National Yemen - Issue 21

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The Facts As They Are

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Trial of the French Killer

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Mexico Opens Consulate in Yemen

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Yemen to Divert 35 LNG Shipments

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West needs to remain ‹level-headed›

CONGRATULATIONS on the Occasion of Eid Al-Adha Al-Mubarak

Cargo security failings

Eid Animal Sacrifices Witness a Slighter Fall than Last Year

Recent events appear to demonstrate AQAP’s ability to identify and target security vulnerabilities. Having failed to execute an attack using a passenger-borne device at the end of 2009, the group looks to have to switched to a more exposed target.

Weaknesses in air freight security have been highlighted repeatedly by security experts and academics since 9/11 without achieving significant change to international standards. The volume and scale of air cargo worldwide is so vast,

that there is significant resistance from carriers and end users to screening every package at an airport. By comparison, security checks for passenger aircraft and luggage are much stricter. There is no universal mechanism for screening freight cargo, with some countries relying purely on sniffer dogs. The fact that the packages were sent from Yemen to a Jewish organisation indicates that very little scrutiny was given to individual packages, and that the ‹risk-based approach› favoured in the Chicago Convention is not evenly applied.

A continued threat from Yemen NY Staff In the coming days, Western governments will enact further security measures in an attempt to contain the threat to aviation from Al-Qaeda affiliates. But AQAP’s relatively unfettered existence in Yemen continues to pose a international threat. It seems that the group currently lacks the resources to maintain any significant tempo for international operations. It has carried out two attacks in 10 months, both of which are sophisticated and ambitious, but relatively small scale in their execution. It is improbably that it will rapidly develop the capabilities to increase the frequency of attacks of this sort. But AQAP evidently does have the means to be creative and to seek out weak links in security

measures in pursuit of a spectacular attack.

For now, intelligence has succeeded where security failed. That will not always be the case. It is certain that AQAP will continue to push at the door while it seeks to build capability inside Western nations.

It is likely the group’s innovations will eventually produce a successful large attack against a Western target. That will probably occur in the Gulf region than elsewhere, but the group’s proven preoccupation with aviation, and its developing expertise in deploying concealed high explosives, suggests that its horizons remain firmly international

Trial of U.S. citizen in Yemen delayed Source: Reuters SANAA, Nov 10 (Reuters) Yemen delayed the trial on Wednesday of a U.S. citizen accused of killing a guard while trying to escape from a hospital where he was being held after being arrested as a terrorism suspect.

Sharif Mobley’s trial was postponed over the absence of a qualified English translator to explain the charges against him, his lawyer Mohammed Alaw said. The trial will now

Photo Howais

NY Staff

Expectations of a Reduction in Local Animal Wealth Due to the Spread of Screw-Worm Fly

A number of goat raisers expected that the Eid Al-Adha this year will witness a drop in the quantity of the local animal wealth due to the spread of the screw-worm fly (also known as myiasis) in a number of the republic’s provinces. This disease has been recently detected in the Al-Qafr, Al-Udain, Hazm Al-Udain, Far’ Al-Udain, Hubaish, Dhi Al-Sufal, Ibb and Al-Sayyani directorates.

Saudi Arabia vows help to Yemen in fighting Al-Qaeda ASSOCIATED PRESS MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia pledged on Wednesday to give Yemen whatever help it needed to fight Al-Qaeda after the militant group claimed responsibility for a recently foiled bomb plot, which Riyadh helped uncover.

Late last month, authorities in Dubai and Britain intercepted two bombs hidden in toner cartridges destined for the United States from Yemen via FedEx and United Parcel Service, after a tip-off from Saudi Arabia.

The Al-Qaeda affiliate based in Yemen, plagued by armed disorder, claimed responsibility for the attempt.

“The security situation in Yemen is as important to us as the security situation in the king-

dom,” the Saudi interior minister, Prince Naif ibn Abdulaziz, told reporters in Islam’s holiest city Makkah where millions of Muslims flock to the annual pilgrimage, or haj, next week.

In the first remarks on the matter made by a top security official from the US ally, Nayef said security cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Yemen was at the best possible level and that the kingdom would help its impoverished neighbor.

Although the parcels were posted in Yemen, the kingdom drew the spotlight because US officials believe Saudi national Ibrahim Hassan Al-Asiri, 28, is a central suspect in the plot.

Believed by Saudi intelligence to be hiding in Yemen,

Asiri is one of many Saudis who play a significant role in Al-Qaeda, founded by former Saudi citizen Osama Bin Laden.

Asiri is one of many Saudi nationals who fled to the kingdom’s poorer neighbor after Riyadh cracked down hard on AlQaeda and its sympathisers at home.

“We help (Yemen) with all capabilities of the kingdom...

We are with them without any hesitation,” Nayef said.

But just as Islamist militants have been impossible to contain as they spread across the Afghanistan and Pakistan border, helped by shared tribal identities and common religious traditions, Saudi Arabia faces a

similar problem in Yemen.

After the bombs were found, US authorities quickly banned cargo shipments from Yemen and now are zeroing in on toner cartridges as the newest method of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to launch attacks against the United States.

