the ministry, Seche said.

Yemen drafts strategy on human rights

Human Rights Ministry is currently preparing a national strategy on human rights in Yemen.

Human Rights Minister Huda al-Ban said on Saturday that the strategy would focus on a number of issues related to human rights such as women rights and forming a partnership with social civil organizations.

Al-Ban cited that Yemen has made significant steps in field of human rights, especially improving several national legislations which regards Islamic concepts and the Yemeni constitution.

AL-MAHRA

Foreign aid for rain-affected areas continues

Foreign aid continues for rain-affected people in the eastern provinces of Hadramout and Mahara with a Russian airplane carrying relief materials set to arrive in the Sana'a airport next Saturday.

The state-run 26sep.net quoted a source at the Russian embassy in Sana'a as saying that the airplane will deliver 30 tons of food stuffs, tents and medicines in addition to an electricity generator.

Almost a month and a half, heavy rains lashed several parts of the republic, particularly the eastern provinces of Hadramout and Mahara where more than 90 people were killed and thousand houses were destroyed.

Heavy rains caused huge damages to agricultural lands, with losses estimated at billions.

Yemen received considerable support from many countries to reach out the affected and shelter people as well as rebuilding the destroyed areas.

ADEN

Public financial prosecution trials 500 cases in Aden

The Public Financial Prosecution in Aden governorate has trialed 503 cases from January to October 2008, in addition to 164 cases of the previous years.

Public Financial General Prosecutor in Aden governorate Qaher Mustafa Ali said to Saba that the prosecution set 77 pending decisions on and adjourned 21 cases.

The prosecution in the same period returned about YR 7 million for state treasury, in addition to taking decisions on confiscation of more than YR 1,5 million till the court determines on them.

AFZ's customs revenues amount to 848 in November

The fiscal revenues of customs duties of Aden Free Zone (AFZ) Customs during last November amounted to YR 848.7 million.

In a statement to Saba, the general director of Aden Free Zone Customs Abdul-Malik Goshaim pointed out that the increase of customs revenues is due to the increase of the number of exports and maritime activity in Containers Port.

Aden governor discusses with SMI possibilities of generating power

Aden governor Adnan al-Jafri held a meeting with the delegation of the Italian SMI company over possibilities of the company to set power projects in the Aden Free Zeon.

They discussed possibilities of the Italian company to set up investment projects associated with developing infrastructure in the governorate especially electricity.

Al-Jafri voiced readiness of the governor to offer all facilities for companies and investors to construct projects in the governorate.

He made it clear that the governorate is preparing for laying foundation stone for a project of electricity station by next January, 2009 in the Aden Free Zone.

Tourist Yachts arrive at Aden port

Three tourist yachts carrying Russian, French and British tourists arrived at the Aden port with a number of tourists aboard in a few-day tourist journey.

A tourist program has been prepared to the tourists including visits to the historical and archaeological sites including the Aden tanks and Seirah.

SANA'A

Workshop on domestic violence in Yemeni society will be launched in Sana'a

Women Development Center for Culture and Fight against Violence will organize during this month a workshop on a domestic violence in Yemeni society with participation of academics and parliament members.

Chairwoman of Women Development Center for Culture and Fight against Violence Amal al-Dubaai said the workshop aims to find solutions on the domestic violence against women and children and to come out with a new system for a new law on domestic violence against women and children.

She added that the organization of the workshop came after the increase of acts of violence against women and children recently.

PM holds farewell meeting for Palestinian ambassador

Prime Minister Ali Mujawar held on Saturday a farewell meeting for the outgoing Palestinian ambassador to Yemen Ahmed al-Dik.

In the meeting, they discussed bilateral Yemeni-Palestinian relations and current development in the occupied territories.

Mujawar highlighted role of the Palestinian ambassador in enhancing ties between the Yemeni-Palestinian peoples, wishing him good luck in his coming task.

For his part, the Palestinian diplomat expressed thanks for the Yemeni government in making his task easy during his term.

He said that the Palestinian person praises Yemen's position which supports fair right of the Palestinian people, wishing further progress and prosperity for the Yemeni people.

AL-BAIDA

Journey on foot from Baida to capital Sana'a will be launched

Under the slogan of “No More Destruction