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Omani delegation leaves for Yemen to take part in Gulf Cup draw MUSCAT — A delegation of the Oman Football Association, headed by Saleh bin Abdullah al Farsi, Secretary-General and CEO of the OFA, has left for the Republic of Yemen yesterday to take part in the draw of 20th Gulf Cup to be held in the City of Aden tomorrow. The OFA which received an official invitation from its Yemeni counterpart to participate in the draw, has in its delegation included Hani Dhabit, the top scorer of the15th Gulf Cup hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2002 and Salah al Thuwaini Araimi, manager of the first national football team. The Sultanate national team will hold the top spot in Group 2 as the holders of the title while the Yemeni national team the top spot in Group 1 as hosts of the tournament. The rest of the six teams will be distributed on three levels according to the latest classification of the international body Fifa and a draw will be held accordingly. Saleh bin Abdullah al Farsi will attend the meeting of the standing committee of secretary generals of the football associations participating in

the 20th Gulf Cup in addition to a technical committee meeting on the sidelines of the visit. Talal bin Ali Amiri, member board of directors will attend the meeting of the media committee. The organising committee of the 20th Gulf Cup has organised a special welcoming ceremony for the delegation of the OFA participating in the draw as during this ceremony the Gulf Cup that was won by Oman team will be officially handed over to the host country’s association three months before the start of the tournament. Sayyid Khalid bin Hamed al Busaidy, Chairman of the OFA, said: “We have complete confidence in the ability of the Yemeni Football Association, the government and the people of this great nation to embrace the tournament and to ensure its success with the highest level of proficiency and competence. “Our best wishes to our brothers in the Yemeni association, and a lot of prayers for our National football team to emerge champions once again”, he added.

A tribe is essentially a mini-state and its laws apply to those who belong to it. It does not tolerate the violation of the rights of any of its individual members. It does not honor any individual who harms its reputation and may repudiate, or punish according to its traditions, anyone who reflects a negative image of the tribe. Continued on ( 4 )

Yemen Maintains Vibrant Oil Sector

Clashes in south Yemen kill 19 ADEN, Yemen — Five AlQaeda members were killed in clashes with the army in south Yemen, the defence ministry’s news website said on Saturday, bringing to 19 the toll from the previous day’s fighting. Three Al-Qaeda militants were also wounded in Friday’s clashes between the army and gunmen in the city of Loder, southern Abyan province, said the report carried by the 26Sep. net news website.

The latest deaths add to an earlier toll of 11 soldiers and three civilians killed on Friday. The defence ministry said it had managed to identify one of the slain Al-Qaeda fighters as Adham Shibani, adding that the wounded militants were currently being interrogated. The security forces were tracking “other terrorists” who took part in Friday’s fighting, the ministry said. The militants who managed to flee

A New Crisis between Contractors and the Ministry of sport Exclusive The Yemeni riyal witnessed an unprecedented collapse over the last 35 days, with the riyal losing a quarter of its value against the dollar. This has raised the fears of the private contractors who are building and equipping Gulf 20 facilities. They are afraid of financial loss or bankruptcy; especially those companies that have not completed the stadiums and those that import steel, cement and turf. This collapse caused tension between the ministry and contractors, who have threatened

to stop working unless the ministry compensates them for the difference in prices, especially since the state has allocated 20 billion dollars (as opposed to riyal) for the Gulf 20. This means that the price difference benefits the ministry and harms the contractors. Instead of meeting the contractors’ demands, all were surprised by the Ministry’s decision to deduct 15% of the value of additional work related to preparing the six training grounds. This made the contractors escalate the issue and gather at the office of Assistant

Yemen has denied reports that its oil stocks are running low.

block is producing 25,000 barrels a day and production is up.

Ongoing exploration is promising, and the country has explored just 20 percent of its potential, said Oil Minister Amer Al-Aidaroos, Arab News reports.

While pipelines in oil-rich districts of Marib and Shabwa have become a target for AlQaida and tribal groups, he maintained that the sabotage has not had an impact on oil production.

Al-Aidaroos dismissed recent forecasts that said Yemen would need to import oil this year. Pointing to an earlier forecast that said that block 18 would dry out in 2005, he said that the

Calvalley Discovers Oil in Yemen SANA’A, Aug. 20 - Canada’s Calvalley Corporation is hoping for more success in Yemen’s Block 9 after making an oil discovery at its Ras Nowmah field.

the company has expedited the acquisition of a pump with significantly higher capacity. The new pump will be on location within several days so that testing can resume.

The Ras Nowmah-2 well initially tested at 1,227 barrels per day of light oil with no formation water. The company said that the pressure test indicated the well could potentially produce at much higher rates.

Calvalley expects both short and long-term exploration operations to expand significantly. Calvalley added that the lighter Ras Nowmah crude is expected to recover strongly, which will have a positive effect on the company’s total Block 9 reserves.

The well hit 41 meters gross oil output, but only the upper 15 meters was perforated for the test. The Qishin sands - the primary target zone - came in about four meters higher than expected. Based on these initial results,

Block 9 lies in the Sayun-Masila basin, which has a proven hydrocarbons base, and Calvalley said the Ras Nowmah discovery proves that the Qishin structures are similar to those in the Masila block.

“Without a safe and stable environment, oil production will not develop,” he said. Admitting that there have

been fluctuations in the country’s oil production, Al-Aidaroos cited technical problems as the cause. “But the sector is still a promising one for investors,” he said. An August report from the Central Bank of Yemen shows that current oil production is 300,000 to 350,000 barrels a day from 12 oil fields, down from a peak of more than 420,000 barrels a day in 2002

5 Al-Qaeda elements killed, 3 others apprehended in Abyan confrontations SANA’A, Aug. 21 (Saba)- Security sources in Abyan governorate have affirmed the killing of 5 Al-Qaeda elements who are involved in setting an ambush for a number of security personnel in the governorate on Friday. In exclusive statements to the military-run 26sep.net, the sources made clear that the AlQaeda members were killed during confrontations with the military forces following the

ambush they set for a group of military personnel in their monitoring tour. It noted that 3 other terror elements were injured during the confrontations and arrested, adding that they are now undergoing investigation. The security sources pointed out that they are tracking down the rest of the Al-Qaeda members who took part in the Friday ambush.

Traffic Report

Eleven people died (including two children) and 40 others were wounded (including eleven children and two women) in 22 traffic accidents last week. According to the traffic services the accidents were attributed to speeding, inappropriate passing, non-compliance with traffic rules and not paying attention while driving.

The traffic accidents were as follows: 14 car crashes resulted in the death of 6 people and injury of 26 others, 3 overturned accidents killed 4 people and injured 11 others, 4 pedestrian accidents resulted in the death of one person and injury of 3 others, and one person was injured falling of a vehicle.

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Cooperation will Lead to a Better Yemen

Yemeni Al-Qaida Commander Surrenders to Security Authority

Let the Holy Month be a Station of Hope

It was disheartening to read the statistics from a World Bank report, which ranked Yemen second to last (between Djibouti and Somali) in terms of education, health corruption and etc.

An Al-Qaida commander accused of taking part in the bombing of a French oil tanker in 2002 surrendered to the Yemeni security services, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday. “Hizam Mujally, a local al-Qaida leader in Arhab district, some 30 km north of the capital Sana’a, gave himself up to the security authorities.”

I hope that these blessed days of Ramadan will remind us that Islam is a religion of justice and moderation. It calls for the need for a balance between freedom and independence of the individual Muslim entity, and the strength of the social structure in which Muslims live.

Yemen has not been like this over the past twenty years. It seems that donors are contributing to a “non-developing country”, otherwise, with all this money Yemen should be one of the best economies in the Arab world.

Yemeni authorities accused Mujally of participating in plotting the attack against a French oil tanker off the southern Yemeni coast in 2002. He was also charged with killing a military officer in August 2004.