Asked whether Al-Qaeda or other militants might stage attacks during the haj or try to infiltrate fighters from Yemen, Nayef said: “We cannot rule out any operation but we are ready to foil it.” Saudi Arabia is worried about infiltration over the 1,500 km-(900-mile)-long Yemeni border, notorious for smuggling.

Yemen determined to complete requirements for joining WTO by 2010 NY Staff

start on Nov. 21.

Mobley, a former worker at a nuclear power plant in New Jersey, was among 11 suspects arrested in the Yemeni capital in early March.

He has been accused of killing a guard and wounding seven other people as he tried to shoot his way out of a hospital where he was being treated after his arrest.

SANA’A, Nov.10(Saba)Minister Industry and Trade Yahya al-Mutawakil confirmed on Wednesday that Yemen is determined to complete requirements of accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by end of this year.

This came after signing a bilateral agreement between Yemen and Honduras within the completion of requirements for Yemen’s accession to the WTO.

This agreement is the seventh one after signing similar agreements with European Union countries, China, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, in addition to the initial agreement with the United States of America.

Al-Mutawakil, Head of the National Committee which prepares and negotiates with the WTO, considers what has been achieved by Yemen at the level

of bilateral and multiple negations as a real indication on the progress made towards the accession according to the schedule agreed upon with the organization.

“At the level of bilateral negotiations, Yemen still has to negotiate with only two states, Ukraine and El Salvador, and there are significant efforts to complete these negotiations and sign bilateral agreements with

the two countries during the coming period”, said al-Mutawakil.

He noted in a statement to Saba of Yemen’s commitment to its obligations in the legislative aspects through the package of legislation approved by the government and referred to the Parliament, which in turn Continued on Page ( 3 )

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CONGRATULATIONS

National Yemen

National Yemen

LOCAL

Partnering for a Stable Yemen

Fakhri al-Arashi Publisher & Chief Editor

There is no doubt that the entire world currently faces a variety of challenges and each country has its unique challenge whether it is security, economy, illiteracy, health or many other things. As a developing country Yemen is in the womb of challenges that are typical to this nation as well as ones brought from the external environment.

Yemen has been trying to catch up with the modernization train by adopting democracy, human rights, elections, freedom of press, women rights, and other international values that would enable the society to cope up with global changes. However, Yemen has had to pay the price for the change as natural resistance to change has taken on many different forms.

The Second Gulf War which coincided with the reunification of both parts of Yemen paved the road for a plethora of crises. Yemen found itself facing different challenges that halted the anticipated progress of unification as it was confronted issues of security, stability, and the economy. These issues have resulted in phenome-

Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 Issue 21 www.nationalyemen.com

Continued from ( 1 ) Yemen determined to complete ...

non such as kidnapping westerns tourists and locals; attacks of the oil pipelines in Marib and elsewhere; the tribal disputes and revenge; as well interception of trucks supplying main cities with logistics including gas and oil.

Now challenges are taking even a more serious turn with the calls to separating Yemen coming from the south, the armed rebellions in Northern Saada, and the al-Qaeda sandwiched in between.

Having a careful look at the latest incidents in these areas once can notice that Yemen is set to pay an expensive price for battles fought on its land but on behalf of others.

It is easy to blame Yemen for any terrorist incident even if it happens somewhere else in the world. Yemen seems to be the simple victim. This embarrassing situation increases the dissatisfaction of Yemeni citizens internally and world partners externally. It seems that people in Yemen accept the reality and give in. The government of Yemen failed to win its own people and achieve the required stability and also failed to achieve required reforms that would satisfy donors and the international community.

The latest explosive cargo ordeal is not a matter of conspiracy, but rather a message that indicates the future will witness new techniques and new players. Yemen in all situations can simply be the victim. Business will go down; air crafts will stop their flights to and from Sana’a and the winners will be the enemies of all. Therefore, the world should look for way to effectively support Yemen and not isolate it. Opportunities should be created and threats should be avoided for the sake of all

endorsed a number of them.

Al-Mutawakil expressed his confidence and appreciation for the efforts made by the Parliament to complete the issuance of the rest of the laws and regulations required within the completion of the accession.

The agreement, signed yesterday in Geneva by Yemen’s permanent representative to the UN Ibrahim al Adoufi and Honduran ambassador to the WTO Dacio Castillo, included offers on access to markets in goods and services areas.

Second Trial Hearing of Journalists Shaye’ and AlShami

By Mohammed Al-Qiyari The Al-Jazeera Net journalist, Abdul-Ilah Haidar Shaye’, currently standing on trial in the Criminal Court, presided

by Judge Ridhwan Al-Namer, still rejects the basis of the trial until the court brings in those who abducted him for thirtyfive days. On the 2nd November he said, “I abstain from dealing with this trial and demand to bring those who abducted me.”

The judge responded, “The defendant has the right to present procedural defenses against the procedures taken against him since he had been detained until he was referred to the prosecution and then brought to the court. He has to explain any points he believes illegal.

If the defendant believes that his detention and imprisonment is a crime, then he has the right to file a complaint, which will be presented to the prosecution for investigation.”

