National Yemen - Issue 06 by National Yemen Newspaper

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Henna, Legendary powder with a purple color

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Nagatt: Yemeni French Porcelain in a Man’s World

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SANA’A SUMMER FESTIVAL 2010 Sunday, July 04, 2010 Volume 01 - Issue 06 Price: YER 30 www.nationalyemen.com

British Government Donates £100,000 to Yemen Fakhri al-Arashi_NY

mitted during London conference. British support is not limited to these funds. Currently, Britain’s Department for International Development (DFID) is potentially planning exactly how to move forward with their existing aid programs in Yemen. “Through these development funds we seek to assist all of Yemen. This particularly includes remote areas and focus

on the pervasive issue of unemployment which underlines so many challenges in Yemen. Economic development is one of the primary components of addressing stability and security issues in Yemen. By year’s end, we will have spent half of the aid pledged in London. In addition to this figure, we have also contributed £45 million.” The Ambassador concludes with noting that development Continued on ( 3 ) Photo Fouad Al-Harazi

Mr. Tim Torlot, The British Ambassador to Yemen, announced Monday 28th, 2010 the promise of £100,000 in Aid to Yemen. The funds will be implemented over the next five years to assist in the creation of 30 million days of work that is predicted to benefit nearly 2 million people. “The £100,000 is significant. This new money will help the government provide basic services like health, education, and water. It will also enable communities to engage in local planning processes and economic developing the economic development” said the British Ambassador. According to the Ambassador, Britain has recently concluded 100 percent of their pledged £100,000, five-year economic aid program. The additional £100,000 in support to Yemen is an integral component of the new government’s initiative to strength Britain’s relations with Yemen. It is a signal to encourage other donors to also pay what they had previously com-

The North Wind Blows on Al-Mukalla for the Advent of the Al-Baldah Star Al-Mukalla / Magdi Ba Zyad Cold Currents Coming from the Arctic Dr. Al-Saqqaf says, “The shift in climate is due to the movement of ocean currents north of the Indian Ocean heading towards the northeast along the coast of Hadramout and Al-Mahara.” People of Al-Mukalla passionately await the launch of Al-Baldah Tourist Festival in mid-July. The festival is known for the historic, cultural and scientific history concerning the Al-Baldah Star. The people of Al-Mukalla embrace the “North Wind”, which signals the advent of Al-Baldah star. They desire to bathing in sea water of the Al-Baldah Star, and go to the sea each dawn to partake in the swimming. They go individually and in groups,

bringing their children to enjoy the benefits of Al-Baldah Tourist Star. The phenomenon of Al-Baldah is still a baffling mystery for scientists. Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Saqqaf, Co-Professor of Environmental Educa-

Hood Organization and “Al-Masdar-Al-Masdar Online” Newspaper Launched a Campaign against Slavery in Yemen on Saturday in a Press Conferencein Sana’a 3/7/2010 The conference was held under the title “Slavery in

Yemen between servitude by bonds and servitude by practice” in the hall of the Eagle Hotel on Cairo Street A number of male and female Yemenis who had been subjected to this crime before they were freed attended the confer-

Sana’a Tourism Summer Festival is launched on Saturday July 3, 2010 at al-Sabain Park. In its fourth round, the one-month annual festival showcases a variety of entertainment, cultural and tourism programs. Various folkloric artifacts, handicrafts, and local cultural and traditional products from all over the country are on display.

It is time to remove unconstitutional articles. and we call traders not to start strike” tion in Hadramout University, says that Al-Baldah is a season when the climate of the coastal cities of Hadramout becomes remarkably moderate during a generally hot summer. Continued on ( 3 )

ence. They will provide an explanation about their personal experiences. A legal and legitimate point of view about slavery and servitude will be presented in the conference.

NY Vice-Chairman of the Secretariat Chamber, “We gave the government one-week. The Customs Authority said it has started since last Thursday, July 1st the full implementation of the General Sales Tax Law, which targets senior taxable merchants. This comes amid debate between the authority and the private sector, which expressed total rejection of carrying out the sales tax law as it stood, and will not accept the mechanism of this new

law, to collect value-added tax (VAT). Mohammed Salah, Vice-

Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Continued on ( 3 )

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Al-Qaeda versus the West: Yemen Loses

Fakhri al-Arashi Publisher & Chief Editor

It is well known that Yemen faces many challenges: the Yemeni economy is one of the poorest in the world; corruption makes bureaucracies weak and inefficient;water supplies are dwindling, and; Yemen is predicted to run out of exportable natural resources in the near future. It is Al-Qaeda and other violent Islamist extremists that further complicate and inflame these issues through their bloodthirsty tactics and strategy. Yemen at one time had peace and security, before the arrival of such violent Islamist groups. They have named themselves differently through time, all in the sake of God and justified by their satisfaction in believing they are the true Muslims. They believe they are here on earth to protect what they believe, from dangerous and corrosive ideologies which permeate from the West. Some have named themselves the Mujahideen, others say they belong to Al-Qaeda. All have implemented a strategy of terror and hope to make the whole world listen and subscribe to their extreme worldview. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) is an alliance of formerly disparate extremist groups. The old guard of this group is composed of Mujahideen militants trained in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They are hardened from years of warfare when they repelled the Soviets from Afghanistan through the 1980s. Following victory, these militants returned to Yemen to spread their radical ideology. To be fair, not all of those who returned from Afghanistan adopted violence. This is affecting Yemeni youth. As part of democratic governance, Islamists were allowed to administer separate religious schools and mosques. However, some of these schools are often venues for spreading their ideology through propaganda. Through these schools they recruit youths into their militant ranks. Extremists have turned their attention to the West more generally. Al-Qaeda targets America, countries of Europe, and other nations that basically provides political and military support to Israeli. They intend to kill these foreign nationals in Yemen. But they are killing