Yemen cannot afford more mottos or slogans; it needs serious action to encourage all citizens to become more involved in the development of the country.

Police sources said Mujally was arrested and subjected to an investigation by the Yemeni intelligence in 2003, but he escaped from a highly guarded intelligence prison in 2006, along with 23 other al-Qaida

the practices of dishonest employees.

Fakhri al-Arashi Publisher & Chief Editor

Yemen is a country that has been known by many names throughout history. It has been called the “land of wisdom”; Quranic scripts say that Baldah Taiba and Rab Ghafour called it “a good country”, and another proverb says, “If another nation invades you, call on Yemen to help.” These examples do not exist today, as Yemen faces hundreds of critical problems that will never end unless the government asks for the help of the citizens and institutes reforms. These problems include a water shortage, a lack of sufficient power, an increase in disease, a weak economy, illiteracy, increasing poverty, a lack of transparency, corruption, unhealthy population growth, a poor education system, weak infrastructure, low income, and a misuse of agricultural lands. What Yemen needs in order to overcome these problems is trust among the community. The government never fails once it turns its focus toward the people. Evils exist in every corner of the government, and many make illegal profits. The citizens are fed up with these government routines and with

The government does not need to sign an agreement with the political parties to rule the people, or a sign a ceasefire with the Houthis in Sa’ada or appease the secessionist movement in the south or negotiate with al-Qada’a members. The government needs to work with the people who are the cornerstones to all the above parties. The people of Yemen have never turned the government down throughout the history, even though the government does all the time. The people need free and quality education, better health care, better salaries (especially government employees), social security, honest laws and equal treatment for all. The problem won’t be solved overnight, but a concerted effort to bring hope to people and an offer to work hand by hand with the government, are good first steps.

Continued from ( 1 ) A New Crisis between Contractors and the Ministry of sport Undersecretary of the Projects Sector and Investment. This crisis between the companies and the ministry has increased fears among athletes. It also raised fears that contractors might take short cuts and alter the specifications, as happened at Al-Tilal Club’s Haqat stadi-

um. The Haqat Stadium was excluded from being a substitute stadium because its current dimensions are 100 m × 68 m, while the official dimensions are 105 m × 70 m. This forced the Gulf 20 committee to prepare Al-Wahdah Stadium in Abyan.

HOOD Addresses Civil Society Laws The National Organization for Defending Rights and Freedoms (HOOD) organized a workshop to review and draft civil society laws. HOOD aims to protect the freedom of civil society organizations to establish themselves and

function effectively. They also wish to raise public support for the Sana’a Declaration of the Freedom of Civil society. The workshop was a part of a project run by HOOD, under the framework of the Yemeni Network for Human Rights.

130 Motorcycles Casualties in First Half of August Nine people, ages 15 to 40, were killed, and 121 others were injured in motorbike accidents during the first half of August. Statistics from the Security Information Centre indicate that the 78 motorbike accidents were as follows: 68

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bike-car collisions, 6 pedestrian accidents, and 4 overturned bike accidents. According to the statistics speeding, bikers’ carelessness and non-compliance with traffic rules were the main causes of these accidents.

Fakhri Hassan Al-Arashi Publisher & Chief Editor

By / Mohamed Abdel-Salam Mansour

detainees. Last week, another al-Qaida leader, Jumaan Sufian, surrendered to security province in al-Jouf province, northeast of Sana’a, according to the Defense Ministry. The Yemen-based Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has carried out a series of deadly attacks on the country’s security facilities and western targets in southern Yemen over the past two months, leaving dozens of people dead. Yemen, the ancestral homeland of Osama bin Laden, intensified security operations and air raids against terrorist groups after the Yemen-based al-Qaida wing claimed responsibility for the failed Christmas Day bombing attempt on a U.S. passenger plane bound for Detroit last December.

Blast in Al-Dale’ Injures Director of Intelligence A correspondent for the North News Network said that southern separatist guerillas detonated an explosive device in the car of Captain Abdul- Khaliq Shaye’, Director of AL-Dale’ Intelligence. Mr. Shaye was injured in the blast and was taken to the hospital, while the vehicle was

destroyed. The incident took place Thursday afternoon in the center of Al-Dale, close to Al-Sayfi Exchange. There have been previous attempts on Mr. Shaye’s life and southern separatist guerillas have carried out similar operations in the same place as Thursday’s attack.

283 Unintentional Fires in First Half of 2010 The Civil Defense Services recorded 283 unintentional fires during the first half of 2010, two more than the same period last year. 271 have been officially declared unintentional, while other 12 fire incidents are still under investigation. The fires occurred in 22 governorates of the Republic. Ninety incidents occurred in the capital secretariat, followed by Aden and Hajjah provinces with 28, Sayu’oon province with 22, Taiz with 21, Hodeida with 14, and Sa’ada and Hadramout with 12 incidents each. The remaining fires occurred evenly in the rest of the prov-

inces. 108 fires occurred in the morning, 80 occurred at midday, and 76 in the evening. The lowest number of incidents occurred at night (at most 19). Statistics released by the Ministry of the Interior said that the incidents claimed the lives of 16 people (including 7 females) and injured 104 others. The total number of victims in amounted to 359, including 60 females. They were as follows: 352 Yemeni citizens, 4 Arabs, and 3 foreigners. The statistics estimate the number of minors affected by these incidents at 61, and place material damages at about 205 million riyals.

Clashes in south Yemen kill 19

Mohammed Al-Asaadi Editorial Consultant

Mansoor Al-Rdaei News Editor

It calls on the believers, individually and collectively, to make their objective in life to achieve a strong social structure within this balance. Allah says in the Holy Koran, “And hold fast, all of you together, to the cable of Allah, and be not divided among yourselves. And remember Allah’s favor unto you: how ye were enemies and He made friendship between your hearts so that ye became as brothers by His grace.” But, when we regressed from this pursuit, we became weak and consequently humiliated in ignominy. Undoubtedly, our regression is the cause of the underdevelopment in which we currently live. However, I do not believe, as some people think, that our underdevelopment is caused by weakness of faith. It has come from a failure to work, not from deficiency in faith. Today, Muslim communities have a stronger sense of faith than ever before. Strangely enough Arab nations, among other Islamic nations, have been the least able to build such a social structure. My observation comes from past historical events and present realities. If one looks back on the history of the Islamic state, he finds that the Persians, Turks, Tatars and Ottomans all demonstrated greater ability in this respect than Arabs. The present is no different from the past, at least in terms of comparing between Arab nations and other Islamic countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. We regret to admit that this is a nature specific to Arabs. Perhaps we should find an opportunity to discuss together the reasons of this phenomenon. Development or underdevelopment is not a characteristic of a particular nation(s); if we

Three civilians were killed -- and another four wounded -- when soldiers bombarded buildings near Loder market from where the military was being targeted, medical sources said. South Yemen, and the Abyan province in particular, is feared to have become a base for AlQaeda militants to regroup, under the network’s local franchise AlQaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

Fuad Al-Qadhi Business Editor

SANAA, Yemen, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Forty percent of children in Yemen are drawn into the labor market between the ages of 7 and 13, a study by a U.S. aid group indicates. The group CHF International said 5 million Yemeni children are currently in the work force and three-fifths are not receiving an education as a result, the Yemeni news agency SABA reported Tuesday. According to CHF, 80 percent of the children working in

