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WHAT ARE THEY SAID ABOUT NDC
9
PUBLIC SENDS MESSAGES TO THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE CONFERENCE
Report
6-7
OIL MINISTRY ANNOUNCES FOR 15 OPEN BLOCKS (OFFSHORE & ONSHORE)
CLASHES WITH AL-QAEDA RESUME LUCKY
YEMENI JEWS EXCLUDED
Yemeni authorities arrested four people on charges of shooting at a civilian airplane “Airbus 310” belonging to Yemenia Airlines that was landing in Sana’a International Airport, coming from Egypt and carrying 200 passengers on board.
This transpired when the Popular ommittee supported by military troops from the brigade 119 attached some groups of al-Qaida in Batais around Ga’ar, the capital of Abeyan providence.
Source told the Yemen Observer that the airplane was exposed to six machine gun bullets that settled in the luggage’s
Military sources said that four large group of Popular Committee POPULAR COMMITTEE MEMBERS CELEBRATING THEIR VICTORY OVER AL-QAEDA ELEMENTS IN BATAIS DISTRICT OF THE SOUTHERN PROVINCE ABYAN.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
BENOMER CALLS TO INVESTIGATE VIOLENCE IN THE SOUTH UN Advisor and Envoy to Yemen, Jamal Benomer called for the
8
Interview
BY ABDUL-AZIZ OUDAH
BY ABDUL-AZIZ OUDAH
BY FARES ANAM
READING MINDS AND THINGS
ESCAPE
Two of al-Qaeda elements and one member of the Popular Committee were killed early Thursday while six others from the popular committee were wounded, some seriously.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
5
Business
VOL. XVI - ISSUE 23
speeding up of the investigations into the violence which several of the southern provinces witnessed, coinciding with the launching of
the National Dialogue Conferenc (NDC) and to hold accountable those responsible for it, expressing regret for the victims who fell in
RABBI MOUSSA COMPLAINS OF JEWS EXCLUSION FROM THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE. BY FARES ANAM
Rabbi of the Jewish community in Yemen, Yahya Josef Moussa, demanded that President Abdo Rabbo
these events. He urged the Hirak (Southern
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
the people of the Jewish community, and issue a resolution involving representatives of the Jewish
NEW 15 OIL BLOCKS OPENED
THE MINISTER OF OIL AND MINERALS AHMED ABDULLAH DARES
The Ministry of Oil and Minerals of the Republic of Yemen announced on Wednesday tenders for Oil and Gas Exploration and Production oponshore open blocks. MORE DETAILS ON PAGE 5
TRUST YEMEN INSURANCE & REINSURANCE CO. (Y.S.C.) P.O .Box 18392 Sana’a Republic of Yemen T +967 1 412592 / 425007 F + 967 1 412570 MEMBER OF TRUST GROUP www.trustgroup.com
community among the members of the National Dialogue Committee, which launched its work on Monday in Sana’a. Rabbi Mousa considers the excluding of the Jewish community
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
Saturday - March 23, 2013 Vol. XVI - Issue 23
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide comprehensive, trustworthy and unbiased information on Yemeni Affairs and constantly improving the professionalism of our staff and their lives through the compound effect PUBLISHER FARIS SANABANI
WWW.YEMENOBSERVER.COM
ACTING EDITOR IN CHIEF ABDUL - AZIZ OUDAH
EDITORIAL ADVISER ZAID AL-ALAYA’A AMINAH LEONARD HASNA ABDUL MAJID
EDITING SECRETARY FARES ANAM
SENIOR JOURNALISTS AKRAM AL-GAOLAHI FAISAL DAREM
N AT I O N A L N E W S ISLAH CHAIRMAN QUITS NDC
MOHAMMED ALI KALFOOD MOHAMMED SHARHAN
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR NABEEL SALEH AL-WA’AIL
GRAHPIC DESINERS
HUGE SMUGGLING OPERATIONS FOILED Yemeni authorities said they had foiled smuggling operations of prohibited items from entering the country last year, numbering about 1005 operations. said they seized large quantities of smuggled drugs that were expired. 194 minute of transcripts were documented on the seizures.
MOHAMMED ABDULLAH AL-YADOMI BY AKRAM AL-GAOLAHI
Mohammed Abdullah al-Yadomi, Chairman of the Supreme Authority of the Islah party, announced his withdrawal from the National Comprehensive Dialogue (NDC) which kicked off on Monday. representation of the youth at the change squares, after the Joint Meeting Parties ( JMP) and the Islah parties announced reservation over the NDC’s lists, especially the list appointed by the President, which the JMP demanded its revision. Political sources considered al-Yadomi resignation and the JMP statement as a stumbling block on the way of NDC, and Yadomi’s resignation as an attempt by the Islah party to dominate the NDC.
ANY NEWS? NEWS HOTLINE 01 505466 editor@yobserver.com
The seizures varied between expired contraband and drugs, pistols, bullets, gas bombs, espionage, narcotics, old coins, relics and counterfeit money. The most dangerous drugs that have been seized was an expired drug used to treat patients with rheumatic heart disease. According to the news agency (SABA). said that 811 minutes of transcripts were made from the banned substances, most importantly the pistols and bullets, and gas bombs, espionage, pens glasses, watches equipped with cameras, jammers, and electricity plugs equipped with cameras, and 80 thousand narcotic tablets in addition to quantities of hashish and 84 pill of cocaine. ed ancient coins, Kuwaiti old currency of $ 70 thousand dinars, and 368 carbon paper for printing hundred-dollar currency, along with many diverse monuments. Among the seizures were fake money of 250,000 SAR, 40,000 U.S. dollars and 500 Euros as well as $102,000 hidden in drugs coming from America, he added.
AL-QAEDA SUSPECTS SENT TO TRIAL The specialized Appeal Court branch in the capital assigned next Tuesday for the trial of 4 of the 26 al-Qaeda suspects from the four terrorist cells which the branch started their trial last week. The Primary Penal Court had convicted the suspects who include an Egyptian and a Sudanese for attacking military and secu-
Meanwhile the Capital Secretariat’s PeEgyptians from the same group to the penal court. One of them entered Yemen under cover of a honey trader and the other as a called Ansar al-Sharia (Sharia Partisan,) which is al-Qaeda branch in Abyan. In a related issue the security forces in Al-Odein Directorate in Ibb Province caught two al-Qaeda suspects. They found an explosive belt with one of them and a grenade with the other.
TALAL AL ASQOR ABDUL NASSER SULTAN
The court issued a ruling of 3 to four years imprisonment against them.
PHOTOGRAPHERS
MUSEUM EXPOSED TO THE LARGEST ROBBERY EVER
MOHAMMED QUATAB HAMED AHMED
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General-Secretary of the NDC Technical Committee, Awadh Ahmed Bin Mubarak said, “10 delegates from different political parties have withdrawn, but the parities have been ordered to substitute the withdrawn delegates.” Among those withdrawn delegates are Chairman of Islah Party Mohammed alYadoumi and Islah senior leader and prominent businessman Hamid al-Ahmar as well as others. The conference also came despite a boycott by the majority of the Southern Movement components demanding to restore the Southern State, which was independent until 1990. Chaired by President Hadi, the conference was inaugurated in the presence of the Special Envoy of the UN SecretaryGeneral to Yemen Jamal Benomar and the GCC Secretary-General Abdullatif al-Zayani as well as the G10 ambassadors, Ministers, Parliamentarians, military leaders, local and international media.
stole on Wednesday, a large number of artifacts from Mukalla Museum in Palace Sultan al-Qu’aiti, in the Yemeni province of Hadramout.
thefts in the previous periods. and Museums in Mukalla, Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Aqeel said that the most important acquisitions that have been stolen in this inci-
Yemeni police immediately began investi-
large copper censer, a falcon made of copper, head of a tiger made of pure silver, the
NEWS STAND PRICE YEMEN 40 Riyals
uncover the circumstances of the crime described by police as the biggest theft ever.
with silver, a number of sultans scepter, and half meters spears packed with silver.
Yemen Observer is the best English language newspaper published every Saturday & Monday weekly. We have been reporting the news in Yemen since 1996.
Chairman of the General Authority for Yemeni Antiquities and Museums, Muhannad al-Sayani said that the authority is currently working in collaboration with Interpol and its branch in al-Mukalla, to recover a special be handed over to the International Police Organization (Interpol) to cooperate in its restoration. Police began investigating the incident to precious and important relics, which makes this the biggest robbery the museum have suffered considering it has suffered several
Among the stolen holdings included
of the late Egyptian leader Jamal AbdulNasr carved with copper in addition to a sea written on it. materials from the red room of the museum including a small copper cannon and a copper stopcock statue of a Chinese man and vases made from copper and a number of copper dishes and pots.