“Now, you have two choic-

es; either you present your defense of the illegality of the procedures taken, or you file a complaint that we will refer to the prosecution to investigate it,” the judge added.

Abdul-Ilah Haidar responded, “I still reject and abstain until those who abducted me and stole my laptop and hid me for 35 days are present. The investigators in the National Security told me: “Abdul-Ilah, stop dreaming of a constitution or a law that protects you. Your statements on Al-Jazeera and on the international satellite channels have crossed the line and you will pay.” They came up with the trial in court as a tool of the destruction. Therefore, I demand to bring those who abducted me, and later I will deal with you.”

After that, the court judge, Ridhwan Al-Namer, adjourned the session until 9th November to enable the prosecution to lay the rest of evidence.

Continued from ( 1 ) Eid Animal Sacrifices Witness ....

Reports of the field survey results affirmed that the number of districts and villages infected with the screw-worm fly have reached 63 districts and 515 villages.

2,426 animals have infected with the screw-worm fly disease and of those 2,409 were treated.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MAI) is currently carrying out an awareness and guidance campaign for animal wealth raisers to provide them with information on the treatment mechanism, methods for treating animals and preventing infections of screw-worm fly

citizens in the coming days, however, not as before.” He said that the prices of animals vary from one market to another and from one province to another, according to the income per capita and depending on the whether or not lucrative jobs exist within the province. In some areas people are keen on buying a sacrifice for the Eid and they often compete and brag about it.

Others share buying big, fat, local oxen, while others who can’t afford such things resort to buying meat by the kilo, he said.

According to our observations in the market, we have

disease.

Eid Al-Adha is only a few days away and the markets in the capital secretariat as well in in the rest of the provinces throughout Yemen will become crowded with various animals bought by citizens for the Eid sacrifice.

National Yemen newspaper visited one of the most important animal markets, Noqom Market, and found that the demand for animals is still not as high as last year. When we asked about the reason, Mr. Ali Al-Mujahed, an animal trader, said, “We expect a good turnout by

found that the average price for imported goats ranges between 17 and 18 thousand riyals, compared to 25 thousand riyals last year. The local goats’ prices range between 22 and 23 thousand riyals, while they had ranged between 35 and 40 thousand the year before. The fattened calves’ prices range between 160 and 200 thousand riyals, while last year they amounted to almost 250 thousand riyals. The local young calves’ prices range between 120 and 140 thousand riyals, while the big oxen’s prices reach up to 300 thousand riyals.

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Ordeal of 3 kidnapped Saudi students ends

By QAED AAL JU’RAH SANA’A: Saudi and Yemeni government agencies freed three Saudi students Sunday, two days after they were kidnapped in the capital city of Yemen, Sana’a, said Riyadh Bin Ibrahim Al-Nafeesa, head of the Saudis’ Affairs Department in the Saudi Embassy in Sana’a.

The students at the Yemeni Science and Technology University in Sana’a were seized by a kidnapper from the Dahm tribe in the Yemeni Al-Jouf Governorate who hoped to exchange their freedom for information about his brother who disappeared in Saudi Arabia three years ago, officials said.

Al-Nafeesa said in a telephone conversation from Sana’a that the students are on their way to the border region of Najran, their place of residence.

“The Saudi Embassy, Yemeni authorities, and chiefs of tribes succeeded in solving the issue,” Al-Nafeesa said. “The kidnapper released the students without any pressure and he

was very cooperative.”

Al-Nafeesa pointed out that the kidnapper informed him that he responded to his mother’s request, and that she cut a large portion of her hair as a sign of protest in order to get the students released. A tribal chief pledged to exert all efforts in contacting the embassy to look for the missing son who may have entered Saudi Arabia illegally.

Al-Nafeesa said he learned about the kidnapping Saturday from a Yemeni man who was acting suspiciously. Al-Nafeesa said that the man told him that a fellow tribal member named Saud Ali Hussein Ateeq kidnapped the students and provided him with his phone number. The man told AlNafeesa he could speak to one of the students to check on his condition. Al-Nafeesa said the Yemeni kidnapper revealed that he would release the students in exchange for information about his missing brother.

Three killed in Yemen car bomb blast

By Mohammed al Qadhi (The National) Three people were killed and at least 17 injured when a car bomb exploded on November 4th at a market in the southern city of Dhal›ea.

Early reports said the bomb was planted in a car belonging to the city›s chief of criminal investigations. Col Yahia al Shuaibi was injured in the blast, as well as three police officers.

The website of the ruling People›s General Congress blamed the incident on «outlaws,» in reference to the country›s southern separatist rebels, and said an investigation had begun into the attack.

Local sources said four people had been arrested in con-

nection with the explosion.

For the past three years, the south has experienced public protests against economic and political marginalisation.

Deadly clashes and arrests have marked the conflict between government troops and activists of the Southern Movement, which is seeking to reestablish an independent state since unification of north and south Yemen in 1990.

In a separate incident yesterday, a soldier manning a checkpoint in Dhal›e was shot by masked gunmen.

And a weekly protest against the detention of separatists drew hundreds into the city›s streets.