Dr. Ahmed Al-Qoyadhi Education Editor

I would like to note that this observation was mentioned in the 1910 Encyclopedia Britannica, when it said, “The Arabs are physically of a strong and noble race. So, physically they do not succumb to only a minority of the human races if to any at all. Mentally, they are superior to most of the races of human beings; and progress is restrained by the apparent lack of organization and their inability to take joint action. While the forms of governments are characterized by dullness and shortcomings, they are hardearned.” Whether or not this observation is correct, it remains a temporary case; we can go beyond it if we understand the reasons that led to it. We, Arabs, must recognize that we have given up our capabilities, wasted our resources with our internal conflicts, and sought the help of foreigners against each other. We gave up building a strong social Arab structure and became losers. Awareness of this fact will be our first step in working to overcome these dishonoring flaws. “O ye who believe! Take not for intimates other than your own folk, who would spare no pains to ruin you; they love to hamper you. Hatred is revealed by (the utterance of) their mouths, but that which their breasts hide is greater. We have made plain for you the revelations if ye will understand.” Unless we make Ramadan a station for hope, ask Allah for repentance of our sins and work hard to overcome our torn and backward reality, Allah will double our weakness and suffering at the hands of our enemies, and then we submit to them and our souls will be crushed with humiliation and wretchedness: “save those who repent and believe and do righteous deeds, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

Yemen are involved in jobs that are hazardous and difficult. More than half use dangerous tools and more than 30 percent have been injured or fallen ill as a result of their jobs, the study found. CHF said some Yemeni parents attempt to smuggle their children to Saudi Arabia where they can earn about $400 a month, a much higher salary than they would receive in Yemen

Najla’a Al-Shaibani Social Editor

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believe this, we will only fall into abhorrent racism, God forbid. Arabs, like the other nations, have the strength and acumen that enable them to build civilized and modern social systems.

Child labor a problem in Yemen

Continued from ( 1 )

were named as Ahmed Mohammed Abdu Daradish, Abdel Rauf Abdullah Mohammed Nassib and Jalal Saleh Mohammed Saidi. The interior ministry had said on Friday that 11 soldiers were killed “in an ambush set up by Al-Qaeda terrorists and outlaws cooperating with them.” Eight of the soldiers were killed when a rocket-propelled grenade hit their armoured vehicle, according to Loder’s regional security chief Yahya al-Barkani.

Abdul-Karim Mufadhal Sports Editor

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Sunday, Aug 22, 2010 Issue 12 www.nationalyemen.com

SOCIAL

National Yemen

Koranic Therapy and How to Distinguish Between Right and Wrong! Several years ago, in the Yemeni province of Lahj, four people tiedup one of the residents and beat him to death under the pretext of exorcizing the “jinn” (evil spirits) out of his body. Not satisfied with this crime, they claimed that the jinn came out of his body into a body of another person and they insisted on removing the jinn from this person. They would have succeeded if it the security forces in the region had not arrested them. If the security forces had to intervene to save the man from certain death, what about the other people who still believe in such therapeutic methods? Najla Al Shaibani Rituals for exorcizing jinn range from dances to blood drinking. These ceremonies are usually held in an elderly woman’s home, where women who want to get rid of jinn and spirits meet. According to a woman skilled in these rituals, these ceremonies usually begin with tambourine and drum beats accompanied by hymns, incomprehensible mumblings and body movements. This continues until the ill woman falls to the ground. The moment she falls down, the old woman screams at the jinn and devils and orders them to leave the patient’s body after she makes a sacrifice, which is usually a rooster and sheep. Patients resort to this method only when all other attempts at Qur’anic therapy have failed to heal them. People who frequent these “quacks” complain of the length of treatment and that often it only makes their condition worse. When Hassan, a man from the Hajjah governorate north of Sana’a, heard that there is a man heals all incurable diseases with the Koran, he went to him to heal his daughter who suffered some kind of concussion from falling down when she was a child. Her father did not believe the diagnosis of a specialist doctor and thought that the Koran therapist could heal anything. He and his daughter spent four months in Sana’a, attending therapeutic sessions every Thursday and Monday, but the situation remains the same. Most therapists refused to reveal their treatment methods to me, so I had disguise myself and fake illness to gain entry. I made an appointment for a Thursday and before I entered I paid 200 riyals (about one dollar) for the examination and 250 riyals for the gloves that must be purchased by female patients because the therapist does not want to see the women’s hands. Moments after I entered, some of the women were asked to form a semicircle, which they did and the rest of us were ordered to stand back and watch. The therapist started to recite Sura’s from the Holy Koran, including: Al-Falaq, Al-Nas, Aljinn, Tabarak and Yassin. We were all listening when his

voice rose and he started to hold every girl’s head and blow on them. One of the girls started crying, and the therapist removed her from group. Another girl got tired and wanted to lean her back to the wall and fidgeted nervously. The quack saw this, stopped his reciting, and removed her from the group too. He continued to read, and soon asked all the women to move backward. He approached a girl who was nearby, and asked her name. She replied, and then he grabbed her throat and choked her until her face turned red and she became pale and her arms fell down as if dead. All of us were scared. After several seconds the girl regained consciousness, and he asked her name once again and she responded quickly. He smiled and went to the other girl, and did the same thing with her. At that moment I thought of running away, but my curiosity kept me in place. After that, he gave the two girls talismans(script of unknown writing) and some sort of herbs, he advised them to take them in the morning and evening with honey and black cumin added to the prescription. Next he turned to the girl who was crying in the beginning and asked her mother to enter the room and wrap her in cloth, as he was to start treating her. Her mother did as she was asked and he started to read in the girl’s right ear. He was raising his voice and the girl started to have convulsions and scream. He asked for a thin stick, and when he started to hit her with it, the mother shouted at him, inquiring why he was hitting her. He told the mother to calm down and not to fear a thing: the strikes are directed to the jinn inside the girl and not to the girl herself. He added that the girl will be fine after she comes around and will feel no pain. The therapist went on reading from the Koran and at that moment we all heard a change in the girl’s voice. Her voice changed from soft to a hoarse voice and when the therapist started to read faster and raise his voice, the girl started to convulse, scream in a weird voice and writhe fiercely as he continued to beat her and scream in

her ear, “I command you - you genie - to go out.” This continued for nearly half an hour, but what struck me was the change in the girl’s voice. When I asked the therapist about it, he said it was the voice of the genie that posses the girl. He asked her mother to come back with her daughter another day so that the genie could be removed once and for all. I excused myself so that I could catch up with the girl and ask her if she feet pain from the beating. She said, “I did not feel anything because I was scared to death.”

the tribe’s interest before his own and his children’s.

alty about two men from a Yemeni tribe in a remote area. The two tribesmen were walking on a street in the capital, enjoying their tour, when all of a sudden they heard a woman shouting angrily in the face of a group of men in a tone similar to that of their tribe. Before inquiring about what was going on, they started fighting with the men. It turned out that both sides belonged to the same tribe. They quickly announced that everything was all right and those who had gathered around were left with nothing to see.