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Yemen first. They have left bombs on travel routes between cities. They have kidnapped and killed foreign tourists. They have killed foreign aid workers who were only trying to help the people of Yemen. In 2002 in Jiblah, for example, American doctors who were only endeavoring to help the sick and impoverished Yemenis, were maliciously slaughtered in the same hospital they worked to establish. The assassin said the doctors were missionaries promoting Christianity in trade for the medical aid they provide to the poor. Al-Qaeda operatives have attacked the oil companies that are one of Yemen’s few hopes to climb out of poverty. They have also attacked government facilities. The Yemeni government is forced to use a majority of their limited funds towards addressing security issues. This is done at the cost of economic and social development programs whilst there remain a large number of people live in poverty, a lack of education, and as unemployment levels continue to soar. Al-Qaeda is crippling the economy, when it is already wounded. We all know Yemen to be a beautiful country. In the past, cities and towns benefited from large number of foreign tourists looking to appreciate the national beauty and historic heritage of this proud nation. Because of Al-Qaeda’s attacks and threats against foreigners, that is not the case anymore. Famous places like Al-Qahira Castle in Taiz and ancient mosques of Thula are now empty even the commercial capital of Yemen(Aden). The people who depended on tourist economy are without work. Again, it is the Yemeni people who are caught in the crossfire. Al-Qaeda now intends to harm the country further than they already have. They intend to target Yemen’s bid to host the Gulf 20. Yemen needs this event for the sake of our economic development, and it is Al-Qaeda that will rob this opportunity from the people of Yemen. We all know Islam to be a religion of peace, brotherhood, and kindness. Al-Qaeda has distorted this religion into a tool for implementing their ideology. They have manipulated the perception of Islam into something toxic that is polluting our beautiful country, and it is the devout Yemenis who suffer at their hands.

Fakhri Hassan Al-Arashi Publisher & Chief Editor

Sunday, July 04, 2010 www.nationalyemen.com

Ghazal Foundation Launches Seminar on the “International Convention for Child Protection” Saddam Abu Asim

Lamia Al-Iryani, Undersecretary for Women’s Development and Education within the Ministry for Technical Education and Vocational Training, said that there is a need to coordinate everyone’s efforts to raise the status and development of women. During a ceremony hosted by the Ghazal Foundation for Women and Development on Thursday in Sana’a, Al-Iryani said, “Yemeni women need more support, rehabilitation, training, and development. Yemeni social development is linked primarily to the development of women because they are the main component of any society. Women are wives and sisters.” She expressed her happiness to be present at the ceremony. She stated her wish to work towards desired goals for societal development by working alongside civil society organizations concerned with women’s affairs. Ilham Alwan, President of the Ghazal Foundation for Women and Development, said that the culture of women and children in our society is still fragile and absent. Women are often

looked down upon by family, tribe, school, work, and on the street for several reasons. She said that the basic objective motivating the establishment of her foundation was to raise awareness regarding the rights of women and children as equal members of the society. Alwan elaborates, “We do not promise that we will do extraordinary things. However, our foundation will add a more serious pursuit to the civil society agenda of women’s development including awareness, support, publicity and defense of women’s rights. We will help to enable women through programming as well.” Alwan states, “the Ghazal Foundation will follow distinctively new plans, programs and activities to meet the objectives they’ve laid forth in regards to Yemeni society—especially women’s and children’s issues at various legal, economic and political levels. According to Alwan, the foundation’s name was based in Yemeni heritage. “In our heritage there were pioneers who deserve to be models for us to follow.”

Continued from (1)

It is time to remove unconstitutional articles. and we call traders not to start strike” in Sana’a, said that the government was given one week to reconsider the resolution and solve the problem, referring to an ongoing dispute between the chambers of commerce, the government and the Customs Authority on the matter, and approval of it by the government, in order to implement the resolution with a proper mechanism, and remove unconstitutional articles in the law, and also to prevent contention between the taxmen and taxpayers. Mr. Salah added that the chamber meeting resulted in requesting a little patience on the part of the traders as there is debate currently ongoing, and urged them not to proceed with strike action. The government charged the Ministry of Finance and the Customs Authority with full responsibility to implement the sales tax law and to take legal action against defaulters and laggards who do not abide by or commit to the resolution. The private sector believes that the government’s mechanism has failed and the state has lost about 150 billion riyals, according to Hasan Al-Kabous, Chairman of Chamber of Commerce in the Capital Secretariat, who said, “If the authority continues in its arrogance to implement this mechanism, it will make corruption worse and will create a source of contention between tax officials who are authorized to collect taxes and the taxable merchants. It will also cause non-equity among taxable persons.” He stressed that this mechanism has proven to be a complete failure as the state got only 10% since the beginning of the year, but 90% was not remitted to the state. He said, “How can we agree to such a mechanism? If we agreed to it, then it would be like agreeing on wasting the interest of the country, which the private sector would not approve of as it is a partner in development.” The General Assembly of the General Union of Chambers of Commerce & Industry said in its meeting last week that due to the State Customs Authority persistence on implementing the sales tax law, requiring senior taxable persons to keep books and records of trademarks of their businesses and issuing of bills for commodities they sell, plus the value-added tax of 5 per cent, remitting that to the tax administration in the authority in the place of his business, the private sector in all provinces, to which the draft law was presented, express full and definite rejection of abiding by the law.

Continued from (1)

The North Wind Blows on Al-Mukalla for the Advent of the Al-Baldah Star Scientifically, this shifting of the climate is due to the movement of ocean currents north of the Indian Ocean. The waters begin in far southeast Africa, and head northeastwardly along the coast of Hadramout and Al-Mahra. These waters come from colder regions near the Arctic.

In addition to the horizontal movement of water, there is a vertical movement called the phenomenon of (Obeling?) . Cold water from the depths of the ocean move towards the surface. This causes a decrease in sea temperatures. The phenomenon affects the weather during this season on the south-

ern coast of Yemen and Oman. Despite the fact that the wind associated with the movement of ocean currents is basically southwesterly, residents of Al-Mukalla call it the “North Wind”. It is said that this name is attributed originally to the Shamal of Al-Noorah. Although Sha-

mal translates to “North” from Arabic, in the Yemeni dialect, it translates as “sacks of lime”— the white substance used as a plaster for walls. The wind is powerful enough to move these heavy sacks of lime.

