Reforms, modernization and attention to internal affairs [Archives:2004/748/Opinion]

By Prof. Dr. Abdul Aziz Altarb
For the Yemen Times
The celebrations of the 14th anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of Yemen have ended. The President's address on this occasion was received by the general public with great comfort. However, the public awaits more practical steps in the implementation of the President's decisions toward the improvement of local affairs that will bring back smile to everyone. We have seen the beginning of practical steps. Will that continue until July 7th, during the celebrations on anniversaries of the September 26 and 14 October revolutions or until the anniversary of Independence Day on November 30? We do not expect limited reforms or humble or moderate accomplishments, but comprehensive works on all fronts.
The recently field visit of President Saleh to the Ministry of Information represents the beginning of a new era of increasing attention on local affairs. It is the beginning of the return to focusing attention on internal matters after the deterioration of our internal situation, which has reached a level of weakness without precedent, including economic, social, cultural and athletic fields. The level of several officials in the executive authority does not rise to the name and status of Yemen, which is flourishing following the unification of the country, based on political pluralism and democracy.
It has become essential and necessary to commence and to focus on the reform of our internal affairs through clear visions within a strict timetable while activating and strengthening the definitions of accountability and transparency. In this framework, we hope that all unfinished projects will be completed, as well as the completion of the process of revising and preparing new laws with a new mentality. That will provide a solid basis for the start of a new era of reforms that will generate a state of law and order on the start of the road toward a genuine renaissance.
In my estimation, all open files must be permanently closed and the completion of required changes in the executive field is needed before the start of the new fiscal year 2005 so that the new year would be the year of management in every respect.
If that were achieved as part of a comprehensive vision to create radical changes in our internal affairs and situation with the enhancement of our foreign policies at the Arab and regional levels, then we would have set our feet on the beginning of the correct path.
As I will explain in later issues if God is willing.
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