Useless treatment “When we talk about treatment with Koran by those quacks, we are talking about neurological disorders because these are subject to suggestion”, said professor of clinical psychology, Sana’a University, Dr. AbdulRahman Almunifi. He added, “It is certain that Qur’an is useful in cases of neurological diseases only, and also through the medicinal herbs prescribed by the therapist. Primarily it depends on the therapist’s ability to convince the patients. It is a matter of suggestion only; the sound of Quranic verses serve as a moderator and pacifier to the patient, but not a recommendable treatment.” He continued, “Neurological diseases arise out of the pressures and difficulties accumulated in life that continue to increase in the Arabic societies.” These diseases could be cured naturally without resorting to quacks and without the need for drugs because these problems usually subside without any intervention. The quacks’ methods of beating and cauterizing as a method of treatment is no more than torturing and those who practice such things must be punished.” “The issue of the jinn entering humans is an illusion and patient’s strange voices are the result of split personality, which is usually found in hysterical cases. These patients are known for their ability to channel different personalities, perform certain movements and create other voices.” He adds, “The vocal cords in human beings cannot accept duplication be-

cause they have a specific function, as the source of the voice is in the brain and not in the throat. In the case of jinn (psychology does not admit their existence), they must have control over the audio device in the brain and over the Central Nervous System in the brain at the same time, which is definitely not possible.” He said that psychology, like any science, believes only tangible and concrete things, in particular modern sciences. There is analytical psychology, which believes in subconscious, does not believe in jinn entering human body. It believes that there is a lot of pressure and problems, but jinn have nothing to do with them. He suggests instead that we educate these people and solve their economic and social problems Seeking treatment is legitimate Voodoo and quackery are forbidden under the Islamic religion. Dr. Saleh Al-Sawab, head of Islamic Studies Department in Sana’a University says, “ Allah and His messenger ordered us to seek treatment and this does not detract from the person’s faith. Perhaps, the person may even commit a sin if he or she does not search for it.” There are two types of treatment: the first is modern medicine, where the doctor knows the cause of the disease and gives the patient drugs; this is legitimate. The second is psychological, which the Arabic medicine deals with and which could be the basis for modern medicine. The therapists know herbs, their benefits, their effect and their potential to cure some diseases; this type of treatment is permissible. An unacceptable type of treatment is when the therapist gives people a variety of herbs that may have adverse effects, sometimes leading to loss of life or infection with chronic diseases. He added, “Some of those who use talismans claim that they heal diseases by the help of Allah; while in fact they use voodoo and witchcraft, which

is reprehensible and forbidden by Islam. They deceive and defraud the people because the sorcerer is dealing with the jinn.” Dr. Saleh said that witchcraft is unacceptable in religion as it is fraud and manipulation, even if witches or wizards pray and fast (tactics used to show that they are religious). He points out that some magicians might tell a patient secrets about his or her life, and say that these secrets are revealed to them through contact with the jinn or unseen spirits. There may be things such as family disputes or confidential matters in a person’s home and the jinn come to the magician or sorcerer and tell him about those things. Dr. Saleh says that you have to distinguish between a healing cure and sorcery and superstition. Among the useless strategies employed by therapists are the use of unintelligible and unreadable names or when the sorcerer gives the patient a talisman and tells them to soak it in water and than take a bath with that water. Some sorcerers even ask the patient to write incomprehensible words on a plate and drink the water from it. The sorcerer might also ask the patient to slaughter a black chicken in a particular place and than throw it away. Treatment with Qur’an is legitimate Religious scholars emphasize that Allah the Almighty created man in the best stature, and man is weak in nature and vulnerable to many diseases that can be treated abstractedly. Dr. Saleh says, “Allah, The Almighty God, can do anything and if God wanted to heal someone for no reason He can. In this life He enacted laws, but this does not mean that some cases that cannot be healed with prayers and supplication.” In relation to diseases, our Prophet (Blessings of Allah be upon Him) advised us in many of his sayings to seek treatment in the Holy Koran. Treatment takes place perhaps because

of all Yemenis. Whatever the person’s level of scientific, political or legal education, he cannot be separated from his tribal identity. Consequently, it has become necessary for intellectuals (like lawyers and politicians) to deal with the tribe in a new way, and work to transform loyalty to the tribe into loyalty to Yemen.

We need a scientific study to account for all tribal systems, so that we can achieve a balance between them and the state’s regulations. This will be a strong strategy for genuine change in the tribes and a way to raise awareness about (and gain support for) the laws of the state of Yemen.

of closeness to Allah through the Koran, without medicine. This issue is legitimate and all religious scholars agree on it. However, there are two relevant sub-issues. One is how to use the Quran as a legitimate talisman. The Prophet approved this only in certain cases, including when some companions who asked for food from some people but they were denied. Then a snake bit the master of those people and his people came to the companions asking for someone who can heal him. One of the companions read Surat Al-Fatiha on him and repeated this Sura several times until the master was cured. Dr. Saleh says, “Psychology’s denial of jinn entering man is a revolutionary question that created differences among people. Man still does not know what the person utters when he or she is possessed. It could be a fluent language, but this does not imply that the spirit has changed. Evidence of a possessive spirit is when the spirit leaves a person’s body they say they did not feel pain from beatings.” As for the beatings to remove jinn, Dr. Gobran confirms that patients should not be beaten or hit. Only verses from the holy Koran should be read to them. Only the possessing spirit should be harmed, not the patient. If a patient dies, then the therapist should be held responsible, because in this case he is a killer. Islamic law has never been mentioned beating a person in a way that could lead to his death. It is difficult to accuse Koran therapists of sorcery and quackery, but it is quite easy to identify the right from the wrong through further investigation and scrutiny. Overall it seems that there are facts rooted in traditional medicine related to the proper treatment of people possessed by jinn but these facts have been distorted by quacks who aim to exploit people.

Continued from ( 1 ) Yemeni Tribe and State of Law and Order

That is why the tribal community will continue to exist and flourish even in modern life. In Yemen, the tribe has a norm that is different from what is known today. A tribesman is that person who acts with honor and dignity, valor and generosity. He is that person who protects his land and honor, rushes to rescue the weak and forgives his own. He is a person who accepts dialogue and rational thinking. A tribesman has unrivaled loyalty to his tribe and its leader (the sheikh) and, in certain situations, he puts

A tribesman would do anything to heighten the status of his tribe even though the tribe does not employ him or provide a salary. However, in adversity, he may need tribal protection. He would never turn his back on his tribe, and involves himself in every issue. He plays the role that tribal customs and traditions require of him, even if he knows it is a lost cause. That is why members of the tribe are united in both times of joy and hardship. I remember a story of tribal loy-

In any case, loyalty to the tribe still exists in the hearts and minds

If we change the traditional view of the tribe, we can win them over and build our homeland. If we put our minds to it, we can utilize the tribal values and rigorous systems to build the state, maintain order, and implement the law.

To this end a campaign titled “Homeland is One Tribe” should be run. In this campaign the focus should be kept on positive tribal aspects, linking them with legal regulations already in effect. All tribal imperfections that are ignored by the tribe should also be diagnosed and linked with legal

regulations. Under this concept, contradicting laws should be put up for discussion, advocacy and hopefully a general consensus. I do not think that building a modern Yemeni state is possible unless tribes side with law and order. So, the campaign should begin with the Yemeni sheiks and senior social figures of tribes. Once tribesmen feel that law and order is part of tribalism, they will reject all security disorders and those who hinder development will be punished. The Yemeni tribe will become the focal point for a state of law and order.

National Yemen

Community

Sunday, Aug 22, 2010 Issue 12 www.nationalyemen.com

Ramadan Traditions in Arab & Muslims Countries living in Yemen ( Part II ) Jihan anwar In the second week of Ramadan, National Yemen newspaper wishes to introduce readers to four more members of the Muslim community, all of whom have different experiences during the holy month in their home countries. Every individual is uniquely enriched by the Ramadan spirit, yet all are united by their common Muslim identity. Sharing food, visiting friends and family, and having Iftar are all major phenomena during Ramadan. Ramadan is celebrated quite uniquely in rural areas, beginning with the 21st, the Qadr Night- Night of Power. For the occasion the courtyards are fully illuminated with kerosene lamps, while the home lights are turned off, to symbolically greet the blessed night creating a special panorama in the darkness of the night for anyone who strolls by the alleyways. Abdul-Salam Othman Malaysian Ambassador

Worshiping God by fasting should not prevent us from working since less fortunate people have to do the same thing in order to earn their salary. We are required to fast to experience what our unfortunate brothers go through and by doing so we hope that we will be able to become more generous. After the sunset, Malaysians fulfill their obligations to God by

praying and reciting the Qur’an. Following the Taraweeh prayer, people carry on their normal activities and sleep early since the next day their duties will resume at the normal time. A typical Malaysian tradition is the Ramadan Bazaar, which can be found at every corner of the city and attract tourists with famous culinary specialties. In Malaysia only 55% of the population is Muslim, which might create an opportunity for temptation, but it definitely strengthens the self-control of the individual. Fortunately, other religious groups respect our fasting, and actually attend the frequent Ramadan buffets organized by hotels for the Iftar. Activities organized by government or philanthropists ensure that the needy and orphans are taken care of. There is also a special system for collecting the obligatory Zakat for the poor, which involves the tax collector visiting every house and Zakat collection counters placed at every major site in the city.