Dr. Al Abdulkarim al-Eryani, Advisor to President Hadi and NDC deputy, talked about the efforts made by the technical committee,since it has been formed pursuant to the Republican Decree 30/2012. Before the opening of the conference, Benomar said, it is “a historic moment, Yemen is a model for democratic transition in the region,” referring to the role of both the UNSC and GCC in achieving this political transition in the country. The Yemeni coalition, which includes Islah and Socialist and Nasserist, Unionist parties, said it could only attend the opening ceremothe dialogue successful. President Ali Abdullah Saleh stressed on the importance of dialogue to address the Yemen political problems, but warned that the dialogue should not be “a military dialogue in its language of negotiation.” He also called for having a dialogue that addresses “the core issues concerning the future of Yemen and the stability in the region as a whole.”
BY FARES ANAM
tively participating in the NDC.
Special Adviser for the Secretary-General of the United Nations and his envoy to Yemen Jamal Benomar stressed on Wednesday the importance of the participation of the Houthis in the dialogue and the political process to contribute to the building of a new social contract in Yemen.
to provide full support to enable Youth to actively participate in the dialogue conference and support their efforts in order to achieve their aspirations for which they were demanding through their sit-in squares.
Benomar also met on Thursday with representatives of the independent youth participants in the NDC. BY FARES ANAM
The Yemeni President stressed during his opening speech of the conference that the process of change has just started in country, while Benomar called for addressing demands of the South Yemen.
UN SPECIAL ENVOY MEETS WITH HOUTHIS
with Houthi representatives in the NDC, in a meeting that lasted more than two hours.
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The Presidency House in Sana’a hosted the opening ceremony of the National Dialogue Conference (NDC) last Monday as delegates representing various Yemeni political and social components have withdrawn and some others were absent for different reasons.
my team to continue to communicate with them like other components of Yemen.»
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PRESIDENT HADI DELIVERING HIS SPEECH AT THE NDC OPENING CEREMONY LAST MONDAY
After his meeting with representatives of the Houthi participants in the National Dialogue Conference on Wednesday, Benomar said that «I heard their opinions and sug-
SANA’A, ADEN, TAIZ, IBB, DHAMAR, HADRAMUT.
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TECHNICAL COMMITTEE OBLIGES PARTIES TO REPLACE WITHDRAWN DELEGATES
BY FARES ANAM
BY MOHAMMED ALI KALFOOD
JOURNALISTS
3
During the meeting, they exchanged views on issues of concern for the Yemeni youth and emphasize the importance of ac-
The UN envoy to Yemen also met on Thursday with representatives of the Independent Women in the NDC. Benomar said that he met with representatives of the Houthis in Congress to consult on issues of dialogue, and I commend their positive role in the process of preparing for the conference. «They have proven their ability to solve their own problems through dialogue. And we will put our expertise at the Yemenis disposal whenever they ask for it,» said Benomar about Houthis. «And we look forward to the continuation of the spirit of cooperation for the success of the NDC and compromise access to consensual outputs of meetings with Yemeni people inspirations for change».
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Saturday - March 23, 2013 Vol. XVI - Issue 23
N AT I O N A L N E W S
YEMENI GIRL WINS THE IPSC
JAPAN SUPPORTS YEMEN BY HESHAM SAMI AL-KIBSI
The government of Japan has decided to extend a grant assistance amounting to US$ 121,000 for the project of constructing alJeel al-Jadeed school in Hamdan. This grant has come under Japan’s Grant Assistance Scheme, “Grant Assistance for grass-roots Human Security Projects”, which aims at supporting small-scale communityto basic Human needs, such as primary health care, basic education, environment and water in Yemen and other developing countries. Mr. Katsuyoshi Hayashi, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Yemen has signed the contract relency Mr. Abdulghani Hefdhallah
BY HESHAM SAMI AL-KIBSI
Jamil, Governor of Sana’a province on Tuesday Morning Feb 19. Four other grass-roots projects have been signed recently in Sana’a City amounting to US$ 467,456. Since 2000, Japan has funded 157 projects in Yemen under a scheme called “Grant Assistance for grass-roots Human Security Projment, health care and education that includes the disabled and girls.
TAIZ WORKSHOP: WOMAN CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS TAIZ - HILMI MAHFODH PARTICIPANTS FOR THE IPSC AT THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR’S RESIDENCE
A special workshop was organized in Taiz on Tuesday for the rights and freedoms concerning women in the new constitution, held by the NFOD organization. Activists, lawyers, juristic and students had participated in the workshop for making amendments in rights and freedom provisions concerning women, in order to submit constitutional provisions to be presented to the dialogue committee, to guarantee equity, justice and special rights for women which should be involved in the new constitution. It is worth mentioning that the workshop was preceded by a seminar which continued for ten days.
BY FARES ANAM
Among the ten participants from Sana’a and Aden, a talented Yemeni at the International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) on Thursday , and she will represent Yemen at the IPSC London in May 2013. The competition was organized by the
organization that has, for a long guage public speaking around the world,” he said. “In Yemen, it has been working for nine years thanks to the efforts
Faten Ghulam Hussien lives in Aden province and studies Art in
Council, said Mr. Hopton. “I think it is doing a fantastic job in spreading expertise and education among young Yemeni people, how to com-
said that she never thought that she would be here in Sana’a to compete with other students. She started the competition with a speech about the invention of telephones and how telephones came to existence.
to express ideas, these skills are vitals for the development of the individuals as leaders, business people and educators, but they are also vital for the development of the country,” he added.
Faten won the competition by presenting a speech on the progress of innovation of blusters. “When I talk about it, I feel like I love this topic because we used it daily, but I want to discuss how it even comes to anyone’s mind and how it came to existence,” she said.
“We are having this event toDialogue Conference because the NDC requires such young people to speak as delegates to express their ideas and to listen to other people ideas not just speak but also listen to achieve missions, so this is very ap-
bassador, told the Yemen Observer -
ning of the NDC,” said Mr. Hopton.
-
TWO TRIBES PREPARE FOR WAR
‘’Ideas Are Our Greatest Weapons ‘’ was the theme of the 2013 international competition in London for all IPSC 2013 participants. The (IPSC) is held every May in London. It provides students with an opportunity to develop vital skills that enable them to speak with “My dream is very big,” Faten said.
CLASHES WITH ALQAEDA RESUME
Ali al-Sayed, Deputy Leader of the Popular Committee, said that members and put them in jails belonging to the Popular Committee. Adding that some groups of al alQaeda were in trenches made out of old house in the deserted village. The situation is now under control by the Popular Committee but it is expected that al-Qaeda will return in efforts to expel the Popular Committee from the area.
LUCKY ESCAPE compartment down the left wing of the airplane. The engineers of the company discovered the bullets during the examine process of the airplane. The source noted that the shooting source came from al-Rawdah area, north of the capital Sana’a and close to the airport, and the investigation’s still ongoing to discover the reasons behind the targeting of airplanes carrying hundreds of civilians. The Yemenia Airlines Company has not released any of-
their tents in the yard of Al- Mahajer because the Sheikh, Hammam Daifallah Marat detained locomotive owner Mujahid Alhuzeiza who
tives held on the basis of demands from him, the rights of the state or other tribal shaykhs of Nahm . It was agreed upon on that the basis to deprive and criminalize tions are, are because the two tribes are located on most of the main roads of the capital Sana’a. It is worth mentioning that the most important of the shaykhs of the two tribes are 1 - Sheikh Mohammed Shaiban
Hammam has detained state locomotives six months ago. The issue has not been resolved and almost caused a war between the two tribes. The organization moved to convince Sheikh Hammam to release the locomotive and state locomo-
3Sheikh Sheba Aboulihom 4Sheikh Saleh Rapid 5Mohammed Yahya Masar 6Zain Allaah Ghazwan 7Rageh Houdrm- and 200 men from Khawlan tribe
tice or feel there was a shooting,” he added. According to the source the preliminary investigations indicated that there was a wedding ceremony in a neighborhood close to the airport where participants were shoot-
A delegation from the Organization of Dar Al-Salaam headed by Sheikh Al-Marwani from Sana’a, went on Monday to Nahm tribe to solve a blocking issue that has occurred between two tribes in Sana’a province.