Yemen tries to mobilise radical cleric’s tribe against Qaeda

By Fawaz al-Haidari (AFP) Yemen, which charged radical US-Yemeni cleric Anwar alAwlaqi this week with incitement to kill foreigners and with links to Al-Qaeda, is trying to mobilise his Awaliq tribe in Shabwa province.

Tribal dignitaries who are close to the government met Awaliq leaders in October to convince them to combat the local arm of Osama bin Laden’s extremist network, a tribal source told AFP. “We concluded an agreement with the leaders of the tribe by which they would support the government against Al-Qaeda,” said Mahdi Abdessalam al-Awlaqi, a member of parliament with the ruling General People’s

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Congress, who was part of the delegation from Sanaa.

The central government supplied ammunition to a 1,000man force from the tribe and in October gave them their first mission -- to sweep an arid mountain region in the tribe’s home area of Shabwa for AlQaeda elements.

In reaction, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the local Al-Qaeda franchise, called in a communique on Islamist websites for the tribe’s members to refuse to “cooperate with the Yemeni government.”

“We were deeply saddened to see the leaders, chiefs and dignitaries of our community go personally to meet with the government envoy,” said the state-

Fakhri Hassan Al-Arashi Publisher & Chief Editor

Will Carter Managing Editor

ment by “your brothers and cousins in Al-Qaeda organisation amongst the children (of) Al-Awaliq” and made available

by SITE Intelligence Group on Tuesday.

“My brothers and cousins... support us in the fight against the enemies of Allah amongst the Americans and their agents, and save yourselves from taking a position that pleases the crossworshippers amongst the rulers of the White House,” it said.

Mahdi Abdessalam said “this communique is a reaction to the initiative, but the members of the tribe will not be frightened” by threats.

One member of the Awaliq unit, Saleh Abdullah Abdel Salam, told AFP: “We received Mohammed Al-Asaadi Editorial Consultant

3,500 rounds of ammunition each, as we have our own weapons, and we scoured the mountain area of Al-Kur for Al-Qaeda elements.”

They did not find any, but did discover traces showing that they had set up a camp in the area a few days earlier, Abdel Salam said.

Opposition MP Sheikh Saleh bin Farid al-Awlaqi described the search operation as “a ridiculous comedy.”

Shabwa and adjacent Abyan province have become major fields of operation for Al-Qaeda as the central government in Sanaa struggles to impose its control on the region’s heavily armed tribes, who are the law in their own regions.

Fuad Al-Qadhi Business Editor

Anwar al-Awlaqi, a member of the tribe, was charged in absentia on Tuesday with “incitement to kill foreigners and members of security services,” and with being linked to Al-Qaeda.

Awlaqi, whose assassination has been approved by the United States, is hiding out in Shabwa, security sources say.

He has been linked to a US army major charged with shooting dead 13 people in Fort Hood, Texas last November and to a Nigerian student accused of trying to blow up a Northwest Airlines flight on December 25.

The New York Times reported on Wednesday that YouTube has removed videos featuring calls by Awlaqi for holy war.

The charges against Awlaqi come amid growing Western pressure on Sanaa to crack down on jihadists, after packages of explosives posted to the United States from the impoverished country were discovered on October 28 in Dubai and Britain.

Awlaqi himself has not immediately been linked to the parcel bombs, but US officials have long accused him of instigating “terrorism.”

Washington believes the parcel bombs were the work of Saudi militant Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri, a suspected Al-Qaeda bombmaker who is believed to be hiding out in Yemen.

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Trial of the Killer of the French and Anwar Al-Awlaqi Continues

By Mohammed Al-Qiyari The criminal court, presided

by Judge Mohsen Alwan, began Tuesday 2nd November its first hearing session for the trial of the following defendants: Hisham Mohammed Asem, charged with killing a French citizen Anwar Al-Awlaqi, a fugitive Othman Al-Awlaqi, a fugitive The indictment decision, cited by the court secretary, stated that the defendants have been embroiled in an armed movement targeting foreigners residing in Yemen, including the foreign staff of O.M.V. Company, with which the first defendant worked for as a subcontracted security guard. The defendants, in propria persona, were charged with committing a series of criminal acts.

The first defendant, Hisham Mohammed Mohammed Asem, has deliberately and unjustly killed Mr. Jacques Henri, a French national, when he was entering his place of work, whilst at the same time when the defendant was on shift.

Asem, the defendant, whilst working as a security guard at the main gate and loaded his firearm, and opened fire at the victim. The numerous resulting gunshot wounds body led to the death of Mr. Henri.

Asem proceed to fire at a second victim, who survived the attack.

The second and third defendants, Anwar Al-Awlaqi and Othman Al-Awlaqi, share the

charge of abetting and encouraging Asem to commit the act.

After that the chief prosecution, Mr. Ali Al-Samet, cited the case, saying, «Yesterday, before this court stood a number of individuals of the armed criminal group who call themselves AlQaeda and have committed under this name many criminal

‘‘

Anwar Al-Awlaqi, has been inciting and encouraging the first defendant and other weak people to murder foreigners in the country with the aim of harming the reputation of Yemen locally and internationally.”

acts which have damaged the interests of our country and forcing it to become a security target.”