Alisha Burns-Sudent This is my third Ramadan and I’m glad I had the chance to spend it in Yemen. In New Hampshire, America, it’s definitely not the same experience. It’s difficult to undercover the

Rashad Farraj Al-Tayeb Minister Plenipotentiary I’d like to thank National Ye-

Malaysian Muslims are enthusiast about the arrival of Ramadan and greet this eagerly waited for month joyously. Although our religious celebration does not prevent us from maintaining our regular life or our normal schedules, exceptions are made for closing times (of shops, businesses, etc) especially for ladies who work and have to return home earlier to prepare for the Iftar.

ity. It is an occasion to master your behavior, renovate your spirituality, dedicate ourself to useful and pious actions, and avoid wasting precious time.

Khalfan Al Kendi Manager of UAE Red Crescent to Yeme

men and salute all Yemenis and Muslims around the world in recognition of the arrival of the Holy Month of Ramadan. The population of Sudan is around 40 million people, of which 80% are Muslims who prepare themselves for the Ramadan long in advance. A custom in Sudan is the firing of the traditional cannon at the Maghreeb prayer to announce the fast breaking. Typical dishes are Aseeda and Mulah, while Abree is the popular beverage because it is refreshing. One of the important characteristics of Ramadans is that the breaking of the fast is always performed in groups (not necessarily restricted to family members). It is not uncommon to witness Sudanese Muslims preparing for the sunset while entertaining themselves with worship or interacting with other citizens. In rural areas Muslims often stop travelers during the Maghreeb time and offer to share their meal with them. As part of charitable activities tents are erected to provide food for the less fortunate, and people visit often forgotten places, like female prisons. Despite the high temperatures in Sudan, working hours remain basically the same, with people actually leaving the work usually later.. Allah has not ordered us to do anything except that it’s beneficial for us either directly or in the long run. Often we are blind and unaware of the wisdom behind every mandate, yet we resolve to obey our Creator. In regards to fasting, scientific research shows that periods of abstinence from eating and drinking benefits our physical and mental health. The month of Ramadan teaches us many values, including selfcontrol, patience, and generos-

There’s no month that can be compared to Ramadan, even the weather seems to change and every Muslim senses a difference. Its principal importance is religious and we impatiently look forward for the occasion. The Ramadan is a festivity that brings together people in the

UAE, and is spent not only with family, but also with the whole district. For example, different culinary specialties are exchanged between families from the entire neighborhoods. We practice this custom in Yemen with families from the Emirates embassy, but we miss “Harees”, a type of food we are careful to include in the Iftar menu after the dates. Visits between friends and family, which often last until four in the morning, are almost a must. Even government offices remain open till midnight to provide services to the citizens. In the Emirates there are no less then 4-5 tents in every city, in which Muslims can break their fast. In Yemen we plan to distribute basic goods (such as sugar, wheat, salt, oil and flour) to disadvantaged families, in collaboration with local organizations in Sana’a and almost all the other governorates. We also plan to feed 5,143 refuges in the Haradh camps. I noticed that Ramadan is similar to ordinary Fridays, in the sense that a multitude of people fill the mosques, everyone is more aware of the rewards of good deeds, and people repent for previous faults; even before the start of Ramadan it not unusual to reach out to other Muslims and strengthen our ties, even if there has been no serious quarrel in the past.

beauty and sanctity of this month living in a non-Muslim community. Working and studying hours remain exactly the same and often no one knows that I am fasting. When friends or colleagues invite me to eat or drink, I try to

excuse myself politely without providing a detailed reason. I do know a group of Muslims though with which I attend the Taraweeh prayer. My family questioned at length my conversion, but in the end they accepted my choice. As a former Christian I found myself disagreeing with several parts of the doctrine, and no one was able to give me clear answers. Then I started searching for answers in different religions, from Judaism, to Hinduism and Buddhism, but Islam was the one who convinced me; it simply means peace. I was captured by its simplicity, the scientific evidences supporting it and the lives of great Muslim women

like Khadija impressed me.

‘

One of the important characteristics of Ramadans is that the breaking of the fast is always performed in groups (not necessarily restricted to family members). It is not uncommon to witness Sudanese Muslims preparing for the sunset while entertaining themselves with worship or interacting with other citizens.

Sunday, Aug 22, 2010 Issue 12 www.nationalyemen.com

National Yemen

REPORT

Children: Never the Cause, Always the Victims The conflict in Northern Yemen continues to challenge the already unstable situation in the country, but this time it not only undermines the current stability of the country but it endangers and destroys the future; the children. An interview with George Abu Al Zulof, a Child Protection Specialist from the Unicef Program ‘Justice to Children’, briefed National Yemen on the recently published conflict area child report. “Around 10% testified their children have been subjected to detention, and even if not with the intention of depriving them from liberty, some families admitted forcing their children to stay at home for fear that tribal militias will recruit them.

UNICEF and the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour jointly released the First InterAgency Comprehensive Child Protection Assessment Report in Conflict Affected Areas. The assessment included shocking data regarding the psychological impact of the war on children who have been subjected to an impressive number of risks. Children have been separated from their caregivers, killed, injured, displaced, detained, recruited and abducted. “Around 8% of the internally displaced peoples (IDPs) and their affected families reported that one of their children has been killed and 10% reported them to be injured, while 7% witnessed someone being killed around them, either a relative or not,” states Abu Al-Zulof.

The occurrence of domestic violence stands at 65%, physical abuse at 33% and missing cases (children in unknown conditions due to a total absence of data) at 2% according to the UNICEF report”, he further says. The child condition is even more precarious if we take into account that his caregivers are often unable to provide for themselves because the low literacy rates lead to unemployment and poverty. The assessment also highlighted other perturbing information. Approximately 26% of children have encountered either an emotionally or psychologically difficult experience due to the displacement; 52% revealed anxiety problems; 38% showed deep sadness and frustration; 37% felt anger and hatred; 30% admitted of having lost all hope; 34% lamented sleeping problem while 21% reported frequent nightmares. Data confirmed the presence of child soldiers fighting for both

sides of the war, with 15% within the Houthis lines and 20% in the pro-government tribes army. These records clearly point to an emergency that is in dire need of a solution. Illustrating the work of Child Protection, Abu Al Zulof explains that the program focuses on several components, consisting principally of child trafficking, violence against children, juvenile justice and harmful traditional practices such as forced or early child marriage and female genital mutilation. When an emergency situation arises, either man made or a natural, a rapid assessment is carried out so as to understand the nature of the emergency, and deliver immediate support to the children and the community. The second phase is a quick an efficient monitoring system, in which every child protection field worker investigates complaints (or possible complaints) related to child security. The third step involves advocacy within all relative agencies and sites to ensure that minors are safeguarded. UN agencies are monitoring the Sa’ada conflict, where presently 350,000 IDPs have been registered, of which 60% are under 18. This means that in a con-

flict area of 11,000 square km (inhabited by at least 800.000 people), 400 to 500 thousand youths are affected. “ Our main intervention as Unicef is to reduce the impact of the war on the psychosocial welfare, mental health and physical wellbeing of children. Furthermore it is our aim to promote respect for their dignity and rights,” affirms Abu Al Zulof. Basic service assistance is a top priority for the agency, which plans to secure health care, shelter, proper nutrition, education and water and sanitation services to children and their family in the IDP communities. These services are not directly offered by the Child Protection Program but by other humanitarian agencies within the UN.