Continued from (1)

British Government Donates £100,000 to Yemen assistant does not entail all their programs in Yemen, but it does represent approximately 90% of total British government spending in Yemen. He adds that it is a significant step forward to assisting the people of Yemen by addressing the issues they believe keeps Yemen from attaining long-term prosperity, stability, and progress. With this aid they hope to tackle poverty and unemployment, education, government services, business development, as well as justice and security.

Mohammed Al-Asaadi Editorial Consultant

Mansoor Al-Rdaei News Editor

Mr. Dylan Winder, Deputy Head DFID Yemen, explains that the development aid package targets the poorest in Yemen by working in 330 districts in Yemen. Reaching out directly to these districts will mean more stability and efficiency of government program delivery. The Social Fund for Devemoplemt build some schools . 30 million working days will help directly cash to the people in building road or . the whole program will delivery 30 million in different project in Ye-

Fuad Al-Qadhi Business Editor

men. In average the project someone will be employed for six months. We help program will get three hundred and sixty hounds people or more to go schools particularly in rural areas. We provide forty eight thousands hustles with new drinking water. Community will be responsible of the water they drink. The kind impact this had in the previous phase the water component add into over million coupac meter to Yemen national drop. The program will

Dr. Ahmed Al-Qoyadhi Education Editor

Khaled Al-Sofi SeniorTranslator

Mohammed Howais Photojournalist

Najeeb Abdulwahed Technical Director

provide 26 thousand hustles with new improve sanitation facilities . the program will provide micro finance through al-Amal Bank which will reach almost hundred thousand people in which 60% are females. Small business , preparing fisheries projects or buying animal farm or small shops. In addition to provide 40 district in Yemen to give them their our development programs and this is part of implementing the local authority.

Najla’a Al-Shaibani Social Editor

The Facts As They Are Abdul-Karim Mufadhal Sports Editor

Wardah Al-shawesh Graphic Designer

Ali Abdullah Ajlan IT Editor

e-mail: info@nationalyemen.com wibsite:www.nationalyemen.com address:al-qiada st.

Collin Stevenson Assistant Copy Editor

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National Yemen

Henna, Legendary powder with a purple color The Yemeni patterns made from (Henna) on the hands of Yemeni girls and women are rituals for special ceremonies. Henna is wonderful powder with attractive purple color remains a significant mouthpiece of Yemenis for celebrating different events. This legendary and beautiful (Naqsh) patterns are believed be a symbol of beauty and signs of joy. Najla’a A. al-Shaibani most important aspects of beauty in weddings in Sana'a, Hadramout, Taiz, Hodeidah, Aden and other regions of Yemen. Mustafa Al-Shara'abi, an agricultural engineer, says, "Henna is a seasonal or a hardy perennial plant and can live from three to ten years. It is evergreen, three meters high, and has simple oval green leaves with three to four centimeters long. Henna leaves are characterized by containing a high percentage of pigments, proteins and resins, most important of which is cellulose. " Al-Shara'abi adds: "This substance, henna has been known in Yemen since ancient times and Yemenis made of its leaves creams for dyeing the hands and hair and for treatment of wounds. The henna leaves are gathered, dried, ground and sold as powder."

Arts and tastes

enna is extracted from the Henna plant, which is used by most Yemeni women for the purpose of making them look beautiful by applying it on their hands in attractive patterns. They also use it for coloring their hair. Henna is the most famous of plants used in happy events rituals in Yemen. It is grown in many parts of Yemen. It has never been beat by any kind of cosmetics or makeups imported from abroad so far, despite the progress made in the world of cosmetics. Henna patterns are widely practiced by Yemeni women in

weddings rituals particularly, and on religious holidays, but more importantly, the henna patterns can be used on the body as tattoos for beauty. For both bride and groom and their families, henna has a meaning of warm feelings. In Yemen, as in some other Arab countries, a day is devoted for the bride's henna. A little of henna is placed on her hands and fingers in the presence of her friends in preparation for the wedding night. Henna, however, is not only used for aesthetic appeal, it has featuring characteristics of therapy as well. Henna remains one of the

Wardah Abdul Al-Jalil, a beauty shop owner, says that the females working in her shop are artistically creative in how to prepare henna according to grooms and their families orders and their different tastes. According to Wardah, the Yemeni henna is one of the richest henna plants with coloring substances. It is natural and is not mixed with other colors, and even gives the dark and light red colors as well as bluish red color that women desired. There is also henna mixed with the famous Hadhrami incense mixed with Alsuqotri incense that contains the Oudah (aloes wood), which is the most expensive kind of henna). Hassan Mohamed Ibrahim, A henna seller, said that most types of henna in the

Yemeni market are produced locally henna sales rates rise during Eid Al-Adha when weddings occur most. He said that the plant is also used in the treatment of foot cracks, blisters and stinks and has many other uses. Morjanah Mohammed, a henna expert, says the presence of this plant in Yemeni wedding ceremonies is a habit that was handed down to us generation after generation. Before the wedding day the groom's mother invites friends and relatives to the wedding ceremony. On the night of the wedding beautiful San'aani, Hadhrami, Tihami or Adeni songs and dances are performed. Morjanah says it is a paste of henna for various purposes, including what is aesthetic or medical. It is used as a remedy for headaches, sunstroke and fungal skin infections, especially between the toes. She adds, "For old women, henna should be applied to the hands from the wrists, and the legs from the ankles. For girls, women before

‘

the age of fifty, henna is applied to palms only feet sides, giving an attractive sight."

Types of Henna

The finest kind of henna, says Al-Hasani, is Al-Harazi. It is the finest and most expensive and lasts long. Al-Hadrami henna comes next; then comes Al-Sharmani (from Sharman in Taiz), then the Yemeni Sedr (Christ thorn) without any additives or mixtures. The Yemeni henna is known as the finest henna in the world, as it contains the dye (Lawson).