He continued, saying: “Today, we present to you another group of this gang. One of them is Anwar Al-Awlaqi, who, yesterday, was working in US restaurants and bars and, today, has become central to shedding the blood of foreigners and security officials.”

The prosecutor summed up the events, saying: “Your honor, the facts of the case is in front of you. For years, the second defendant, Anwar Al-Awlaqi, has been inciting and encouraging the first defendant and other weak people to murder foreigners in the country with the aim of harming the reputation of Yemen locally and internationally.”

“He started the chapters of this case when the first defendant, Hisham Mohammed Mohammed Asem, conducted correspondence with the second defendant Anwar Al-Awlaqi via the Internet and through the email of the defendant Othman Al-Awlaqi after a period of absence during which the third defendant was hired by the father of the first defendant.”

“The outcome of this correspondence was an agreement on a criminal plan of killing foreigners in the country, after the first defendant explained to the second defendant that he is unable to send him to one of the other States to kill them and ordered him to kill foreigners and security men in Yemen. As soon as the first defendant got a job at a foreign company with a multiforeign-nationality staff, he ordered him to murder the foreigners in the company.”

“In the morning of the 6th October, 2010 and after the first defendant received his salary, he went to the company›s headquarters, received the automatic gun from the security guard

(who finished his shift), checked the gun›s functionality and readiness to fire, and when the victim, Jacques Henri, entered the first floor of the company to do his job, he (Mohammed) aimed his gun at the victim and fired many shots, leading to his fall.”

“He, then, went to the second victim on the second floor and fired many times at him but did not die. The killer went to the guards› room, took shelter there and did not give himself up to the police until after his father came and intervened for delivering him to the security agencies.»

US Options Limited in Pressuring Yemen after Parcel Plot Obama administration is looking for ways to increase pressure on Al-Qaeda militants in Yemen after the plot of the two package bombs, but its options are limited, US officials have said.

Analysts say that the Yemeni government faces enormous economic problems and strong sentiments against America that complicate partnership with Washington, despite the US officials moving carefully since the discovery of the plot last week.

Instead of calling for a wider ranging campaign, Obama›s administration publicly praised the quick response by Sana›a after two US-bound bombs, which originated from Yemen, were intercepted in Dubai and Britain.

State Department spokesman, Mr. P.J. Crowley, said, «The fact is that the Yemeni government has done what we have asked it to do.»

However, a statement issued by the Yemeni Embassy in Washington over the weekend stressed on Yemen›s sovereignty and warned that, «[a]ny foreign interference in our internal affairs is not welcome.»

The English-language statement went on to say that «Yemen will continue to track down Al-Qaeda operatives using our own fighter jets, our own equipment and our own military forces.»

Analysts pointed to the domestic concerns that the plot, which officials say appears to be the work of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), could be used to justify greater US intervention.

The analysts said that a further intervention by the US may spark a backlash, which will help consequently Al-Qae-

da recruit militants and weaken Sana›a’s grip over the situation.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh is facing secessionist unrest in the south and a tentative ceasefire with Shi›ite rebels in the north. Also, the Yemeni security forces have suffered substantial human losses in previous clashes with Al-Qaeda.

Rick Nelson, a former US counterterrorism official who currently works at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said, «What makes this so difficult is that the Yemeni government›s control over the country is very limited.»

Also, the US government is heavily burdened by the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the assistance it provides to Pakistan for counterterrorism.

The U S has already raised the counterterrorism assistance to Yemen from only $4.6 million in 2006 to $155 million in 2010, which perhaps reflects that the threat of Al-Qaeda organization in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) is growing and the AQAP is seen as the most active Al-Qaeda offshoot outside of its traditional stronghold in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The US State Department raised the total counterterrorism assistance for Yemen, including civilian aid, to almost $300 million in 2010. It added that it is expected that the financial assistance for 2011 could be of the same amount.

US officials said, on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the Obama administration was eyeing a range of options to increase pressure on AQAP, which took responsibility for a failed attempt to blow up a USbound airliner last Christmas.

Crowley stressed that Washington was trying to bolster up

Yemen›s capabilities so that it could «deal with violent extremists who are a threat to both Yemen and the US.» He said, «Yemen›s government has a limited capacity and we have worked hard to improve its capabilities so that it can secure Yemen for its own people as well as for others.»

Hank Crumpton, a former senior official at the CIA and the State Department, said the options are limited by the complicated tribal politics in Yemen, rough terrain and lack of infrastructure.

He said, «Basically, such manhunts are hard, and it›s even harder in such environments. Intelligence has not only got to be specific, but it has to arrive on time.»

AQAP purports to provide shelter to Anwar Al-Awlaqi, a radical American Islamist preacher of Yemeni decent. US officials have said earlier that Washington has authorized the CIA to kill or capture Al-Awlaqi.

Although the US Defense Department (the Pentagon) has refused to publicly discuss the details of operations in Yemen, it was keen on Monday to deny reportage from media outlets stating that Washington was reviewing spreading covert sniper units in Yemen under CIA authority.