Every agency has its own mandate and local organization such as the Islamic Relief, Al-Saleh Foundation, and the Charitable Society for Social Welfare, cooperate with International agencies for the development of the country. The Child Protection Program does not supply medical care except in specific cases. The philosophy of the program is to target communities using a social approach. Activities are planned to enhance a sense of normality in the children’s lives and their communities.

help combat the effects of war on children. IDPs have the chance to alleviate their sufferings by participating in sport competitions, plays, radio programs and art classes.

‘

Unicef and the Social Affairs Ministry, along with other field partners, organize creative activities to help the IDPs relieve the stress. Studies have proven that actives that relieve stress, such as singing, playing, shouting, talking, dancing and sports,

On Saturday 21 August 2010, the first meeting for Child Protection Strategy for Working Group was held in Haradh. The UNICEF Assesment Report will be the reference for the development of the strategies.

gramme between UNICEF and the Government of Yemen is due for re-negotiation next year. In the last five years it has focused on enhancing child survival and development, basic education and gender equality. Plans are underway for a strategic review and shift of the country programme in line with emerging priorities for children and the Millennium Develop-

ment Goals for the new 2012 – 2015 country programme. During his visit, the Humanitarian Ambassador met with various officials, including Minister Ahmed Al- Kohlani, the head of the Executive Unit for IDP camps operations and Dr Amat Razzaq Hummad, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour as well as other counterparts working with UNICEF

UK Ambassador Martin Bell returns to Yemen Sana’a, August 16, 2010 – UNICEF has strongly called on parties on both sides of the border of Sa’ada for an immediate and sustained peace agreement to provide unrestricted access by humanitarian organisations to children caught in the crossfire. The call was made hours after a UNICEF convoy carrying UNICEF UK Humanitarian Ambassador, Martin Bell, could not enter Malaheet in Sa’ada Governorate. Geert Cappalaere, UNICEF’s Representative in Yemen says that lack of access to the innocent victims of a conflict cannot be allowed to continue and needs to be addressed in order to save the lives of thousands of children.

“UNICEF works in conflicts all around the world and if there is one lesson that we have learnt is that children are never responsible for wars but they are the biggest victims. Yemen is no exception as 60% of people displaced by the conflict in Sa’ada are children deprived of their basic right to health, education and protection. This is wrong and we need to put it right,” said Mr Cappalaere. Martin Bell, a former war correspondent and UK parliamentarian was in Yemen to get a better understanding of the plight that children face. He travelled almost 2,000 kilometres in six days to four governorates to see how UNICEF is supporting the Government of Yemen to im-

prove the lives of the country’s children. Mr Bell said: “The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is acute even by the standards of other countries that I have visited in conflict or post-conflict situations. I have been impressed by the work being done by aid agencies and by the Yemeni people themselves. But much more has to be done, especially to meet the rights of the children who are the country’s future. On my return to the UK I shall do what I can to raise awareness of the crisis. It is time for a concerted effort to help these children, who have suffered too much already.” The Humanitarian Ambassador, who has travelled to some of the most dangerous places cham-

pioning the cause of children, has visited many areas in Yemen. Among them were camps for internally displaced persons in the north, refugee camps in the south and a general prison in Hodeidah where children are kept. UNICEF, which relies on voluntary donations to fund it emergency operations, has appealed for US$ 19 million but has a severe shortfall in funding. UNICEF, the world’s largest children organisation, has been operating in Yemen for over 40 years supporting long term programmes to improve the lives of the country’s 12 million children. The

current

five-year

pro-

UNICEF Launching a new-water scheme serving both IDPs and hosting communities in Haradh, north-western Yemen HARADH, August 14, 2010 – The people of Haradh District, in the governorate of Hajjah in northwest Yemen, celebrated today the inauguration of the new Al-Masraq Water Scheme, supported by UNICEF. The new water scheme is designed to meet the demands for access to safe drinking water by internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in camps and scattered settlements in the district. Hajjah governorate has received the majority of the 320,000 people displaced by the conflict in the neighbouring governorate of Sa’ada. Sixty percent of those displaced are children.

In total, the new system will provide at least 30,000 beneficiaries in two IDPs camps and surrounding hosting communities with better access to safe drinking water. This project has also opened the way for the General Authority of Rural Water Projects (GARWP) to connect some 18 villages in the area with drinking water using the same network. Many of those villages have been waiting for such measures for over twenty years. The inauguration took place at the Om Al-Gussom pumping station, which is one of the two pumping stations serving the system. It was attended by

Mr Ameen Al-Qodami, Deputy Governor of Hajjah, and other local officials as well as representatives from the Executive Unit for IDPs, GARWP and other implementing partners. The event coincided with the Haradh visit of Mr Martin Bell, UNICEF UK Humanitarian Ambassador, and Mr Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Representative in Yemen, who were also present at the ceremony. In his address, Geert Cappelaere said: “This water project demonstrates how an emergency can be turned into opportunity for a country like Yemen, which struggles with major wa-

ter shortages. This water project will indeed benefit both IDPs and hosting communities and hopefully UNICEF will soon be able to extend our support to areas that are currently not accessible.” Martin Bell said in his address: “I have come a long way and it has been a pleasure to see what UNICEF and its partners are able to do for the IDPs and host communities of this governorate. The new water project will make an incredible difference and I am proud to be here.”

ter collection point turned on so the sparkling fresh water could stream through.

The highlight of the event was when the pumping engine was activated and the taps of the wa-

Ameen Al-Qodami, Deputy Governor of Hajjah, said after the ceremony: “I am very happy

about this important milestone. I want to express my gratitude to UNICEF for its support. Hopefully, it will continue helping both IDPs and host communities in Hajjah.”

National Yemen

INTERVIEW

Sunday, Aug 22, 2010 Issue 12 www.nationalyemen.com

“Three zones in Aden, Hodeidah and Lahj were offered to investors for development and operation with the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) system. Mr. Yahya al-Mutawakil, Minister of Trade and Industry (MTI) said that the ministry has been closely monitoring the supply and price situation through its central operations room and its branches in all governorates. It will not allow any unjustified price rises, and will penalize violators and monopolists as per the powers granted to it under current laws, regulations and resolutions. In an interview, the minister pointed to the collaboration between the ministry and the local authorities in controlling markets and illegal trade practices. There are regulations and standards in place for establishing and operating commercial stores, especially ones that sell food. Regulations include compliance with health and security requirements and at least minimal precautions to protect consumers’ rights.

Yahya al-Mutawakil

Faoud al-Kadi operation with the relevant authorities and international institutions, is currently concluding the national strategy for food security, which it will soon submit to the cabinet for approval. The strategy will be a comprehensive national framework to deal with the issue of food security from many different angles (procedural, legislative, structural, financial and investment). It will enhance the cooperation of all parties and strengthen the commitment to the issue of food security. He said, “This strategy will deal with the issue of food security as one of the main challenges and issues facing the Government. The effects of this global food crisis and the ensuing global financial crisis have clearly made the state and government reconsider a number of policies related to food security. These global developments have had an especially hard impact on Yemen, which almost entirely depends on imports for basic food commodities.” The minister also addressed the current negotiations regarding the requirements of Yemen’s entrance into the WTO. He expressed his satisfaction with the steps that have been made in the negotiations and agreement with the WTO, and Yemen is on schedule to become a by the end of this year. He said that the progress made by Yemen reflects the country’s and the government’s credibility and seriousness.

equal competition in the local or foreign markets. However, articles in various WTO agreements give the least developed countries, including Yemen, transitional stages through which they can adapt to the conditions of international competition. Dr. Al-Mutawakil said that Yemen’s openness to the current market economy and its entrance into the WTO does not affect the private sector or national industries. The competition will be strong and only the best will survive. “ MTI has made a draft resolution for the protection of national products, in order to absorb the effects of dumping the market, which could be harmful when Yemen joins the WTO. We have notified the WTO members of the draft resolution.” According to the findings of the 2009 World Bank report on business activity, Yemen ranks first in the reforms to starting up business activity. This success is the product of the actions taken by the MTI to facilitating the establishment of trade activities. It is also due to the MTI’s introduction of the single window system, and amendments related to the practice of commercial activities. These actions were based on the results of a survey taken by the ministry in cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

“The package includes 6 draft laws and 11 draft ministerial decisions, all of which have concentrated on bridging the gap in the legislative system required for joining the WTO; taking into account preserving of intellectual property.”