Therapies for henna

Henna is not limited to beautifying; it is also used for treatment. It is used to treat skin diseases such as blisters, acne, fungal infections and leprosy. In India, it is used as a gargle. Henna extract is used for treatment diarrhea, dysentery and the menstrual cycle and increases contractions of the uterus. The extract also kills bacteria. Henna paste is used for skin pigmentation and hair coloring. Also, henna is proven to be useful medicine to treat

Henna remains one of the most important aspects of beauty in weddings in Sana’a, Hadramout, Taiz, Hodeidah, Aden and other regions of Yemen. Mustafa Al-Shara’abi, an agricultural engineer, says, “Henna is a seasonal or a hardy perennial plant and can live from three to ten years.

any infection of the legs. as it is narrated that if any of his companions complained about something in their feet, our Prophet (peace be upon him) would advise them to use henna, otherwise he would use them to use (Hijamah) cupping. It has been proven that henna has an important characteristic of acting as anti-virus. By experience it is useful in the treatment of the wart or verruca, which infect the skin, especially when they are resistant to known treatment methods or when they are multiple. It can also be used for the treatment of some kind a disease that infects the genitals and is usually resistant to treatment. This characteristic of henna as anti-virus might be expanded for using it in the treatment of HIV. Henna helps in the healing of chronic wounds, especially chronic diseases in diabetics' feet. It also reduces these injuries, strengthens the skin and makes it more resistant and flexible. It also helps stopping bleeding by applying henna powder on the place that is bleeding and sticks to the place to prevent bleeding and remains in place until it heals.

Henna in the Hadith of our Prophet, Mohammed (Peace be upon him) As narrated by Salma Om Rafe', maid of the Prophet (peace be upon him), "Whenever the Prophet had a blister or a thorn (in his feet), he would only put henna on them."

Cancer: Yemen’s Biggest Killer More than 20 thousand people are diagnosed with cancer every year in Yemen. Qat is the first of cause due to the pesticides that are used in its production. Approximately 12 thousand Yemenis die from the disease each year, according to statistics by the Cancer Control Charity Foundation. Gamdan Al-Yosifi

till, there are no official statistics, nor are there any official media or medical care to resolve this problem. Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases in Yemen after malaria, kidney failure and heart disease. Pesticides used for Qat trees are innumerable and unmonitored. They are lethal materials of unknown origin, given Yemeni names such as “Thunderbolt”, “The American”, “The Deadly” and “Abu Hendah”. Almost 4 million people in Yemen chew Qat: 85% of men and 35% of women. According to the statistics for the Cancer Control Charity Foundation, an individual chewer of Qat consumes half a liter of pesticides every year. To top if off, there is only one single center for radio-chemotherapy in the

capital of Sana’a, which is a center of partnership between the government and the Ministry of Health. On an average day, long lines of people stand at its doors to open to find an opportunity to be treated. Genocide “Cancer has a limited capacity; it does not cripple love, or destroy hope, or ruin peace. It does not invalidate faith, nor does it kill friendship or suppress memories, or silence courage, or invade the soul, or overcome determination.” These phrases are written on the wall of Ali Al-Khawlaani’s Office, Director General of the National Foundation for Cancer Control. AlKhawlaani spoke to Ilaf about cancer in Yemen about how it is a type of genocide that causes a slow death, and how nobody feels the psychological, physical and social suffering of the patients. Al-Khawlaani demanded the Yemeni authorities to catch the

“criminals and murderers who seek profit by killing people with pesticides. He also demanded the authorities to set laws for those responsible of deaths and called for justice because they are the ones who bring internationallybanned pesticides into Yemen. Al-Khawlaani stated, “Yemen has become a cheap hotbed for destroying the different kinds of pesticides. The countries of origin pay millions of dollars to have them destroyed. Therefore, they are sent to Yemen and thus destroy the poor people due to the lack of supervision and control and those responsible perpetrators are not apprehended.” The director commented that the foundation has a list of pesticides that have been classified in cooperation with specialists. He said that they are trying to reduce the number of pesticides that enter, but in an unofficial way. The foundation has its contributions in several areas, first of which is treatment. The foundation has established units for treating cancer in the governorates of Ibb, Hodeidah and Aden. These units offer services free of charge; however, they depend on voluntary contributions. In the next two months, Al-Amal Center for Cancer will be opened in Taiz. This is going to be the larg-

est center in the republic, and provinces that receive priority are those with the most population density like Taiz, Ibb, Hodeidah and Dhamar and that suffer of cancer most, with note that the spread of cancer is less in the southern provinces. 31 Thousand Patients Ali Al-Khawlaani said that this private charitable foundation treated more than 31 thousand patients since its inception in 2005. “One patient costs us hundreds of thousands of riyals for the doses that are determined to them by doctors,” he said. He also referred to the risk of “Shammah” that is used by Yemenis under their lips, a substance made from the powder of tobacco and other unknown substances that is cheap and used widely among workers. Al-Khawlaani believes that Yemen comes first in terms of the number of cases of cancer. He says that the annual figures are about 22 thousand. The number could be greater because there are people in rural areas, dying without knowing why. He says there are no specialized centers, “We at the National Center initiated of project Breast Cancer Center, but we stand alone in this field, and our resources are limited,” he continues. “We are in

a battle and fear to fail because of the scarcity of resources with the hope that God Almighty will assist us. We will do our best and we do what we can in cooperation with good people, writers and opinion makers.” Cancer Sufferer Yahya Allaw Five months was enough for cancer to take the life of Yahya Allaw, a prominent media person, at the age of 48. All of a sudden he felt pain in one of his kidneys. Later it turned out to be cancer, spreading quickly. Even hospitals in Germany, Jordan and Saudi Arabia failed to stop its spread. Treatment costs were expensive, and when he had the care of the Saudi Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, it was too

late for the Saudi hospitals to stop the proliferation of cancer cells. All hospitals tried to stop the acceleration in the spread of these killer cells with no avail. Later he was admitted to the hospital of University of Sciences and Technology in Sana’a in a final attempt to cure him, even though everyone knew he was dying. The doctors performed renal dialysis for him, but it was too late. He suffered from severe pain and lost weight rapidly and his hair became gray as if he was 70 years old. He went into a coma for more than a week before dying, leaving behind a legacy of love and respect of all Yemeni people.