The Wall Street Journal said that the proposal would allow the USA to strike targets without taking a clear permission from the Yemeni government, which is a strategy that would definitely enrage of people in Yemen.

The Pentagon spokesman, Bryan Whitman, said, «Nobody in the leadership of the Department of Defense is seriously considering this proposal.»

Al-Samet, chief of the prosecution, added, «The charges against the defendants are proven by many (witness) testimonies and physical evidence presented, in line with the defendant›s detailed confession of the charge against him, and by his testimony on the second and third defendants› order by encouraging him to murder foreign workers in the company.”

The coroner›s report says that the victim Jacques Henri died from the gunshots and the weapons forensics report has proved that the empty cartridges found do have a match, after examination by forensics special-

By Muhammad Zurqah

ists, to those used by defendant Hisham Mohammed Mohammed Asem.

The charges against the second and third defendants are also proven by information obtained from the electronic directory of the two defendants and from the CD preaches and correspondence with defendant AlAwlaqi, published on the Internet, in which he incites people to kill the foreigners residing in the country, particularly in Arab and Islamic countries.

The court judge, Mohsen Alwan, gave a verdict that the two defendants must be announced as fugitives.

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Tightened Counter-Terror Measures Significantly Damages Yemen’s Economics: 40% of State Budget goes to Counter Terrorism

By NY Staff 40% of State Budget goes to Counter Terrorism The Al-Qaeda terrorist operations in Yemen have had a direct impact on the national Yemeni economy and have arguably caused poverty and unemployment rates to jump in the country. Particularly they have had an adverse effect on key production and service sectors, besides damaging Yemen›s image at the international and local levels and issues intertwined with national image, especially tourism and investment.

The incident of the two mail bombs sent from Yemen to the United States has made these losses even greater. Following the incident, some countries took some punitive measures against Yemen, such as the suspension of all direct flights from Yemen to both Germany and Holland.

Yemen considered that the decision of flights suspension and exaggerated reactions to the two package bombs hurt Yemen›s efforts in countering terrorism and only serve AlQaeda›s interests who feel exultant at achieving such results in damaging Yemen›s interests, reputation and relations with its friends and regional and international partners, which will in turn worsen the feelings of the Arab street.

The government source said it is important that Yemen›s partners and friends stand by Yemen and boost its efforts to inflict a heavy defeat on terror.

The German analyst Estefan Bokhn said, «There is some kind of confusion because Germany is looking for ways to protect itself and citizens from terrorism. It also wants to prove to its citizens that it is taking strict measures to protect them.

When the people in Germany hear that in Yemen there is someone who is attempting to mail bombs that could be sent to

them, they›ll understand the government›s action and the decision will ease their fear.»

Bokhn went on saying that, «Anyhow, I don›t believe this procedure will last long because it does not serve Germany›s interests even in the long term. I believe that it is only a kind of pressure on the Yemeni government so that it tightens its security and search measure in Sana›a Airport, especially on mail packages sent abroad.

Only then, and when the Yemen government proves it is able to do that, will flights be resumed because Germany is not concerned with isolating Yemen, which is a poor country. It is obvious that the isolation policy of this state for a long time will increase the misery suffered by the Yemeni people.»

Extraordinary Measures At the level of extraordinary and precautionary measures, the security agencies have during the last few days closed the two offices of the two US shipping corporations in Sana›a as per orders issued by the public prosecution. The National Committee of the Civil Aviation Security has approved taking more disciplines and additional measures, especially in Yemeni airports in light of the developed methods adopted by terrorist organizations, taking in consideration that the two suspect packages, intercepted in Dubai and Britain recently, were discovered by high-level intelligence and it was hard to detect them by ordinary means.

The committee, headed by the Yemeni Minister of Transportation, Khaled Ibrahim AlWazir, has approved in its meeting the implementation of extraordinary measures of search on all shipments going out of the Yemeni airports, to ensure the security and safety of civil aviation, and implementation of the system of accrediting agents for air cargo to guarantee

linking the granting of licenses to them with their provision of international stipulations and the continuation of periodic control over them.

The committee asserted the importance of following the inflow of intelligence data amongst the agencies in all concerned countries to maintain effective and swift counterterrorism.

The committee also revealed a draft bylaw of organizing the airports security unit, which aims at creating a security unit specialized in airport security, training and qualifications as per the highest security standards to enforce the measures of airport protection from any sabotage or terrorist acts. In addition, the unit will work on developing the security services and performance in the Yemeni airports.

The Yemeni committee pointed out that the security measures taken in Yemeni airports in relation to passengers and their possessions as well as to air cargo are very thorough and strict and are conducted by modern and sophisticated equipment and in accordance with the standards laid by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Also, tougher and stricter measures have been taken in the Yemeni airports since last year to maintain protection, security to airports and safety to passengers and aviation movement from any type of illegal intervention, including detection of any explosives or suspected shipments.

In addition, much new equipment has been procured, which made all security measures in Yemeni airports go in line with the international standards of aviation security and counterterrorism. The ICAO granted Yemen at the beginning of the current year 2010 a certificate demonstrating that the measures

adopted in Yemeni airports are commensurate with the international measures for aviation and passengers› safety.