“The Ministry has also abolished the requirement of minimum capital as a condition for the establishment of limited liability companies, which was up to three million riyals. It has also issued a guide to action services of the ministry. It began to automate some of the actions and trade registration. It has also concluded memorandums of understanding with government and relevant non- government agencies to complete the commercial registration procedures through the single window system,” he said.

The minister said that private sector’s concerns about joining the WTO are legitimate. The Yemeni private sector economy is still in the early stages of growth, particularly the industrial sector, which is thought to have difficulty standing on an

The minister said that the government efforts to improve the investment climate and business environment have improved Yemen’s status in a number of international reports. He reiterated the government’s keenness to ensure the sustainability of

He pointed to legislation that the Government recently referred to the House of Representatives, which will speed up the measures taken by Yemen to join the WTO.

reforms, which would help attract local, Arab and foreign investments and boost overall development. Dr. Al-Mutawakil reviewed MTI’s achievements in accelerating the steps needed to establish 11 industrial zones in several important Yemeni cities. These zones will enable local, Arab and foreign investors to have an easy access to land and services. They also, as part of the Ministry’s plans to encourage industrial investment, create new incentives that will shorten process of establishing

The ministry has carried out projects aimed at minimizing the time and cost required to start a business, and encouraging new businesses for locals and foreigners through cooperation with a number of international donor organizations. This contributed to the improvement of the working environment in particular and also the investment climate, These projects were within the framework of the Government’s plans for the development of its economic structure and modernization of the management system.

investment projects. “Three zones in Aden, Hodeidah and Lahj were offered to investors for development and operation with the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) system. We have recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Mena for Touristic and Real Estate Investment (an Egyptian firm) to develop and operate the industrial zone in Aden, which consists of 196 hectares,” he added. “Last may The Chamber of

Commerce and Industry in Hodeidah launched a joint-stock company to develop, invest and operate the core of the industrial zone in the province with (BOT)”. In addition to these two models, the ministry has set a number of possible alternatives for the development of industrial zones, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Foundation of Private Sector Financing (an affiliate of the Islamic Development Bank)

for cooperation in planning and promoting the development of specialized industrial and economic zones in Yemen. It has also financed specific phases of development for projects of border industrial, economic areas and complexes within the government’s annual development program. The ministry has also encouraged investors to establish their own industrial projects in those areas and complexes.

Sunday, Aug 22, 2010 Issue 12 www.nationalyemen.com

BUSINESS

200 Commercial Violations in the Past Two Weeks The Yemen Standardization, Metrology and Quality Control Organization (YSMQCO) uncovered more than 200 trade violations during the past few days, said the director. He said that the violations were as follows: low weight of certain commodities (particularly rice, sugar, and dates), and a lack of explanation labels and expiry dates on some goods that have been confiscated.

National Yemen number of shipments for violating sanctioned specifications and seized others pending a review to ensure safety and conformity. These products include packed Saudi dates, Chinese garlic, ketchup, ginger, oils, powders, drinks, wafers, some canned food, etc.

Photo Mohammed Anees

He said that the actions taken by the organization are accompanied by an awareness campaign. The organization has printed more than 30,000 brochures and posters aimed at consumers, traders, importers and authorities at other offices, civil society organizations and the private sector.

He added that a number of stores have been cited for not complying with rules of dis-

playing and storing. They did not abide by the proper health or production codes, which could

result in contamination of these goods.

Through its offices in the customs routes, the organization has, in the past week, stopped a

The organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general manager said that this campaign is being carried out during the holy month of Ramadan, because this is a season where many goods are exchanged and sold in the market. He warned traders against taking advantage of this occasion to promote and market fake, counterfeit or altered products. He emphasized that unhealthy methods of exhibition and storage, like selling on sidewalks, streets, traffic circles, displaying goods outside stores and exposing them to the sun and heat, are widely practiced. These methods make goods vulnerable to pollution and expiration, which leads to damage and danger to the health and safety of consumers. Among the products that pose a risk to public safety are packed dates, powder drinks, creams, flour, household items, plastic bags and electrical

appliances. The director called upon all citizens, relevant authorities and civil society organizations to cooperate and double-check any products that are questionable or which may be counterfeit or smuggled. These good are often sold on the street, at roundabouts and on sidewalks. The organization asked various media outlet to help educate the public about those goods that violate the specifications and standards, and make clear the adverse effects of consuming such products. The organization also asked the private sector to cooperate in detecting traders, importers and producers who do not comply with controls and standards when importing, producing, marketing or selling. During the past two months, the YSMQCO, in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works, has carried out a field search of various importers, dealers and retailers of the rebar used in concrete. Samples were taken for testing, and the results showed 56 violations out of 78 samples. They have been referred to the prosecution so that legal action can be taken The director stressed that the YSMQCO will, in collaboration with the proper authorities, prosecute and blacklist all traders who violate product specifications.

Falling Fish Prices Force Store Closures Al-Bilaily Market is the most famous fish market in Sanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a. It is frequented by hundreds of citizens, and its daily transactions are estimated at about one million riyals. Most days the Central Market

opens early in the morning, however, this routine changes during he holy month of Ramadan. With the arrival of Ramadan this year, there has been decline in the demand for fish (despite the low prices and

availability of all kinds of fish), which has nearly paralyzed the market. Fish prices dropped 30-40 percent below normal, especially on the first and second days of Ramadan. According to Mo-

hammed, an employee in the market, the decline in fish prices during Ramadan each year is common because during the first week people eat more chicken and meat. Owners confirmed that the low prices range

from 700 to 1200 riyals per kilo. The low local demand for fish has forced many storeowners to close down during Ramadan. This strategy is meant to avoid any loss they might suffer during Ramadan, especially with

the frequent power cutoffs and their inability to provide electricity for storage containers; not to mention improper storage during transportation between provinces, which causes considerable damage to frozen fish.

National Yemen

SPORT

Sunday, Aug 22, 2010 Issue 12 www.nationalyemen.com

Conclusion of President’s Cup for Tennis After the outcry over the sacking of the Secretary-General of the Federation of Tennis, the return of Nabil al-Mahdi revitalized the game. The President’s Cup Tournament recently concluded competition in all age groups. The tournament was organized by the Yemen Federation of Tennis and Squash and included 120 players representing 6 governorates: Sana’a, Taiz, Aden, Hadramout, Dhamar and Al-Mahweet. At the end of the tournament, Hammoud Obad, Minister of Youth and Sports, Abdul-Hamid al-Saidi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Sports Sector, Mohamed Al-Ahjori, Secretary General of the Yemeni Olympic Committee, Ali Taha, General Executive Manager of the Fund, and members of the Yemeni Tennis Federation honored the winners as follows: Excellence Category: 1. Mohammed Saif (Aden)