The local governance in Taiz, in cooperation with the Youth for development inaugurated the dialogue on Tuesday in a tent. The inauguration coincided with the National Dialogue Conference (NDC). At the inauguration, which followed the beginning of the NDC in Sana’a, Dr. Mohammed al-Shauibi, Taiz, University Rector pointed out that the dialogue tent aims to involve the citizens in the dialogue through the discussion of issues and axils of
analyze them and send them to the NDC technical committee. He urged the participants, particularly the media personnel, to participate with serious interaction for the success of the NDC. Pointing out that this is a historic turning point in the lives of all Yemeni people. The supervisor of the tent project from the Ayoub Al-Qasmi society reviewed the working mechanism which aims at encompassing all opinions and ideas of the NDC events.
manded the Sana’a governor to response to the interoperability demands in enabling representatives pointed in administrative positions required to achieve national reconciliation, stressing that there is no way to evade the national due no The participants pointed out that the governor, Abdul Ghani Jamil is practicing a policy of exclusion, and still works with the same methods of the former regime. They pointed out that the projects approved by the President of the Republic during a meeting with the Governor of Sana’a were not absorbed by the province, and were not equally distributed amongst all the districts of the province. The participants showcased documitted by the Governor of Sana’a, especially in the manipulation of job degrees. The meeting participants unanimously agreed on the implementation of extended protests in front of the province’s building until all demands are met.
company, who spoke on anonymity condition, said, “It was just one bullet that hit the outer body of the airplane as it was about to land in Sana’a airport.”
ing to the air with no intention to hit the airplane.
BENOMER CALLS TO INVESTIGATE VIOLENCE IN THE SOUTH Movement) factions to abandon violence and adopt responsible dialogue. This came in a press on Wednesday in Sana’a where he said there is no solution to the southern question other than dialogue, denying their providing any solutions in advance, adding that the solution is in the hands of the concerned parties. the NDC to communicate with all the southern groups that refuse violence, showing pride of the convening of the NDC, and the participation of the different Yemeni components under one roof, saying the youth participation in the conference is 28 percent of the participants, noticing that it is not enough. He said he will meet the youth and women representatives to listen to them, considering them to be the NDC corner stone. He said he will submit his report over the stage in which the transitional period had reached when he returns to New York, in the upcoming days, adding, “The international community will continue its support to the NDC, and the UN will also support the Yemenis choice without providing any ready recipes for resolving their issues,” he said. He stressed the importance of the NDC to Yemen, saying it is representing a historical moment in where the Yemenis were able to reach this stage of the political process and show their desire to achieve changes, praising the distinctive Yemenis’ accomplishment of the political model of power transfer through their peaceful consensual dialogue, showing sat-
of the peaceful revolution until it achieves all its objectives, condemning the lack of embodiment of national consensus in Sana’a province. “The revolution was not limited to the capital, Sana’a, but it also reached every province and district of the Republic, and therefore revolutionary blocs and national consensus should be present at all departments
YEMENI JEWS EXCLUDED
tion on the success of the preparations for the NDC, and called at the same time on all powers to actively contribute to the dialogue and make the national interest a priority in order to preserve the security, stability and unity of Yemen. ticipation in the rally tomorrow, Sunday afternoon, to demand the prosecution of the killers of the Friday of Dignity revolutionaries, deployment of their statement on the participation of the accused of killing the revolutionaries in the NDC. They condemned all acts of bombings against oil pipelines and power lines, calling all the tribes to address these acts and repudiate whoever commits such acts and bring them to justice.
from representation in the NDC, as an abolition of the right of equal citizenship and marginalization and incompatible to the content and vocabulary of the Yemeni Constitution as they are Yemeni citizens who have all rights and duties.
wording of an honor document that criminalizes these acts and condemn the perpetrators, stressing that they are willing to take any role that maintains the national wealth from tampering and abuse.
CONTINUATION FROM FRONT PAGE
Most of the al-Qaeda members escaped into nearby mountains.
BY HANAN MAN’A
to be formulated as a constitutional legislation for the Yemeni woman.
Revolutionary, youth, and social blocs of the Khawlan district, Sana’a province, held on Saturday evening a lengthy meeting to discuss a number of issues including the situation, the Khawlan’s rightful demands, the achievement of national consensus and the support of the National Dialogue Conference (NDC). In the extensive meeting held in
TAIZ- NA’IM KHALID
members at 6 am on Thursday.
DAR AL-SALAAM ORGANIZATION SOLVED THE LOOMING SPAT BETWEEN TWO YEMENI TRIBES
laysian constitutions of the years 74/94, and the rights and freedoms they contained for the women rights and advocacy , in addition to outlining a preliminary draft for the rights and freedoms that should exist in the new constitution. It also came after an awareness campaign which targeted 100 women teachers, activists, employees as well as a dialogue campaign for 200 juristic, deputy governors, academicians, partisan leaders, lawyers and women leaders. It was accompanied by a media campaign and a workshop for the amended draft for mak-
TAIZ INAUGURATES DIALOGUE
FATEN GHULAM HUSSIEN
KRB DEMANDS FULFILLMENT OF PROMISES
isfaction of the youth and women representation, and hoping for the completion of the representation of these components in accordance with the already agreed rate in this respect. The envoy ensured the continuation of the UN support to the parties which believe in peaceful dialogue and will continue dealing with complicated issues to reach stability levels.
Mousa said that he had previously submitted to President Hadi a list that include the names of Rabbi Yahya Youssef Moussa, Levy SaJoseph Said Said to be joined as representatives in the membership of the NDC on behalf of the Jewish community in Sana›a and Raidah, and he already approved it. «We were surprised that we were not joined as representatives in the presidential decree declaring the names of members of the NDC, although the President had acknowledged these names earlier,» he said. Mousa pointed out that there are no intentions to protest in the case of failure to meet their demands, hoping on civil society organizations to support their efforts and to stand by them in the representation in the NDC being as though it will discuss issues of Yemeni society and draw a roadmap outlining the future of Yemen.
of achieving the goals for peaceful revolution and change, through national dialogue and consensus.
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5
Saturday - March 23, 2013 Vol. XVI - Issue 23
BUSINESS MARKETS
NEW 15 OIL BLOCKS OPENED
CURRENCY
Exchange Rate Yemeni Riyal (YER) 13 March 2013 Currency Code
Currency English Desc
Bid
ASK
USD
United State Dollar
214.87
214.91
GBP
British Pound
320.84
320.9
EUR
European Euro
280.09
280.15
SAR
Saudi Riyal
57.14
57.15
KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
755.65
755.79
AED
UAE Dirham
58.5
58.51
EGP
Egyption Pound
31.77
31.78
BHD
Bahraini Dinar
569.95
570.05
QAR
Qatari Riyal
59.02
59.03
JOD
Jordanian Dinar
303.51
303.57
OMR
Omani Riyal
558.1
558.21
CHF
Swiss franc
226.97
227.01
SEK
Swedisk Krona
33.91
33.92
JPY
Japanese Yen
2.243721
2.244139
MINESTER OF OIL MR.
1 : Offshore Blocks : Block No.
Block Name
12 Month Chart
Block 61
Mosaina’ah
US Dollar to Yemeni Riyal
Block 23
Hodeida
Block 62
Atab
Block 55
Midi
Block 22
Kamran
Block 92
W.Socotra
Block 16
Qamar
Block 93
Ras Mume
Block 94
Abd Alkori
Block 95
Samhah
CURRENCY
24 January 2013
BY FARES ANAM
The Ministry of Oil and Minerals of the Republic of Yemen announced on Wednesday tenders for Oil and Gas Exploration and Production opOnshore open blocks. The offshore blocks are named: Block 61, Mosaina’ah; Block 23, Hodeida; Block 62, Atab; Block 55, Midi;
Gold Market Price (Sana’a) February 2013
P ri c e p e r g ra m
Grade
US$
YER
24K Gold
52.13
11,124.0
22K Gold
47.81
10,197.05
18K Gold
39.15
8,343.1
30.5
6,489.16
14K Gold
24K Gold (1 kilogram)
1,614.45
345,984.71
51,904.57
11,123,408.34
COMMODITIES
Global
All companies interested in bidding should submit the required documents listed above no later than April 20th.
FINANCE
Market Price
Central Bank of Yemen
$113.43
Term
December 2012
24 January 2013
+0.63%
19.50%
182
19.22%
364
19.08%
Food & Other Staples Market Price (Sana’a) February 2013
Unit
YER
Wheat Flour
1 kg
265
Rice
1 kg
565
Tomatoes
1 kg
380
Potatoes
1 kg
200
Onions
1 kg
150
Lamb
1 kg
2100
Beef
1 kg
1500
Chicken
1 kg
540
30 pcs
900
Water
m3
2500
Petrol
liter
125
Diesel
liter
100
cylinder
1200
NON-FOOD
The country’s debt for other creditors amounted to nearly $1.5 billion, according to the report, which also mentioned a debt of $510 mil-
ECONOMY
3 month (%)
12 months (%)
2 : Onshore Blocks : Block No.
Block Name
Block 12
N. Sanao
Block 97
N. Al-Khadrah
Block 54
Shahr
Block 80
Wadi Sarr
Block 88
Wadi Du’tbir
YEMENIOMANI JOINT COMMITTEE CONCLUDES ITS 2TH SESSION IN MUSCAT [The Yemeni-Omani Joint Ministerial Committee concluded Thursday its 12th session ,which was held in Muscat over two days and co-chaired by Transport Ministers in the two countries. Minister of Transport Waed Bathaib said that two memoranda of understanding were signed
Yield
91
COMMODITIES
FOOD
Yemen’s foreign debt has stepped up to over $7.2 billion in January 2013, with an increase of $1.1 billion from January 2012, Central Bank of Yemen (CBY) said Sunday.
