Saleh announces projects, criticizes US democracy in Iraq [Archives:2006/987/Front Page]

Hamdan Dammaj
SANA'A, Oct. 2 ) President Ali Abdullah Saleh announced a project for electricity through nuclear energy, a seawater desalination project and to begin fighting corrupt officials while addressing an Iftar reception at the Presidential Palace Monday.

In front of the senior government officials, social personalities and politicians at the event Saleh criticized the US democracy in Iraq.

Saleh said his electoral program is not merely a political address for propaganda as some believe and the promises he made were not meant for tickling the fancy of the nation to grant him confidence. He confirmed his promises are serious moves due to be applied in real-life situations in the days to come.

Saleh added the September 20 presidential and local elections constituted a democratic achievement appreciating the local and international community.

US democracy:

Saleh discussed the deteriorating situation in Iraq saying the multinational troops cannot control Iraq despite the excessive presence of these forces. He said these troops made the situation go from bad to worse. Saleh questioned which is better for Iraqis, Saddam's totalitarian regime or the American's democracy.

Citing the unstable situations in Somalia, Saleh said Yemeni people benefited from what happens in the region. About September 20, he said Yemeni people said: “Yes for security, stability, safety and freedom,” as they fear any harm to their achievements and democracy.

Corruption:

“We'll restrict activities of corrupt officials. We'll not allow them any chance for illegal earning at the expense of the nation,” said Saleh, echoing his campaigns promise to fight corruption. He confirmed that making money and business legally is the only accepted thing.

Water shortage:

Water shortage is a top priority problem and it is possible for the crisis to to become critical in cities such as Sana'a and Taiz. “The government has a plan to establish seawater desalination stations to meet the growing demand of people for drinking water and not for irrigation,” Saleh remarked. He emphasized the necessity of using modern means in irrigation and spreading awareness among citizens about these means.

Qat:

Yemeni leader discussed harms associating with qat plantation and how qat consumers tend to earn money illegally to pay for qat. “I think that qat plantation consumes 30 – 40 percent of the available water. This forces us to be economical in using water and the government and people should be responsible for spreading awareness about the issue,” said Saleh.

Electricity:

Regarding electricity, the president noted: “we're working hard to meet people's growing demand for generated power by liquefied gas. Power is to be generated via nuclear energy in cooperation with the U.S. and Canada.”
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