National Yemen

Worled Cup

WORLED CUP

2010

South AFRICA

South Africa World Cup 2010 has came to the end with fabulous memories and pleasant moments. National Yemen has documented some shots from the lucky Yemeni citizen who had a chance to travel to South Africa to watch the football games. (As the sounds of Vuvuzelas and cheering crowds fade), only memories remain after South Africa 2010.

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BUSINESS

Ninety-Thousand Tons: The Amount of Yemeni Cash Crop Production Last Year Faoud al-Kadi Yemen’s cash crop production increased from 88,852 tons on 85,550 hectares agricultural land in 2008 to 90,681 tons on 86,943 hectares in 2009. The report, issued by the General Administration of Statistics in the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, mentioned that the cotton crop ranked highest in producing 24,895 tons and ranked third in terms of the area of cultivation which stood at 19,664 hectares. The sesame crop ranked second in production quantity and size of cultivated area: 24,285 tons on a cultivated area of 19,664 hectares. The tobacco sector ranked third place in production with 22,577 tons, and fourth in area with 10,169 thousand hectares cultivated. The coffee crop ranked last with a cultivated area of 34,497

hectares producing 18,924 tons. The coffee sector has seen just a slight increase in both the quantity of production and area of cultivation over the past three years. Economic analysts attributed this to both the scarcity of rainfall in areas famous for growing coffee, and farmers shifting their attention from growing coffee to harvesting Qat. The report said that Hodeidah Governorate ranked first in terms of the quantity of production and the size of the cultivation area for cash crops—coffee, sesame, cotton, tobacco. The governorate produced a total of 46,681 tons and dedicated 30,744 hectares to cash crop cultivation. Abyan Province ranked second with 11,362 tons and total cultivation area reaching 10,259 hectares. Sana’a Province was ranked third pro-

ducing 6,802 tons on a cultivation area of 11,067 hectares. In the report, Sana’a Province was followed by Raymah Province

which produced 4,138 tons of cash crop agriculture on more than 7,736 hectares. The report pointed out that

other provinces saw a very slight increase of cash crop production. These crops are considered major and important

crops for domestic and international consumption. Their economic and financial returns will benefit the farmer and the state.

Arab Ministers of Telecommunications Approve the name “Arabic Domain Online”

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance for the Economic Sectors Department:

Sultanate of Oman, Chairman of the Arab Organization for Communication and Information Technology

Mr. Nasr Al-Harbi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance for the Economic Sectors Department, said that government fiscal support of petroleum products in recent years has amounted to unsustainable levels for the general budget to handle—under any circumstances. In an exclusive statement to National Yemen, he said that sustaining such support would discourage growth, deepen the budget imbalance, raise costs, and make Yemeni goods less competitive. Moreover, sustained support will have an impact on internal and external trade balances. He said such support should be dealt with as a means and not as an end. Reformed fiscal policy must have a long-term strategy with clear objectives and a coherent vision. Lifting subsidies is one of the options for more comprehensive financial reform, but it is not the only option. Al-Habri said that a feasibility study of sustained support for the petroleum industry must be a priority. Such a study would analyze the real impact on the national budget by assessing the feasibility of undertaking this burden. It would assess the return on investment, and determine how to best manage this policy. Currently, the policy is overused, especially in support of diesel and gasoline. There are other issues to be addressed. Smuggling of diesel and other derivatives undoubtedly impact the national economy and livelihood of Yemeni citizens as well. He added that determining who and what benefits from

The Arab Ministers Council for telecommunications and information approved, at the end of its 14th session of its meeting on Thursday, July 1st in Sana’a, the project of the General Top-level Arabic Domains. They also approved represent the name of the General Top-level Arab Domain in Arabic Language on the Internet. The council approved establishment of a follow-up unit for the project, which aims to represent the Arab identity on the Internet and increase the Digital Arabic Content (DAC) in a way that positively influences the rate of Arab’s access worldwide into the Internet and leads to building of the Arab Information Society and bridging the digital gap. Moreover, it acknowledged the outcome of the World Conference for Telecommunication Development and the also the outcome of the Economic, Developmental and Social Arab Summit. the council called for raising the finance of the Technical Secretariat of the Arab Ministers Council for Telecommunications and Information, and utilizing the future excess income expected from the Top-level Domains project to cover expenses of the Follow-up Unit that is to be established in the Arab League Secretariat as well as financing future projects and regional initiatives that serve the objectives of the Arabic Strategy for Information and Communications

Technology (ICT) until 2012. The council instructed the General Secretariat to pass the final version of the draft terms and conditions for operating and running the Top-level Arabic Domains that is being prepared by the project Instructional Committee to members of the Executive Office for approval. It also instructed its General Secretariat to urge the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to deal with the Arab League as an organization representing a geographical area in the same way as treating organizations of the United Nations. The council agreed to adopt the operational procedures for the development of fast mail (EMS) in the Arab region and to assign the Technical Secretariat circulate them to the Arabic postal administrations provided that those procedures are in effect on next August 1st. It also approved the study by the Development Mail Team on the Strategic regional objectives of the region and present it to round strategic table for the interest of the Arab Group that will be held in time in order to enable the Arabic postal administrations to prioritize the

strategies of the Universal Postal Union, encourage creativity and innovation in the Arab postal sector and prepare a proposal on the financing of awards and competitions and present it in the next meeting, and prepare proposals for the customs facilitations for postal materials in the Arab region. In the meeting of the Arab Organization for Information and Communication Technology held its emergency meeting during which the Sultanate of Oman was elected Chairman of the Organization and Libya, Vicechairman. Engineer Kamal Hussein AlJabri, Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology, had announced in the beginning of the meeting Yemen’s withdrawal from nomination of chairman of the Organization for the interest of the Sultanate of Oman, and from nomination of vice-chairman of the Council for Libya. He called on all Arab States to logistically and morally support all activities of the Organization in various fields to be able to do its vital role in the development of the joint Arab cooperation.