Yemen’s debt for the Paris Club Members came second of Yemen creditors by around $1.7 billion, with $1.1 billion in Russian loans.
Treasury Bonds
Cooking Gas (LPG)
Form (Available at www.pepa.com. ye) along with the requirements listed
A report issued by CBY showed that the IFC’s institutions got the lion’s share of the debt, with Yemen owing them about $3.5 billion.
Brent Crude Oil
Eggs
are; a Letter of Intent, Technical and Financial Reports for the last two years, Latest Audit Report, Com-
YEMEN’S FOREIGN DEBT STEPS UP TO $7.2 BLN IN JANUARY 2013, CBY
PRECIOUS METALS
24K Gold (1 ounce)
Block 22, Kamran; Block 92, W. Socotra; Block 16, Qamar; Block 93, Ras Mume; Block 94, Abd Alkor; and Block 95, Samhah. The onshore blocks are named: Block 12 N. Sanao; Block 97, N. AlKhadrah; Block 54, Shahr; Block 80, Wadi Sarr; and Block 88, Wadi Du’tbir. The required documents of the tender that are required from the interested companies in the blocks
YEMEN, GIZ DISCUSS SUPPORTING INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT Chairman of the General Authority for Investment Yahya Saleh Muhsen met with Director of Project to develop private sector at the German International Technical Cooperation Organization (GIZ). In the meeting, the two sides discussed areas of joint cooperation between the Authority and the Organization. Muhsen praised the support provided by the German organization to Yemen in a number of economic and social areas, voicing his hope for the organization’s support for Yemen to
overcome the obstacles that face the investment environment.
discuss the idea of reviving the investment environment in Yemen during the coming meetings of the organization. He pointed out that the meeting will lead to the resumption of cooperation between the Organization and the Authority through the second program of the private sector development project.
QATAR’S HAMAD INT’L AIRPORT NAMES 10 AIRLINES MOVING TO NEW FACILITY ON 1ST APRIL 2013 Effective 1st April 2013, Hamad International Airport (HIA), the State of Qatar’s brand new iconic airport will begin soft opening operations for the following 10 passenger airlines Air Arabia, Air India Express, Biman, Bangladesh Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, RAK Airways, Syrian Air, and Yemen Airways. affected. The national airline will
move its entire operations from the current Doha International Airport (DIA) to Hamad International Airport (HIA) by the end of the year. The 10 airlines listed will no longer have a presence at Doha International Airport (DIA) and will operate exclusively from HIA from 1st April 2013 There will be around from HIA equating to approximately
documents and archives and the liberalization of the atmosphere between the two countries, as well as the signing of the minutes of the third and the 12th meetings of the Yemeni-Omani Joint Ministerial Committee. He pointed out that it was also agreed on cooperation and taking advantage of the expertise and rare manuscripts between the two al relations between the two brotherly countries, according to Saba news Agency. , Minister of Transport and Communications in the Sultanate of Oman, Ahmed al-Futaisi, praised the fruitful cooperation between the two sides and the serious discussion in areas that were touched during the meetings of the Committee and the reached agreements. Al-Futaisi explained that the activation of airlines between the Sultanate and Yemen, as well as between the seaports, aims to open channels of communication between the two countries, which will facilitate the transport of goods and people. He added that a number of topics were discussed in the meeting, including the standards and criteria cations in the Sultanate, as well as The 12th session of YemeniOmani Joint Ministerial Committee was kicked off on Tuesday in the Omani capital Muscat, under the chairmanship of Transport Ministers in the two countries.
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Saturday - March 23, 2013 Vol. XVI - Issue 23
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Saturday - March 23, 2013 Vol. XVI - Issue 23
REPORT
REPORT
PUBLIC SENDS MESSAGES TO THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE CONFERENCE
T
he launching of the National Dialogue Conference (NDC) is considered a re-birth to a new country after a suspense that continued for a full year, after signing the GCC initiative, the success of the presidential elections, and election of Abdu Rabbo Mansour Hadi as President to the country. Taiz youth, intellectuals, regular and security forces stress on the threshold of the NDC serious meetings that the conference is shouldering the creation of a new homeland away from the personal interests. Here are the details of interviews from Taiz and Ibb provinces. SOUTHERN FIGURES: NDC IS THE BEST PLACE TO RESOLVE THE SOUTHERN ISSUE Discussion to outstanding issues and historical opportunities Homeland for all and national interests should dominate NDC BY HESHAM AL KIBSI, NA’IM KHALID & ACRAM MOTHANA HAIDER
Vice president of the IndepenShatarah, said that the political weight of each component is not measured by the number of participants in the National Dialogue Conference (NDC) but rather by the issue itself. Shatarah said that the proof of this, is the division of the attendance seats for the NDC which allocated the Southern Movement (Hirak) 85 seats, which is larger in comparison to the share of parties and political powers that claim to control Yemen’s streets. erners from the political spectrum of the south in the NDC will have ongoing meetings and will determine their vision in the cause
On the other hand, President of the Southern Association of Retired military personnel, Nasser al-Taweel, said that there are parties with intent to hinder the NDC whether it be powers affected in the south or in the north. presidency is the best democratic period for the country where people across the south and the north were free to express their feelings. “There are people working to distort the Southern cause and portray Southerners as “creating a storm in a teacup”. On this basis we insisted to attend by ourselves to participate in the NDC to assure the Yemenis and the whole world about who we are, who we represent and what injustice lies on us. We came looking for solutions that would satisfy our people” said al-Taweel. Al-Taweel addressed a meshe asked them to be just in addressing the Southerners grievances and do not be unjust to them again. He also called the Southern Movement (Hirak) not to be dragged behind violence and Satanic calls and vowed to the lurking elements among the southern movement to foil their plot and expose them by the success of the NDC and the peaceful the approach. Spokesperson of the National Congress for the People of the South (NCPS), Saleh al-Qane’,
considered that the dialogue is a humane value no matter what political disputes, problems or wars happen, as in the end dialogue will prevail. “Today we put the Southern cause in this dialogue at the level of the big issues that are supervised by the international community and not as some say that we were going to bury the issue. The beautiful thing is that we felt
are equal inside the hall, everyone is entitled to be put forth what he/she sees and discuss it” Said Saleh al-Qane’.