On the ground, the Yemeni Interior Ministry announced that it has directed the security departments in the capital Sana›a and in provinces to tighten security measures on vital establishments and facilities in order to prevent any security breaches and keeping security agencies in various provinces at full alert to deal with different possibilities and counter them strictly and fiercely.

The Ministry of Interior also emphasized that it has directed the areas of the security strip in the provinces of Yemen to raise their security vigilance to capture suspected cars and those who are wanted for security reasons and also the unauthorized weapons as well as search passing-by cars in the checkpoints of the security strip.

Governmental Measures Government sources affirmed that there have been future plans to counter the activity of Al-Qaeda organization and their beginnings were in 2006 and will continue until 2012 for fighting the phenomenon of terrorism and confronting extremism.

Sources said that these plans include continuation of carrying out quality pre-emptive operations against Al-Qaeda operatives and preventing them from carrying out any terrorist operations. The plans also include expansion of creating counterterrorism unit in a number of the republic›s provinces and enhancing coordination amongst the security and military agencies in order to counter terror more effectively. The plans also include installation of a modern information network to the Yemeni airports and ports to capture wanted terrorist elements.

Sources pointed out that among the future plans for

counterterrorism is the completion of the infrastructure and equipment necessary for the Coastguard Authority according to a plan prepared for this purpose, completion of the basic infrastructure for the General Authority for Counterterrorism in the Interior Ministry, intensification of awareness campaigns on media outlets and worship places to acquaint the society with the risks of terrorism and mobilize the public opinion to stand against extremist thought and terrorist elements.

The future plans also include continuation of intellectual dialogue with those who were deluded by those astray elements and bring them back to the straightway, the continuation of carrying out some policies and strategies that counter the thoughtprovoking and calling for hatred, extremism and exaggeration, in addition to the continuation of conducting training courses for mosque preachers and guidance-providers to improve their abilities to keep up with the developments in awareness and religious guidance and education.

Sources stressed that Yemen will always be committed to its ethical positions to counter terrorism, which originate from our national and deep rooted conviction that this will serve the interests of Yemen in the first place and the security and stability in the region and in the world generally with regard to the fact that terrorism is a serious international phenomenon that threatens the security, safety and interests of all.

Combating Al-Qaeda elements and their activities requires, in addition to uniting various domestic official and public efforts, the cooperation of the international community to offer generous support to finance the development plans and programs at various levels.

This will ensure a proper living

standard and keep society safe from religious extremism and create an environment in which the state can run the cycle of development and attract foreign investment that contribute to creating work opportunities for the youth and the unemployed.

It will also contribute to absorbing unemployment and achieve security and stability as the security of Yemen is security for the region and the world.

Economic losses Agovernment official report, issued last month on October 23rd, revealed that the terrorist attacks on Yemen in 2009 by Al-Qaeda elements caused losses of around US$1 Bn. The governmental action report of last year pointed out that terrorism has led to limitation of foreign and domestic tourism and delayed achieving the targeted growth. Terrorism has also led to increasing the military and security spending as an inevitable consequence for carrying out pre-emptive and field operations to counter terrorist activity as well as other governmental measures that contributed to the rise of the percentage of the budget deficit from 8% to 9% of the gross domestic product.

Furthermore, terrorist acts affect the political leadership and government officials, and make them preoccupied with finding solutions to them, instead of using these efforts in development - a simple indicator of this is that the government spends 40% of its budget on ‹the war on terror›.

Many donor countries and organizations have halted execution of loan commitments and foreign assistance to our country due to Al-Qaeda terrorist operations, where the allocated loans were at their lowest levels during last year and did not exceed 87 billion riyals (approx US$408 million).

Treatment of Yemen unfair, foreign minister says

By NY Staff

Yemen›s foreign minister said Friday the international community is treating his country unfairly because of «the crimes of a few.»

The country needs interna-

tional support to fight terrorist groups, not measures like cargo shipment bans, which only hurt the country, Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi told CNN. «We feel if one looks at the

security situation in Yemen and compare it to other places, Afghanistan or, for that matter, Iraq, Yemen is much more secure than these two places,» alQirbi said. «Yet somehow the media portrays Yemen as completely out of control, which is not the case.»

Yemen has been in the spotlight for the past week after authorities disrupted a plot to send explosives from the Middle Eastern nation to U.S. synagogues.

The devices were packed in computer printer toner cartridges and designed to be detonated by a cell phone, a source close to the investigation said.

Investigators have found sy-

ringes and the powerful explosive PETN associated with the explosives, both of which are similar to the attempted bombing of a Detroit-bound plane last Christmas.

That has led investigators to believe al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemeni-based arm of the terrorist network, was responsible for both plots.

The group claimed responsibility for the December bombing attempt.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano recently said the devices found on freight planes in the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom last week have «all the hall-

marks» of a plot by al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

The group is «actively engaged in extremist-related activities in Yemen and the other Gulf countries,» according to the U.S. State Department.

After last week›s incidents, U.S. government authorities grounded packages originating from Yemen destined for the United States. Al-Qirbi said measures like that are nothing but harmful.