Support of Oil Derivatives Reached 237 Billion Riyal From January to May of this Year this support must be done accurately. Transparent mechanisms must be put in place to ensure the financial support reaches those who deserve it— namely social groups under the umbrella of social security. He advises that some of these funds will be redirected to farmers and fishermen as they represent a demographic that will be negatively affected by the drastic reduction of subsidies. These groups, in particular, will be given financial support for the production of seeds and fertilizers. Additionally, a bank will be established to promote agriculture and fish exports by strengthening economic ties with friendly countries and promoting sustained foreign mar-

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Yemeni products will become more competitive both domestically and in overseas markets.

ket access for Yemeni exports. The government will also assist in enhancing current infrastructure for conservation and storage of goods, in addition to safeguarding quality control. Through these measures, Yemeni products will become more competitive both domestically and in overseas markets.

Nasr Al-Harbi

Current support for the agriculture and seafood sectors is ineffective. Current policy does not benefit farmers and fishermen, but rather funds are often distributed to those that do not deserve it in the first place. Lifting subsidies has become a major challenge for the government to demonstrate its ability to achieve substantial reform of public finance imbalances and prices. Current policy has not done enough to ensure the necessary conditions for local products to compete with imported products. Reform is critically important, especially now that the Republic of Yemen is on the verge of joining the World Trade Organization at the end of the year. Al-Harbi said that the total support of oil derivatives amounted to 759 billion riyals in 2008 and 391 billion riyals in 2009. The amount of support from January of this year until May reached 237 billion riyals. He said that the ratio of derivatives support to ??total public resources?? from 2005-2010 was 23%, 22.4%, 23.4%,

National Yemen

SPORT

Sana’a Tennis Center Initiates Idea to Help People with Disabilities Play Tennis

playing near the net. These courses were taught by Captain Nabil Mohammed Mazwed. The training program continues for ten days. Following the program, a tennis tournament is to be held among all participants under the auspices of Ikhwan Thabet and Marasi for publicity and advertising. Dean Mohamed Rizk Alsormi, Chairman of the General Federation of Tennis and Squash, said, “The disabled will be involved in tournaments and competitions conducted by Sana’a Tennis Center and the Yemeni Federation for Tennis.

In fact, we are grateful to the Center, chaired by Captain Nabil, for their wonderful help”. Mr. Abdul Sattar Al-Hamdani, Director of the National Olympics Center, said, “Sana’a Tennis Center encouraged me to play tennis, and chairman of the center loves tennis so much that he makes everyone around him love the game as well. Long ago he thought of a project to support the disabled, and provide them with a training program. With his love and passion, I am sure he will find success with them.”

Sports Unions Cheat the Ministry of Youth and Sports: 2007 Star Award Given for the Second Time

Hamoud Obad

In one of more amusing frauds faced by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, three Yemeni sports unions have managed to obtain approval from the Deputy Minister to allocate financial rewards to honoring Yemeni sports starts who have achieved success in international tournaments outside of Yemen in 2007.

In actuality, the Ministry had already honored these stars and given them financial rewards in 2007. The Minister recommended accountants for the Fund be put under investigation. He did not mention steps the Ministry would take to recover the looted money and punish fraudulent sports unions.

Head of a Sports Union Offers Bribes to Prevent Publication of a Sports Newspaper Well-informed sources of a sports newspaper editor-inchief said that and influential head of a public sport union has offered four million riyals to stop negative press campaigns targeting his union’s work. The

bribe is also intended to completely cease publication of a sports newspaper. The newspaper’s editor-inchief rejected the offer for it violates the principles of professional journalism. Informed

sources close to the head of the sport union confirmed this action by the Sheikh. However, these sources also said that the editor-in-chief demanded 10 million riyals to abandon publication of the newspaper.

Alahjori wins the International Olympic Award for 2010 The International Olympic Committee awarded Secretary General of the Yemen Olympic Committee, Mohamed Alahjori, with the International Olympic Award for 2010. On the award, “Sport is important for all” is inscribed. Mohamed Alahjori was recognized for the various roles he has played in athletics and sport. His work with Olympics Sports since 1982 made him

The idea of a program for people with disabilities to play and practice tennis came out of coordination between the Handicapped Society and AlIman Institute. The Society and Institute have established tennis courts for the purpose of training this population. Courses were given in how to use handle a tennis racket while simultaneously controlling wheelchairs to follow the ball. These courses also included the rules of Tennis. Participants also learned techniques for forehand, backhand, and serving, as well as tactics for

Sunday, July 04, 2010 www.nationalyemen.com

an especially strong candidate. Mr. Alahjori held many leadership positions in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, most recently serving as acting Deputy Minister for the Youth and Sports Sector. Mr. Alahjori also held a number of voluntary positions in sports leagues including football, wrestling, and gymnastics. He participated in, and

Mohamed Alahjori led, many sports delegations in Arab, Asian and international championship tournaments, seminars, and forums. He serves on a number of Boards including those for the International Olympic Council, the Federation of West Asia, and the Sessions of the Islamic and Olympic Solidarity.

Algerian Sa’dan hopes to Coach Yemen National Team reasons why or hinting towards his future ambitions. These sources also informed National Yemen that Coach Sa’dan had entertained the idea of coaching the Yemeni team. He apparently made it well known that if he was asked to return to work in Yemen, he would consider it. He had hopes of achieving great successes for Yemeni football.

Rabeh Sa’dan Sources close to the family of the Algerian National Coach Rabeh Sa’dan have mentioned to National Yemen Newspaper

that Sa’dan intends to quit coaching the Algerian National Team after the World Cup. Sa’adan decline to give specific

Coach Sa’dan is regarded as the best Arab coach. He is the only coach to have led Arab teams in three World Cup matches—in 1982, 1986 and 2010. He most recently achieved positive results with the Algerian national team. Some sports analysts have argued that Sa’dan is one of the best coaches in the world, though they have asserted that racism against Arabs in European countries have limited his true potential.