because it may be irreparable. “Yemenis from their different political, regional and intellectual orientations met to discuss carefully the problems which met them so as to overcome the crisis that crippled the homeland for two years,” Moghalis said, send-
the failure which we don’t want,” He added that they are looking forward to a new Yemen embodying the victory of the revolutionary youth who offered many martyrs. He asked the partici-
gathering and the great faces at the conference in the name of every child who lost safety, a father, a brother, or any one he knows during the crisis. He asked them to live up to the responsibility entrusted to them, pointing out to the smiling faces he saw at the TV screen which
imi said the security units are the base for the NDC protection, saying that the description of the Yemeni people came in the Holy Koran as people who call for dialogue, when Sheba Queen Bilqis called for dialogue with King Solomon, despite her great power. Now the Yemeni people resort to dialogue despite the weapons they possess. A determinative necessity to Colonel Ahmed Mahiob alSamie said dialogue is a necessity to any people who have disputes, as dialogue is the ideal tember 26, 1962 revolution, the battles continued until 1968 and The task of the military and security units is to protect the dialogue premises and the participants. It secures safety because without safety there would be no dialogue. “The Yemeni people are looking forward to the NDC with a new vision which results in the accomplishment of their achievements, especially those of the armed, security and defense forces,” said colonel Jalal Abdul-Noor. He sends a message to all the armed forces to practice self control, discipline and responsibility for citizens’ protection, national security promotion and stability for the sake of national dialogue which promotes national unity under President Hadi leadership. with security accomplishments “Yemeni people have great hope that the NDC obtains agreement and unanimity so as
“Yemenis from their
represent the elite Yemenis, who have obtained the people and
Nasser al-Taweel
with and support for president Hadi as a consensual president chosen by the international community. He said that Southerners have hope in that he will not fail them and bring them justice and fairness as he promised in his opening speech. He also added that Southerners hope that he does not make this dialogue cook
considered the conference to be a new stage for building a new Yemen based on national principles of unity that respect the people’s desire and the rule of the law. Yemen’s way out to safety Ayman Abdu Sultan alsaid, the launching of the NDC on March 18, which coincides with the Karama (honor
pants to work for the homeland goals, away from the narrow personal interests. Colonel Abdul-Hamid al-Ad-
to achieve the county’s interests and overcome the crisis,” colo, commander of the patrols units
and road security in Taiz said, adding that the awareness of the necessity of dialogue, determines responsibility of security personnel over how the security and military units could secure the NDC, whether in Taiz Province or in all parts of the country. “Our responsibility as security and military units in Taiz, focuses on securing the dialogue period. It will be a period full of security achievements, for providing security and stability for the good of our country, because the NDC is the way out for all forces to reach an agreement which accomplishes the country’s interests,” Colonel Sultan Yahia alsaid, “I think the NDC concerns all Yemeni citizens and excludes no one. The dialogue launch means protecting the homeland, the citizen’s rights, and the armed and security forces are effective companions and no dialogue or security could be accomplished without their presence. Maj. colonel. Ahmed Ghanem said the NDC is the only and major way out to the Yemeni people for building a new home, to foster links between Yemenis so as to make a breakthrough in the accumulating suspended crisis, so as to shift to a new stage, which emerges from this transitional period into a new promising stage. The armed and security forces will be the protective shield for this stage. We look forward for the dialogue period to be a period ing its restructure and unity in a on the NDC to improve the living standards of all armed and security forces members, to guarantee their performance in a sound manner, free of partiality.” Homeland is wide enough for all Captain Asem Abdullah alAkwa’ pointed out that it is the duty of the security to maintain security inside the provinces to pave the way for the NDC to continue its tasks in undertaking responsibility of permanent protection of the citizens and their interests, calling for the training, rehabilitation and raising the living standards of the military forces’ personnel. hoped all political forces, civil societies and parties to support President Hadi for the sake of NDC success, so that our country comes out of the current stage into security and stability, because the country accommodates all, and it
is not the property of an individual, hoping to overcome the past for the good of the homeland. Faheem Saeed Kaber said he wishes NDC success so as to enhance security and stability, requesting President Hadi to take into account the improvement of the conditions of the armed and security forces, because they suffer more than the educationalists by offering themselves in
I BB CIT Y
POINTS OF VIEWS CONCERNING (NATIONAL DIALOGUE CONFERENCE)
Dr. Kamal Al-Gorani
P H.D. IN LIT E RAT U RE
I totally believe in the importance of the National Dialogue Conference ( NDC) as the best solution for many national problems here in my country, Yemen. I wonder how such people think when they escape from their responsibilities regarding their country. They no more deserve respect from neither the elite nor the ordinary men. Those who withdraw at the early stages of the negotiation, esing are mean; their excuses are dim and not genuine. This exposes their fake loyalty to the sands of their country and shows how much they hate themselves before their society and people. Here I would like to pray for those martyrs
Great opportunities to solve problems Dr. Abdul-Kader al-Moghalis said the March 18, 2013, is a great opportunity for the Yemenis to discuss and resolve their problems. This is a historical day which the Yemenis sweated to make besides the cooperation of the brothers and friends. It is a chance that they should take,
) Friday (it is the day on which many of the revolutionary youth were shot dead in sana’a by thugs during the crisis), is considered to be a victory to the revolutionary youth and the Karama martyrs. “today all political forces meet to take Yemen to safety, if they have good intentions, but
I think that the NDC is the most important element of the Transitional Period as it will determine the long term political future of the country. It aims at correcting the failures and disharmony post Moreover, it represents a historic opportunity to resolve grievances, build trust, ensure justice, promote human rights and contribute to the country’s development and prosperity. “We do pray to Allah to recover Yemen from the swamp of problems taken place and to support the honest members participating in the conference being one hand for the sake of Yemen’s welfare . Finally, I expect success for my homeland apart from sectarian and blind fanaticism to a party or group or tribe so the participants must put forward a developing project to serve Yemen through the ages.
cheaply for the freedom of their country from those tyrants and their mercenaries. Those mercenaries who make of these great youths. I was just wondering how dare those killers attend the funeral of their victims and negotiate while the martyrs’ blood is still wet!
Ahmed Majali,
BU SINE SSMAN:
M.A. IN APPLIED LINGUISTICS Saleh al-Qane’
to maintain the territorial integrity. Considering the high degree of political corruption, violence, the overbearing threat of terrorism and a very weak economy, Yemen shouldn’t fail this national reconciliation attempt. Yemenis hope for a promising future in Yemen so this conference should come up with real and serious solutions to build a new and modern Yemen free of tribalism, corruption, favoritism, ignorance, illiteracy and destitution. Mohammed Basalamah,
ENGLISH TRANSL ATOR& ACT IV IST:
The (NDC) is the chance for all Yemeni people , we have to exploit this chance and resolve all dilemmas we faced . I am optimistic about this dialogue being such a turning point for building a NEW YEMEN. Although some involved ones shared in this conference, we will not close our eyes, namely, nothing will protect them from being punished and from standing trial. But we are waiting for the caravan to reach to its safe destination.
Sakher fare’Asljonied
ENGLISH GRADUATE, FACULTY OF ARTS/
RashadFairooz
the consensus of people on the future of the South and the future of Yemen in general.
days discussing Yemen issues!! By contrast, I respect those who suspended their membership at the early stage of the NDC due to the violations committed such as the absence of youth seats, more than one member from the same family, just to name a few. Anyway, I really hope that members should not be intolerant to their parties, notions, viewpoints and not be partial to the homeland either. However, they should forget what happened in 2011 and look forward to a new Yemen.
The National Dialogue Conference is of crucial importance for all Yemeni people because it will form their own future. I think, besides my previous knowledge, this dialogue may sound somehow genuine despite having some members who are stained in blood especially from Al-Karama Friday. I did not really expect them as members of this dialogue who will discuss the Yemen issues; that is, those who killed the youth are nowa-
Allah’ willing, the NDC will be auspicious especially if the whole parties’ representatives intend to cial for Yemen and its citizens. Similarly, in my opinion, I think that those who withdrew by the time of the NDC’s inauguration do not want to leave such remarkable mark in their lives. I am sure that by the support and steadiness of the honest,
Colonel Abdul-Hamid al-Adimi
and faithful representatives in this conference, Yemen will shape an ideal way for better future, drawing the ship back to the shore of safety and stability.
their problems aside in order to lay down the basis for the nation of order and law. I wish I could see my nation prosperous and safe resulting from this conference.
in the debate, and with their most sincerity ,honesty and loyalty to the homeland.
Khaled Alparaty,
E NG LISH T RAINE R:
Abdullah Alduais,
Esam AlKamaly,
LOCAL MEDIA PHO T O G RAPHE R:
The NDC is considered one of the peaceful youth revolution and a national necessity for tackling all the issues and displace across the nation. Unfortunately, the youth is displaced while some highly promitheir loyalty and top merits due to parties allocations and traditional powers. Besides, I was shocked when I heard and watched some individuals taken part in the conference whereas they were involved in the blood shedding and their hands are still stained in blood. Some participants withdrew by the time of the conference’s commence and in my point of view, I think that it is merely a political tactic having an emotional aspect. Frankly, this conference is just a décor according to whatever has been agreed previously so far to bestow it such public legitimacy. Generally speaking, I hope that all the participants do their utmost to pick up the nation to the shore of safety and stability They must put
Colonel Ahmed Mahiob al-Samie
Fawaz Mohamed Nahshal,
ENGLISH L ANGUAGE INSTRUCTOR ALJAZEERA UNIVERSITY RECTOR OFFICE DIRE CT O R
Yemen has been facing a titanic uphill battle against instability and violence and so many crucial issues under existence conditions in which an urgent demand for solution and reconciliation must be discussed in public in accordance with the principle of publicity and transparency and the right of citizens to follow up the events of this national conference. The national dialogue conference is the building-block that will take steps forward in the lives of all Yemenis and to shape the future of Yemen. I strongly expect that the chances of success are at hand and available i.e. building a new Yemen under the umbrella of uni-
ENGLISH L ANGUAGE INST RU CT O R , KING ABDUL AZIZ U NIV E RSIT Y
This Dialogue which gathers about 565 politicians and officials, representing Yemen political and social make up, aims to bridge differences between parties and fix all the economic and political difficulties. Therefore, I believe the success of this Dialogue will not only shape up post-revolution Yemen but also allow Yemen to move past all recriminations and political difficulties and start afresh on new and strong foundations. Yemen will also overcome all obstacles
olence, corruption and setting up a good economic system that will increase better living standards for Yemenis and decreases unemployment level, if all participants and representatives enjoy
colonel Motahar Ahmed
Faheem Saeed Kaber
I am very optimistic about this National Dialogue Conference, in which all the opposing parties will sit together and discuss all the related issues that interrupt the development in Yemen and it’s unity. I am sure and full of hope that the results of this conference will settle the situation and end all the dispute. In fact , the top issue that should be paid much attention is the Yemeni Unity. I am sure all the members who participate in the conference are loyal and paof Yemen. For those who backed out at the very beginning of the conference, I say “ You are the real pain, you are the thorn in our back feet.”