2. Mo’men Hassan (Aden) 3. Ahmed Seif (Aden) Youth: 1. Mo’men Hassan (Aden) 2. Ghassan al-Ansi (Sana’a) 3. Hussein Hasan (Aden) Juniors: 1. Ghassan al-Ansi (Sana’a) 2. Ahmed Al-Shawafi (Sana’a) 3. Amr Al-Ra’wi (Taiz) Children: 1. Aziz Mohammed Sharaf (Aden) 2. Fahmi Abdul Rakib AlWard (Sana’a) 3. Manei’ Al-Maqaleh (Sana’a) Girls: 1. Shaimaa Ali Al-Olofi (Sana’a) 2. Ayat Tahir (Aden) 3. Buthaina Al-Olofi (Sana’a)

Gulf 20 is Officially in Yemen Dubai / Jassim Mirza Sources close to the UAE Football Association Committee said that leaders in the Arab Emirates and Qatar Associations offered to mediate the disagreement between the Yemeni and Kuwaiti associations in regards to the Gulf 20. The predicament came about because Yemen insisted that is it has to right to draw lots for the tournament in Aden on August 22nd. This argument is based on the regulations of the Arabian Gulf Cup, which state that the drawing of lots takes place in the host country one hundred days before the tour-

nament. Kuwait considers this a challenge to the decision by the Board of Trustees of the Gulf Football Associations, which is still deciding whether to relocate the tournament. In the mean time, they had planned on drawing lots at their meeting in Kuwait, which was set to take place at the same time that Yemen draws lots. Sport analysts stressed that the decision of the Board of Trustees pleased Kuwait, whose football association, together with Bahrain, opposes Yemen’s

Yemen Appeals International Federation of Weightlifting (IFW) Penalties Exclusive Dr. Abdullah Al-Jarmal, Chairman of the Yemeni Weight Lifting Federation, said that the IFW penalty of a two-year ban and a two thousand dollar fine has not been officially approved because Yemen is challenging the decision. He said that there was certainly a conspiracy by some employees at the IFW against Yemen to deprive it of new achieve-

ments. He said that the conspiracy prompted the honest members of the IFW to postpone the sanctions. The decision will be postponed until the meeting of IFW Board of Directors next month in Turkey. Jarmal has called on the Yemeni press to support the Yemeni Weight Lifting Federation, especially National Yemen newspaper, as it is the only Englishlanguage newspaper with a sports page and a website.

hosting of Gulf 20. Kuwait and Bahrain have recently won the support of Saudi Arabia, who had previously supported Yemen. Latest reports confirm that the Qatari-UAE mediation has successfully contained the crisis and delayed the Kuwait meeting. This means that Gulf 20 will officially be held in Yemen. This agreement comes after the Yemeni government assured the Board of Trustees that they will protect the participating delegations and a Gulf States committee report confirmed Yemen’s readiness.

Sana’a Orphans Save Summer Centers Exclusive There has been controversy over the efficiency of the summer centers, on which the state has spent more than 600 million riyals in less than ten days. This spending has led to a war of words between many ministers, particularly the Minister of State and the Secretary of the capital, Mr. Abdul Rahman AlAkwa, who predicted the summer centers’ failure for the third time in three years. The summer center at the or-

Al Lawzi urges good media coverage as 20th Gulf Cup lots drawing nears ADEN, Aug. 20 (Saba) – Information Minister Hassan al Lawzi urged on Friday the media to make the coverage of the Gulf Cup 20 a success, two days ahead of the drawing of lots for the cup.

Abayn Provinces.

He underlined the sport event that Yemen will host for the first time, saying Yemen shoulders a big responsibility towards making it a success. The championship will take place later this year in Aden and

For his part, head of the Yemeni Football Association Hamid Shaibani said all arrangements for drawing the lots of the championship have been completed according to world conditions and standards.

Al Lawzi also pointed to the media coverage of the cup, saying the Abu Dhabi Sports Channel won the concession to covere it.

phanage in Sana’a, led by Mr. Mohammad Al-Asadi and Captain Naji Al-Rayashi, has achieved success for the Suhail team against the Royal Sana’a Team, in a match that ended in a tie. In the football tournament for youth that was concluded last week, Suhail also lost the junior championship against Al-Qassam Team. The closing ceremony was attended by: Mr. Hassan Ali Al Khawlani, Consultant of the Ministry of Youth

and Sports; Abdullah Obaid, General Manager of the Ministry’s Office and Chairman of Technical Committee of the Summer Centers in the capital secretariat; Captain Abdul Sattar Al Hamdani, National Director of the Yemeni Special Olympics; Mr. Mohammed Ali Al-Shami, Principal the Orphanage School in Sana’a and Mr. Nabil Al Shami, Director of Sports Activities in Al-Sab’een Educational District.

Yemeni village discovers climbing craze

Under the watchful and expert eye of two young rock-climbing enthusiasts, the 30 villagers just wanted more, and so The Yemen Adventure Club was born. The 100-metre drop off a cliff-edge dominated by the spectacular Dar Al Hajjar fortress atop was not enough to deter an entire Yemeni village from donning harnesses — after learning what they were — and just abseiling down. All of them were first-timers.

But under the watchful and expert eye of two young rockclimbing enthusiasts, the 30 villagers just wanted more, and so The Yemen Adventure Club was born. Starting an extreme sports club in Yemen today might sound like madness and in 2007 the odds weren’t much bett

The Ministry Calls on the National Football Association to Submit Financial Reports * Exclusive In confirmation of the National Yemen newspaper report, about the refusal of the financial manager of Yemen Football Association (YFA) to submit financial reports (accounting for 950 million riyals), a ministerial committee was formed. This is despite the new manager’s claim that there was only 600 million riyal to begin with. National Yemen learned from sources that the YFA did not cooperate with the ministerial committee and formed a its own committee chaired by its Secretary General, Dr. Hamid Sheibani. This forced the MYS and the Welfare Fund for Youth and Sports to issue a memorandum demanding that the YFA cooperate with the ministerial committee in order to avoid prosecution. It is worth mentioning that sources say that that the YFA, whose debts amount to a billion riyals to CAC Bank, is considering opening a new account at another bank in order to avoid the debit.

Sunday, Aug 22, 2010 Issue 12 www.nationalyemen.com

TOURISM

National Yemen

Jiblah is a City with a Powerful History Jiblah is a small town with a big history. From 1064 to 1138 the region was ruled by the Sulayhids, a dynasty founded by ‘Ali as-Sulayhi. This dynasty controlled a large area of Yemen, and ruled some of the time from Sana’a and some of the time from Jiblah. They were Ishmailis from the Tayyibiya branch of the Fatimid Ishmailism (or ‘Sevener Shia’).

Jiblah has preserved traditional features of its skilful architecture. Tall, five-story stone houses are arranged in harmonious rows on the hill and seem to interconnect with each other. The numerous windows are large and are surrounded by friezes with motifs in white gypsum. The history of the city really started in the 11th century, when queen Arwa ruled for 52 years. The Sulayhid Queen transformed this area into a rich and fertile land. She did this by spending much of the annual revenue on the improvement of communications, roads and agricultural land (the terraces around Jiblah).

This exceptionally intelligent woman also started the construction of a series of important religious buildings. She managed to make Jibla the capital of Yemen, and she introduced other ideas as well. Some of

these concepts, like terraced agriculture, are still used today. The town is relatively rich, has elaborate stone towers, views of the valley, and lots of children to run after you and accompany

you. The main attractions are the mosques; notably the Queen Arwa mosque, and the Qubbat Bayt az-Zum mosque. Jiblah lies on a large outcrop of basalt, and is the perfect ex-

ample of a homogenous town. It is built on a supporting wall and bordered by the ravines of two small wadis which join together just outside the town. The lush vegetation along the edges of the wadis and the val-

ley bottoms consist of acacias, eucalyptus, carob trees and cacti. This area has plenty of rain from June through September.

National Yemen

Sunday, Aug 22, 2010 Issue 12 www.nationalyemen.com

Sunday, Aug 22 , 2010 Issue 12 www.nationalyemen.com

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National Yemen