Enraged Football Fan Assaults Wife and Children After Defeat of Algerian Team. A Yemeni national in his forties grew hysterical and was seething in rage after the World Cup football match between Algeria the U.S ended with a US victory over Algeria. The goal scored in overtime ended Algeria’s run in the tournament. The raging husband and father of three began insulting the Algerian National Team and the referee of the match. The wife criticized him for using offensive language in front of their three children. This only increased his agitation. The man proceeded to accuse

her of being an agent of America and England. As the intense quarrel between the couple amplified, the angry husband started to physically assault his wife. The children’s screams did not stop the hysterical husband. He started to assault his daughter Umaimah, 12, and his son Ayman, 9. Vigilant neighbors rushed to save the wife and the two children. They moved them to a relative’s house while the husband was taken to a hospital in Sana’a after fainting from exhaustion.

In a telephone call, the wife told National Yemen newspaper that she was surprised by her husband’s assault. The husband was known for his kind heart in over 14 years of marriage. She told the newspaper that she would sue her husband, but and that she would not return to him. She is still in shock from her husband’s assault, and is suffering psychologically. She also said that she has not forgiven him for what he did to her.

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National Yemen

REPORT

Nagatt: Yemeni French Porcelain in a Man’s World You probably haven’t heard of Nagatt, and she has humbly sought to keep it that way. She is an entrepreneurial young Yemeni woman who grew up in Europe and currently lives in Geneva.She has established her own company in Geneva dedicated to serving the underprivileged. When we asked her why we hadn’t heard about her before she replied that she tries to remain discreet about her work—but that’s starting to change. Nagatt Abdou Al Zuheiri

«I decided to talk more because when you don’t express yourself, people do it for you. The definition they give about yourself and your work is full of mistakes and often incomplete». A French newspaper picked up on her story. Described as « porcelain in a shop of elephants » by the paper, Nagatt is portrayed as someone as delicate as that famous French material in what could be an overwhelming business environment where she faces important Ministers, CEOs, and other high-level decision makers. Though Nagatt says she is shy, she hides her strong work ethic and personality. She credits her family for these traits. «I am lucky to have the full support of my parents. Since I was a child they always pushed me to do many activities. My father, especially, pushed me to be financially independent and to help Yemen. I can say that even though I grew up abroad, my parents transmitted to me a love for this country. If even I sometimes face difficulties when working with Yemen, my parents remind me that I must have a big heart and mind to work in

and for Yemen. When I see the President Ali Abdullah Saleh, I am impressed. He must have a very big heart and mind to consider all of Yemen». Though Nagatt looks very young, her spirit and her mind have matured from years of concentrated study and hard work. «I owe a lot to my father, Mohamed Abdelkareem Al Zuheiri. For him, studying and working were really important. Occasionally, I feel some shame when I come to Yemen for having been too privileged. But at that same time, I thank my father for supporting all the studies and trainings I attended in Geneva, Paris, the UK and the USA. For me, it’s my duty to give back to Yemen something of a «moral tax» to the underprivileged. I admire my father a lot. He is a self-made man. He chose not to chew Qat, and instead worked and studied from the age of 17. In my life I have never found such an exceptional man who truly wants the best for women—especially their daughters. He gave me the self-confidence and the desire to do great things in my life». On her own, Nagatt established her company, Middle East VIP,

in July of 2007 after working in the headquarters of a few Swiss Companies. «My last job in Geneva was in 2007. It was really profitable for me. I learned a lot from high-level decision-makers who dealt with global companies. I liked the environment ». Nagatt knew from the bottom of her heart that she wanted to start her own company where she « could choose the people she wanted to work with and manage her schedule as she wanted ». And she did just that. Her company is divided into three departments. The first is dedicated to welcoming Arab customers to Switzerland in providing these customers services including airport pickup and booking or buying flats and villas. The second department, Middle East Women Care, caters to Arab women. Nagatt decided to designate this department to showcase to her female clients that she is able to understand their specific privacy and secrecy needs. «I am very proud of this department», says Nagatt, «because we have the experience in serving the needs of Arab women. Now, local banks are contacting us for our support as they wish to open branches catering specifically towards women also. We have still not decided which bank we will work with on this specific project. However I am very excited to work on it. As an Arab woman, I know potential advantages for us and the profile we could give to such a Women’s bank department ». The third department of her company is dedicated to establishing and strengthening business ties between Arab and European Companies. She hosted a conference on the matter two months ago. She presented her company at this conference in front of 40 Yemeni business representatives from the Yemeni Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Hassan Al-Kbous, Chairman of the Yemeni Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Mohamed Saleh, Vice Chairman of the Yemeni Chamber of Commerce both supported her presentation. Nagatt is also involved in a number of activities. She is an active member of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce, and she has dedicated part of her life to humanitarian work. Nagatt serves as chairwoman of the Swiss Association, Link-

child. This organizations aim is to help underprivileged children and mothers all over the world. «Our target countries are Palestine, India, Africa, and Yemen; but of course we do our best to help other people when we can ». She began helping underprivileged children and mothers 10 years ago. «After the attacks of September 2001, it was not easy to find doctors to come with me to Yemen. However, I needed a medical consultant and the analysis of a French pediatrician to see exactly what we should do. As chance would have it, French pediatrician Dr. Loeuille was studying for a diploma in English with me every Saturday. I

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Nagatt support also the orpheans of Dar Ar Rahma fondation « The first time i visited the houses of Dar Ar Rahma fondation i was really proud of knowing her Manager Mrs Ruqaiyah Abdullah AlHajjri, in Dar Arrahma at the difference with As Sabeen the solutions are with them they have methods and they kow exactly how to help orpheans evrything is well organized they just need financial support whereas in As Sabeen evrything has to be rethink.