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Saturday - March 23, 2013 Vol. XVI - Issue 23
INTERVIEW
READING MINDS AND THINGS
“
I
speak a mixture of Sparabish and what I like to say is English is what I speak. Arabic is what I study and Spanish is what I feel.” Each week Hasna’ will meet with someone from the community to talk about their thoughts and things. Literally. The people will bring their thoughts and we will take a picture of whatever “ thing” they choose to bring along. This week we meet with Jennifer. Jennifer is a NY native who majored in Arabic and Religious studies. Having been in Yemen for 2 months she and her iPod met with us at Café Corner to share a bit of her life with the readers of Yemen Observer and to have a photoshoot. With her iPod. She talked about topics that ranged from dance, Damascus to the national Dialogue. She talks about why she’s falling in love with Yemen. Her ipod was not as expressive as she was. Here is a portion of the discussion that took place. BY HASNA’ ABDULMAJID
Yemen Observer :So how did you end up in Yemen? Jennifer: I always knew I wanted to come to Yemen. I had ideas of coming to Yemen years ago when I was going to study Arabic abroad. Yemen was my initial choice. But unfortunately at that time things were dissolving here so my school said, “No, you can’t really go to Yemen.” So four of us picked up and directly enrolled in the University of Damascus. My University draws quite a few Yemenis. One of my best friends if from Sanaa. And he was a student at the center here where I now work. Hearing from him about it... he’s extremely passionate about making a change here in Yemen. He came back in the time when it was the hardest time 2 years ago. He wanted to be there for his family. And to see how much love he has for his country and how much Yemen has really shaped him and how much he wanted to give back had an effect on me. And already I wanted to be here. YO’:You did a double major of religion and Arabic. Why religion in general and why Arabic? Jennifer:I grew up very religiously and I always loved religion. I always wanted to continue in that. My parents thought that was good but wanted me to study something more practical. I thought “That’s a good way to help people.” and I took pre met courses. I also took one religious course. And I thought I could either be a mediocre doctor or do something that I’m really passionate about. So religion is such a big part of who I am I thought why not approach it from the academic side. At my school you could only study religion in general. You can focus in on certain things but it doesn’t allow you to focus on Christianity or Islam. So that’s what I ended up doing. Before I became Muslim I fell in love with the Arabic through reading the Quran… One thing that makes it so different is it has so many layers and you might read a verse and it just resonates with you during the day. YO:What made you pick up the Jennifer:I went to a summer camp when I was in high school and it was about bringing world peace in the Middle East. So they had reliIslamic Muslim service and I’m just sitting there watching in the masjid, a musallah they had put together. making sujood and rukoo that was it. I just… I couldn’t get out of my head. “This is how God should be worshipped”. Fully, physically, submitting yourself to GodYO’:Were you thinking all this or you just felt it? Jennifer:Mmm, I saw it and something just stirred in me. I thought what is that? It was that. YO:Were you content with your previous beliefs? Did you believe in Catholicism? When I was a kid I really loved God. That ( Catholicism) was the only thing I knew growing up. So between age 7 and 11 I wanted to be a nun. Until my parents were like, “ That’s cute when you’re young but you’re getting older.” At this point ( when I saw some-
one making salah) I was disconnected to it. I had been through things that had been trying but I always wanted to keep my heart into it. So that moment, salah spoke to me. And religion, there was something about it. I felt I needed to study more in any capacity that I could. That’s when I started studying Islam academically. So studying it academically, knowing more general things about it. And then having discussions with a lot of muslim friends helped me to study the nuances of it. YO:How has education played an important role in your life? Jennifer: It’s the reason I’ve had so many opportunities. Of course all of it is from God but really the studying that I’ve done. My parents always taught me education was important I always kept that as one of the primary things I was focused on. My parents weren’t educated. My mother didn’t go to school my father
Jennifer:I think that as in any place…there’s always a need for stronger unity in any country. In any place there are always divisive issues. I think it’s great that there is an attempt to bring different groups together. Yeah, it isn’t going to be perfect but I think the spirit of trythat’s the right idea. So, inshallah it works and they come out with a really inclusive constitution. One that is really going to guide Yemen in the future. Not one that’s dictated by the few but where everyone’s views are represented. Yemen will grow and really lead YeI know Yemen has a lot of potential. I’ve met a lot of people here. I see the potential, I see the want. Inshallah through the national dialogue and what it produces there will be a lot more opportunities for they’ve been trying to work for.
NEVERMIND THAT JENNIFERS HAND IS NOT ACTUALLY HOLDING THE IPOD.
around September. I might want to stay longer. Inshallah I’ll be back. Already I’ve made friendships and am really started falling for this place. YO:You’ve been to Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, Palestine and so many other places and yet you’re falling for Yemen? Jennifer:I have been all over the Middle East primarily belad al sham area. I enjoyed it and out of all the countries Syria was my favorite. Because I’d been there the longest acter. What that meant for me was that it was unlike anything I’d seen before. When I went to Jordan and Egypt I would see things that I recognized so because of that it didn’t seem like they were really different. It came to be like.. oh there’s mc
because of that they understood the importance. They always wanted it and they taught me to want it too. Education is not something that just happens in the classroom it happens all the time. To have that drive to learn even if you’re not in the classroom. So if you have that drive you can make a difference. YO:For students who are reading this. What would you like to say to them? Jennifer: The answer to a lot of Yemen’s problems is education. Education for me is the key to a lot of things. Because education not only impacts you in the immediate time. It will affect you for the rest of your life. In Islam it teaches you to study and to learn a lot of things. Not just take it for granted. But studying is good for you, education will prepare you not only for now but for the future and it will impact you for a large part of your life. What kind of job you’ll have. How your children will grow up. I’ve met a lot of people who are discouraged with education here in Yemen and understandably so. The structure here of simply rote repetition. That’s not what studying is about. But its necessary to critically engage with what you’re learning.. Fine, repetition is good as then you’ll “know something” but when you start asking how, why, what to understand it and then you actually know something. YO:Speaking of differences being made. What are your thoughts on the National Dialogue?
Before I became with the Arabic through reading the Quran… One thing that makes has so many layers and you might read resonates with you
THE GREEN IPOD LOOKS A LITTLE LONELY ON THE PURPLE COUCH BUT CONTRASTS WELL
YO:What is something that you’re proud of and what are some goals of yours? Jennifer: I must say I’m very proud of coming to Islam. I must say it can seem very daunting but I’m very proud of myself and I’m very happy. YO:Do you ever want to impart that happiness to others? That goes with my goals. I’ve always had this drive to help people. A lot of people do it in dawah but whatever capacity I can help people whether it’s being an example or directly working with them. That’s what I’d like to do. So my goals are to continue to work with people. You can really make a difference if you interact one on one with someone. YO:Which area do you see yourself doing this? What area are you working in now? Jennifer: Right now I’m the program access coordinator at a learning center. So I organize activities for the kids. Teach them about community service? YO:Are they kids? Jennifer: Well teenagers. I call everyone kid. It’s just a New York thing. Laughs. Sometimes I catch myself look at them and say, “ I remember when I was that age. And I see them and think.. aww.” Another goal is my MTS (masters in theological studies) and to be an Islamic chaplain. YO:So you wont be here much longer. Jennifer: Ill Probably leave
Donald’s. Like McDonalds at home. But in Syria I was in a completely different area. YO:But isn’t Syria also western in some ways? Jennifer: able. They were more French in its aesthecitc which was less tangible. With Yemen its not even about being truly westernized. For Yemen its just a different culture here. I feel that the roots here in Yemen go back so much. I can feel how old this city is, the real history behind it. scribe what makes yemen yemen. The people here are very genuine . It’s a very strong culture here. In other places you have real division, that ive never experienced before. I can just YO:Can you give a concrete example. Jennifer :For example you really get to know people here. For e.g when I was in Syria I got to know the corner store guy and the guy I got the vegetables from. But here they know me. People are more willing to take the time to build ties with you. Establishing community here is really strong. It’s the strongest I’ve seen. That means there are certain tenants that are generally followed. Everybody really wants to have a strong community. Things change but I would say that generally people want to get to know people. YO:How would you compare that to America? Jennifer :In ny I don’t know my
neighbor. I don’t know the guy who owns the bodega the corner store. I’ve been going to the same corner store for years. The only way they know me is from my mother. My mother is the type of person who wants to build ties. But everywhere else people don’t go out of their way to know people because it’s not really valued. But even if it’s just for a brief moment they can really see the value . Even if it’s only for a day. They really truly value those connections. Every family I’ve visited I feel they’ve made me feel a part of the family. YO:I almost forgot that I asked you to bring something that reShe pulls out an Ipod that was green with green headphones and tried to prepare it loops for its photoshoot. Jennifer: Green is my favorite color and blue. YO:What is it about green? Jennifer :Maybe the color of Islam. But blue is alIll tell you the story behind the iphone. I’m from ny and one day I was walking down the street and something catches my eye. I see this ipod in the middle of the street. It just was literally this far ahead of me and the cars were about to move so I pick it up because it was about to be run over. So I get to the other side and im with my sister.. and I told her look what I just found. And we are looking around and don’t see anyone who was looking for it. I had another one at the time so I gave that away and kept this one. If I get a little homesick for some YO:Spanish is your mother tongue though? Jennifer : Spanish and I speak to my parents in Spanish. Laughing .I like that! That’s my quote right on the top. YO:What does it mean for you to be Latina? Hispanic.. which term is better? Jennifer : It really depends what coast you’re on. I use either one. East coast they say Hispanic and West coast they say latina but nafs al shay (the same thing). My heritage is really important
I know Yemen has a lot of met a lot of see the poten-
to me because it’s something that really shaped me. Because it’s not only the language it’s our way of thinking. I like to think that the Latino culture is very similar to Arabs. We’re very passionate people, our families are extremely important to us. We’re all about spending time with people. You really have people spending time and talking to each other. They both are naturally more conservative societies. YO:I think most people don’t think of the society as being conservative. They thinkJennifer :Shakeerah! Yeah exactly with heels and so on.. Jennifer :Maybe the way they dress but I think in a lot of ways the thinking is more conservative. At least in my family. So we might dance and all of these things but it would be in a very familial atmosphere. YO:You mentioned that you used to dance. Do you still identify as being a dancer. Jennifer :Mmm. Yeah. I think it’s one of those things …Its something really part of the Latino culture. Salsa. Meringue. I used to dance with my mom and I picked up a lot of dancing from my mom. YO:We stopped recording for a minute and you said something really interesting about the connection you saw between dance and salah. Can you repeat that? Jennifer : With dance you fully commit to every move. To be a great dancer you can’t do anything slightly. Extends her arm out on the side in a controlled manner. It’s exaggerated and fully committed. When you do that move you have to do it. You’re fully committed with your body. And that kind of reminds me you’re praying with everything. So it’s your mind, your heart, your soul, your body. Everything fully committed and that’s what you’re doing when you’re praying. When you’re making rukoo you’re not just… hm. She moves her arm in a random loose gesture.No. You go fully down and you pause. And then you come back up. All of your limbs have to have settled. So you’re fully performing every single move. So it kind of reminds me of that. You’re completing every move, you’re committing yourself. YO:It’s fascinating how people with different awarenesses and exposures give you an idea and you would have never looked at it in that way before. Now I’m thinking about dance and the connection you mentioned in regards everyday challenge... that being committed? To keep that level of mind body soul? Jennifer :I think it’s a struggle for everybody. If your mind isn’t on it you’re going to forget what rakaa youre on. You have to be fully committed to it...Really there’s something when your focused and you’re not allowing yourself to be distracted by anything. And you’re fully saying you’re surahs and you’re focusing on every movement that you do. It just feels good. Salah is an amazing thing. It opened me to Islam and it keeps me there.
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Saturday - March 23, 2013 Vol. XVI - Issue 23
FAC E B O O K FACEBOOK PAGE OF YEMEN OBSERVER
WHAT ARE THEY SAID ABOUT NDC Y Mohammed Hassan
fore being a national conference, and because the political parties in Yemen its main weapon is the exclusion enveloped with democracy and partnership, I hope the success to the national dialogue.
The national dialogue may change the shape of Yemen, but it will not be able to solve the basic problems of Yemen or the Yemeni citizen.
Mohsen Ayed (Tahish HAWBAN)
Naila AL-absi
Eng. Abdul-Rahman Alqudaimi National Dialogue is an important historic turn and can not be permissive for its importance. Either to draw future ambitions to our generations, or to draw them a black future, full of fear .. war … destruction … colonialism and so on of such horrors. Every woe for anyone who stands to block the national dialogue because it’s the only solution to exit to safety for the homeland. Our belonging should be genuine Yemeni because our reference are Arabs, away from outsourcing and partisan interests. Offering concessions after concessions so that Yemen remains and its peoples interests are more important. So that we don’t be in the black pages of modern Yemen.
Moath Hazza’a Of the facts of the opening session and subsequent sessions, We heard a lot of the participants are talking to a number of issues and hopes.
We did not hear that… Who is talking about ambitions of 25 million people ? We did not hear that.. Who is speaking about the people in general? We did not hear that.. So far, they all talk about their parties, their groups, their communities and regions, and what they only represent. As we are different nations.. If the dialogue continues on this approach, it may secrete new disputes and crises greater than the ones they met for.
troubles for Yemeni society. Naila Al-Absi
Luay Al-Basha:: For a constructive and serious dialogue …. for Yemen we say: Life is shorter than spending it in recording errors committed by others on us, or to feed the spirit of hostility among the people. “We want a dialogue that builds a new vision of Yemen”. Yemen, in which the small before the old share its construction.. We want the change and multiplicity in leadership faces and changing them to young ambitious faces, building, working, full of hope, optimism and maturity”. Jalal Ghanem The national dialogue conference, if it did not carry a fair view of the issue of South, then the results will not be more than a conference to Yemen’s tribes or “Hashed conference or “Khamer conference..
I very much hope that the national dialogue succeed and come out with positive results for Yemen… ground and human, and attach high hopes dialogue will make the features of the future of our country ... and pray to God Almighty that dialogue should be the director Per crises and tribulations experienced by motherland and us as well. We insist, God willing, on the
Dialogue idea is something very beautiful and Yemen in dire need of such as step. As an organization and representation I think that the imbalance is simple. such serious mistakes that rolled through the lack of discipline of the technical committee in its standards and its prepared list, starting form marginalization of the youth. In spite of the small number which was assigned to them.
Abdulrahman
National dialogue the most important step in the political settlement will not provide the required results unless interlocutors admired each other and decorate words of friendship and brotherhood speeches, and made painful concessions in the interest of Yemen if they wanted to register their names in history, in gold leaf. Kamel Alkhodani
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I hope that a resolution is issued to stop any appointment decisions or changes in all the country and governorates, districts, administrative and es. No resolution to be issued only by presidential decree and until the expiration of the dialogue period.. Ingenuity of the dialogue: the ability to manage anger and the ability to interact positively in a good way with others. It is also the ability of selftolerance and harmony with the other party. Adel Alnuzaily and obstacles, Yemenis sat around the dialogue table, in
Abdullah Abdulrahman Alassavani
Eng
Moath Hazza’a
Yousef Almaamary
and its success secondly, and its success thirdly. Abdullah Alassavani
@@@@@
Each brought his paper ready and prepared in advance and mostly heard before. No difference between them only by not mentioning the names of the people. Who is talking about the suffering of more than 25 million people?
Abdulkhaliq Tawaf I hope like other people that
Luay Al-Basha
Adel Alnuzaily
Ibrahim
an free atmosphere, bypassinterlocutors should recognize the cultural and historical dimension of Yemen, as a starting point for shaping the future which we want for us and for our children. Ibrahim S. Alshujaify crisis containment National Dialogue comes in a good time to crisis containment and take out the country out from misery. At the same time to accomplish the desires of people. In this time martyrs families looking for trail, and at the same time Huddida city uprising, where surge of anger looms over the region, deface their lands and properties. But we hope for crisis containment!!. and there are people who say “ just to over-
ride those obstacles”!! we call blood, properties, lands, and our money outside the country obstacles!! I know you think I ‘m a chip outside the sometimes we don’t have to speak… just do it , cool it stop it or I will beat by iron hand!! We are in the beginning and we need from the beginning strict decisions, you know the problem.. to those who are in the dialogue ask yourself, in the movies they say words “ I saw murders walking among people”, our souls become in the limbo and I will say some words I heard them long time
scoundrels. Mohsen HAWBAN)
Ayed
(Tahish
Dialogue is a culture, be-
Jalal Ghanem
Abdulkhaliq Tawaf
And some of them were eliminated at the last minute when the lists were submitted to the president and re(assigned to parties).. You can say that the representation was a sharing a booty among the political parties. This is what we noticed in the recent period after the announcement of the presidential decree, which was followed by the withdrawal of leaders of the JMP and the absence of the Prime Minister. political party seeks in exclusion of others and wants to overrule. in my opinion, I see that if no there will not be a serious remedy for the issue and the past is avoided through accommodating everyone, then the dialogue will only be a decorative shop sells and buys democ-
Kamel Alkhodani
Yousef Almaamary
racy. In which they seek to mislead the domestic public opinion as well as the international and sponsers’, for the transition of power in Yemen. It will end later by the separation or continuity of the series of national split and planting more of hatred culconsensual law, where the parties may seek to overturn in the future, on the grounds that it is not revolutionary or that the revolution is still continuation until the are
Dialogue idea is something very beautiful and Yemen is in dire need of such as step.