convinced him to come to Yemen with me, and he managed to convince his colleagues as well. Together, we organized training for Yemeni doctors and brought medical equipment to Yemen. We opened three rooms in AsSabeen Hospital : one for breastfeeding; one for sick children to ??increase their motricity??? and continue their education in spite of their illness; and one that serves as kind of nursery for the hospital staff’s children». Linkchild now runs these three rooms, and provides staff for the room for sick children with an employee from 10 pm until 1 pm. In the future, Nagatt wants also to develop a project of fighting Nosocomial Diseases in AsSabeen Hospital, but currently needs more administrative support. «Fighting against Nosocomial Diseases is really necessary in this hospital. There is a massive lack of hygienic practice. A hospital must be the cleanest place in a city if it is to care for fragile mothers and children in times where they have a deficiency in immunity. Currently, some children and infants contract bacterial diseases inside the hospital! What we propose is a four-year program that includes equipping the hospital with sanitary equipment like as hydro-alcoholic solution as well as hygienic training for all staff. However, for this project to be successful, we must work across the table with numerous partners: the Ministry of Health, the City Council of Sana’a, the Medical University of Sana’a, as-Sabeen Hospital and our organization. If we can get the agreement from these partners, we can begin to implement this long term project». Nagatt also supports the orphans of the Dar Ar-Rahma Foundation « I am really proud to know the manager, Mrs. Ruqaiyah Abdullah Al-Hajjri, from my first visit there. There is a stark difference with As-Sabeen. Dar Ar-Rahma holds the expertise, and has successfully implemented the solutions and methods that help the orphans. Everything is well organized, and all they need is financial support. At As-Sabeen, everything has to be rethought. When I visit Dar Ar-Rahma, my heart is full of hope. Every time I see the children there, they give me the willingness to keep on supporting them ».

Every two years Linkchild organizes a Charity Night in Geneva. This year, Nagatt convinced her Board of Directors to make a special Yemeni night in order to portray a better image of Yemen and the projects Linkchild supports all over the world. «Such a large event requires several months of organization and it must produce different impacts. The first impact is to fund vital equipment for AsSabeen: an incubator, an oxygen generator, hydroalcolique solutions, and photo-therapy to fight against Nosocomial Diseases. Participants will have the opportunity to bid on these five equipment packages at the auction. The individual who wins the auction will purchase the equipment directly and follow its utilization in As-Sabeen Hospital. At the same time, the entrance fee will support Dar Ar-Rahma to establish a home for children living on the street. Each participant will be will be able to follow the projects on our website. The second impact of the event is to increase the number of tourists and economic investments in Yemen by showcasing economic opportunities and Yemeni culture. We are assisted in this field by Mr. Nabil Al-Faquih, Minister of Tourism. He will fund the transportation of Yemeni dancers and their equipment to the event. We are also helped by Mr. Hassan Al-kbous, Chairman of the Yemeni Chamber of Commerce. He will be the Yemeni Guest of Honor». Nagatt will remain for a few more days in Sana’a in order to finalize the event and to organize workshops with As-Sabeen Hospital and the Dar Ar-Rahma Fondation. She hopes Yemeni companies will support her. «We need more support, and we are still searching for a company who could sponsor the Yemeni décor and entertainment costs (including the accommodation of the Yemeni performers). I hope any Yemeni business man reading this article will help us by supporting this Charity Night. In so doing, they would help change the image of Yemen. Many European journalists will attend this event ». This is an opportunity for Arab businessmen to support Yemen and its economic development that should not be passed up.

Letters to the Editor

SCHOOL WHAT DO YOU TEACH? A SCARY PICTURE AT THE YEMENI FUTURE After a brief consultation about the solution to the hard questions,the most frequently discussed topic exiting the examination hall is how-notice the absence of the conditional -or who cheated. To the routine question:”How was the exam?”,a disappointed student replied:”Awful!The supervisors were too strict and the other students were too stupid so I couldn’t cheat.” Coping is oddly turning into an art,a skill worth to be praised among peers.Entering an examination building resembles stepping in a prison

or a security control at an airport gate.Shoes,socks and clothes are thoroughly searched:ears and necks are checked for earphones:any electronic device must be placed in a room reserved for the purpose. Recently Coordinators have started inspecting classes “armed”by a phone to detect the presence of open bluethoots. Attendance papers and copies are signed daily by student and no answer is supposed to be written on the question paper or else expulsion. Yet cheating only seem to increase,with the addition that

not every school adopts the above procedure.Ghadeer a,an IS university student told us.”I finished the exam at 10 but I left around 11 cuz I was helping the others”.At the inquiry about which way she adopted to help since she was wearing the niqab,she reported;”Simple told the answer to a coordinator and she conveyed it to them”. Companies and employees in general should be the most concerned and active in promoting a honest conduct. Nothing prevents a kid who’s habitual in using cheating techniques indifferent to the

watchful eyes of the teachers,to assume the same attitude in a less monitored environment like a work place. Another reason to detest cheating is the high number of unqualified people charged with important position dealing with finance,management,health care,planning,security and so forth. The net Primary school enrollment in Yemen is estimated as 85% boys and 65% girls.The numbers could be better but they still give you reason to believe in the educational progress of Yemen,at least until you find that the Secondary school attendance ratio is less then half(47%) for males and roughly a quarter (27%) in the case of females. Not to mention that the adult literacy-not degrees or masters

certifications but possessing basic skills-is 53%,so that for about every two adults you encounter,one is able to read and write while the other can’t. The school administration blames pupils,parents and lack of funds.The family pints finger at the school,the education system as a whole and the child. The student,of course,accuses sc hools,family,country,friends,the qat,T.V./phones/net,the culture ,global warming,the shoes,I mean anything! What this results in is that no one takes responsibilities and the situation fails to improve. The point is not really gong to school as a mechanical act,it’s staying in the class and actually acquiring some knowledge other then building up cheating

expertise. Is it really worth attending a lesson if the behavior allowed in the room has such a negative impact on the society? Shouldn’t school itself teach and care that the student learn and internalizes concepts as sincerity and integrity instead of wasting energy trying to combat the consequences of their absence?The golden rule “Prevention is better then cure” still holds true. In the meanwhile,the high percent of unemployment,corruption and close-mindedness are only few of the bitter fruits caused by a lack in the education quality. Is not by chance if Yemen is presently tasting its sour effects and might,one day,fall victim to their fatal poison.

National Yemen

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