10
Saturday - March 23, 2013 Vol. XVI - Issue 23
MEDIA BRIEFING BY HESHAM SAMI AL-KIBSI
National Dialogue Conference
New blasts in al-Houthi’s birthplace al - Yemen al - Youm 20.03.2013 - Two landmines went off on Tuesday in Maran district, Sa’adah province. A local source in the province told al-Yemen al-Youm that two war remnant-landmines went off while a goat herd was passing in al-Sharfah area resulting in the loss of 52 goats. This is the third incident of its kind since the middle of this month.
Saba net-19.03.2013- The National Dialogue Conference resumed on Tuesday morning its works with holding the the chairmanship of President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi, Head of the Conference. At the meeting, the president delivered his speech
,announcing the start of the general meetings of the conference, which will be aired publically in accordance with the principle of publicity and transparency and the right of citizens to follow up the events of this national conference that will shape the future of Yemen.
al-Qanes resigns from the position of head of executive body and spokesperson of the JMP
Change Square Youth dies of his wounds al - Oula - 20.03.2013 A Change Square youth, AbdulGhani al-Hamzi, died of his wounds on Tuesday after 1st Armored division soldiers attacked him along with other youths belonging to the Houthi (Withstanding Youth) revolutionary bloc on Monday. Medical sources informed al-Oula that al-Hamzi was shot two times in the pelvis and abdomen and was prevented from being rushed to a hospital for more than half an hour, resulting in losing large amounts of blood and reached the hospital Intensive Care Unit in a critical condition.
Saba net - 20.03.2013 Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) on Tuesday said it intends to the capital’s sanitation network in the coming few years. The statement is made by Chairman of the AFESD Board of Directors Abdul Latif alHamad at a talk session with
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Mohammed al-Sa’adi held in capital headquarters in the presence of the Capital Mayor Abdul-Qader Helal. al-Hamad said that the Fund would also carry out a projment plant and establish a new one in the north of the capital.
al - Yemen al - Youm 19.03.2013 tive body and spokesperson of the Joint Meeting Parties (JMP), Na’ef al-Qanes announced his resignation from his positions in protest of the bypassing of revolutionary powers and indepen-
the Ba’ath party and Southern Hirak (Movement) in the National Dialogue Conference (NDC). Head of the political
Youth Killed and a child injured in renewed clashes over a creek in Taiz
al-Masdar-20.03.3013West capital secretariat court convicted Tuesday Feb 19, 4
party, Na’ef al-Qanes told alYemen al-Youm that his resignation comes in protest in the announcement of the NDC in
al-Oula-20.03.2013Clashes renewed on Monday night between locals of alMazroh and Quradhah in Sabir al-Mawadem, Taiz province over a water creek. Security sources told al-Oula that
of attempting to assassinate Presidential adviser and Secretary General of the Yemeni Socialist party, Dr.
installing representatives for
Yaseen Saeed Noaman back in August of last year. Four former 1st Armored Division were being tried in the case of attempted assassination of Noaman and were sentenced for 6-18 months.
gunmen from both sides took place on Monday night resulting in the death of a 20 year old young man called Akram Qahtan, and the injury of a 4 year old boy called Hussein Mohammed Hassan.
1 killed and another injured Airbus shot with a machinegun in clashes in Hadhramout round prior to landing in Sana’a Airport
Clashes between Aal Amsheikh tribe and Saudi forces al - Yemen al - Youm 20.03.2013 - Manbah district in Sa’adah province witnessed Tuesday, renewed armed clashes between the Yemeni Aal Amsheikh tribe and Saudi forces.
al-Share’-19.03.2013A Yemenia airline 310 Airbus was shot with a machine gun round prior to landing in the Sana’a International Airport at 1 am on Monday en route from the Saudi city of Jeddah with 150 passengers onboard.
said that unknown gunmen the western side of the airport resulting in a machinegun bullet hole in its left side in front of the wing. The source said that the aircraft landed safely.
ENTERTAINMENT Across 1. Unprofessional (7) 5. Defence force (4) 8. Wide of the mark (5) 9. Italian classical composer Giacomo _____ (7) 11. Rage (4) 12. Unlawful (8) 15. Small black and white mammal of North America (5) 16. Opinions (5) 19. Picture of a person (8) 21. The Basic unit of heredity (4) 23. Stanley ____, 20th century British Prime Minister (7) 25. Bronte sister (5) 26. Group of Badgers (4) 27. A Small round fruit with a soft furry yellowish-orange skin (7)
Down 3. Roman robe (4) 4. Referee (6) 5. A Curved or semicircular line (3) 6. Beatles obsession (5) 7. Speedy or prompt (5) 10. To promise or pledge devotion (6) 13. American state (3,6) 14. Scottish patron saint (6) 17. Hijack (6) 18. East African country (5) 20. Make a speech (5) 22. Food shop (4) 24. River that runs through Northern England and Wales (3)
Akhbar al - Youm 19.03.2013 - Local sources said that clashes broke out between Hirak protesters and security forces in Tareem city, Hadhramawt province. According to the sources the
Crossword Puzzle
clashes resulted in the death of a Hirak protester and the injury of another. The secessionist Hirak is carrying out a number of demonstrations to show their refusal to the National Dialogue Conference (NDC).
Sheikh Salman Awfan said that armed clashes broke out after a number of Saudi military vehicles moved into the direction of Fadhah Mountain that belongs to Aal Amsheikh tribe in the Yemeni soil. Saudi authorities have been attempting for months to pave a road that leads to the Fadhah Mountain overlooking the entire Manbah district.
Sudoku
Mareb Press - 20.03.3013 - Two persons were killed ing two soldiers as a result of armed clashes that broke out on Tuesday night between a military checkpoint and tribal gunmen in al-Zawr area, Sirwah district on the MaribSana’a way. Local sources told Marib Press that the clashes broke driver refused to stop at the
checkpoint,
prompting
the
shooting resulted in the rollingover of the car and the death of one of passengers and the injury of another while the third passenger wasn’t harmed. The source added that Aal Aslam tribesmen, from Shabwah, rallied to the checkpoint and clashed with the soldiers resulting in the death of a gunman and the injury of 4 gunmen in addition to a soldier.
FCI ORGANIZES ‘PHOTO JOURNALISM WORKSHOP’ ‘I may bend, I may crawl…… what is important is a correct photo project of two participants in the photojournalism training workshop
that ended last week at the French cultural institute. This project showed through twelve photos the participants’ photographers facing some chal-
work in old Sana’a city.The photojournalism training course was an intensive seven day workshop with both morning theoretical and afternoon practical lessons. Photographers had an assignment to shoot individual stories in the Old City to practice the art of storytelling and to build their photo essay.
was asked by the National Security force for the reason to capture photos near to the National Security Centre. Abdulrahman al-Saqaf enjoyed his time in capturing himself in his conceptual white and black project “Missing Perspective” that ideate a Yemeni man trying to up-
Every participant selected 12 photographs and made a short slideshow presentation of their project to the audience, discussed the challenges faced in compiling the work, the hard moments and the best one.
summit defeating his hard circumstances and his weaknesses.
Mohamed one of the photographers whose project titled ‘Behind blind eyes, a heart that can see’
sureable taste Plea ' g 'xµ hE
“Despite of all of the challenges aged to tell us an amazing photo essay that discuses a lot of issues and raise a lot of question marks of how to progress and help in uplifting our society,” said Amira AlSharif, the trainer.”
PHOTOJOURNALISTS AT THE FRENCH CULTURE CENTER’S WORKSHOP
STARTUP WEEKEND SANA’A TO TURN IDEAS INTO LIVE PROJECTS BY SHEZAAN SYED
Startup Weekends, a global network of passionate leaders and entrepreneurs on a mission to inspire, educate, and empower individuals, teams and communities is now functioning in Yemen to help ideas from various people to develop into live projects. They share idea, form teams, and launch startups. They aim to promote a culture of entrepreneurship, guide startups to successfully launch pioneer businesses and to establish a social and professional networking base for aspiring and active entrepreneurs. “SWS is focusing on various bubbles of ideas from anyone who can join SWS to make these ideas turn in to real projects in 3 days by working hard with training, mentors, people from the crowd, specialist from marketing and IT, application developers, web developers, etc . different people from various institutions can join to share their ideas to help make these projects in to reality, this is our main idea,” said Sameer al Hubaishi – Trainer and Management Consultant for Micro Entrepreneurship. dia partner for SWS in making and supporting their projects take shape. SWS is a part of this global event with an aspiring goal to turn the Yemeni entrepreneur ideas to startups. SWS is planned to be one from the greatest startup Weekend events launched all over the world.
Socotra Press Tel: 01 - 505 430
BY ELHAM HASSAN