«These are ill-advised decisions, because what you do is penalize hundreds of thousands of people for the crimes of a few,» al-Qirbi told CNN. «There›s no need for that. If we are cooperating -- and we will

build Yemen›s ability to inspect, since December last year -- I feel these are really wrong decision(s) taken and play into the hands of the terrorists.»

In recent months, Yemen, which wants to be seen as a committed partner in the fight against terrorism, has launched several offensives against al Qaeda in its country.

Al-Qirbi said the country needs more help to continue battling the problem.

«We need training, we need equipment, we need transportation, communications, intelligence information,» he said.

Al-Qirbi was in Tokyo for a six-day official visit.

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Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 Issue 20 www.nationalyemen.com

INTERVIEW

National Yemen

Mexico Opens Consulate in Yemen

By NY Staff Economic stimulus and trade interests with Yemen led Mexico to opening a new consulate in Yemen. The National Yemen newspaper spoke to Mexico’s ambassador to the gulf region and ‘non-resident’ ambassador to Yemen, H.E. Mr. Arturo Trejo about this interesting development in diplomatic relations at a stressful time for Yemen.

“Principally there are economic drivers behind this move,” the 30 year career diplomat said.

Mexico, a nation with welldeveloped manufacturing and agricultural sectors are looking to export to Yemen – up until now the major Mexican imports in Yemen have been pharmaceuticals.

However, there is scope for a much less obvious relationship between the two nations, given several common facets. Beyond enjoying rich cultural heritages, both Mexico and Yemen also face similar challenges.

One challenge is the coun-

tries’ distorted international images – one of them experiences disproportional reportage on drugs crime, the other has terrorism. The prevailing ‘war on terrorism’ narrative which dominates Yemen at the moment has a Mexican sister – the ‘war on drugs.’

Additionally, the industries behind drugs in Mexico and behind Qat in Yemen share similar characteristics in terms of their effect on public health, the economy, development, and – again – image.

“Perhaps this is where both countries may be able to learn from one another, in how to deal with these issues,” the ambassador commented.

“But we don’t pretend to teach,” he added.

There is a lot of pressure, directly and indirectly, from the international community for Yemen to scale down on Qat. There are even voices who think it should be completely prohibited, like it is in many other

countries – the only action drastic enough to change the situation.

But the ambassador warned against taking any brash movements, especially in terms of outlawing it.

“We can’t just say we must combat it,” Mr. Trejo said, “we must understand it.”

“Mexico itself has an ongoing debate over whether we should legalize certain drugs,” he went on. “Prohibition may create even bigger problems.”

Diplomatically, the ambassador declined to comment on the political situation here in Yemen. “Mexico has a policy of non-intervention,” he reminded.

Mr. Trejo went on to express his hope that any problems Yemen has would soon be reconciled in a smooth and stable fashion, but added that ‘threats to unity’ were simply not desirable, and that the democratic process and internal stability should be preserved throughout.

It was refreshing to meet a

better tempered view of Yemen.

Mexico doesn’t have the budget to simply open embassies everywhere, and so this has forced more realistic expectations on developing trans-national relations.

Certainly, opening a Mexican embassy in Yemen, whilst a possibility in the future, would be ill-advised given the small number of Mexican nationals in residence here. However, Mexico is examining more fulfilling methods of bettering the situation.

For example, a short-term project is to facilitate commercial delegations to scope out potential trade links and reciprocal investment strategies.

The ambassador himself had just returned from a site visit to the large Tel Al-Rayyal Qatari housing construction project in Sana’a. He was visibly impressed and heartened by the sight of the project.

Of course, the opening of a consulate means more than in-

relationship between the two countries and will exceed expectations in exploring new opportunities in all fields including tourism, medicine, and food production and many more” said the honored consul.

kindly request Yemeni businessmen to explore Mexico and would likewise request the Ambassador to encourage Mexican businessmen to consider investment opportunities in Yemen.

Though Mexico is halfway around the world, it is now close enough to be reached.”

Mr. Abdul Rahman Al-Haidary The Mexico consulate has launched its office in Sana’a on November 3, 2010. The official launch was held at the Movenpick hotel in the presence of His Excellency Ambassador Arturo Trjo. The event was attended by numerous other ambassadors from Arab and other countries, as well as businessmen. During the celebration of the opening of the consulate, Mr. Abdul Rahman al-Haidary has singled out for honor.

During Mr.Trjo’s reception ceremony speech, the Ambassador to Sana’a described the launch as means of progress on the way to better and stronger relations for the two countries.

He said Yemen and Mexico share many challenges in community development and both work to improve their image in spite of these challenges.

As for Mr. Abdul-Rahman al-Haidary, the Ambassador said that his representation would help in bringing the relationship much closer and will open up many opportunities for both countries.

Al-Haidary, the honored councilor, delivered a speech welcoming all to the inaugural

ceremony of the Mexican consulate in Yemen. Al-Haidary expressed his satisfaction for the great honor of accepting such a position.

Al-Haidary thanked his Excellency Ambassador Arturo Trjo for putting faith and trust in him by appointing him to represent his country in Yemen.

Likewise, he thanked the government of Yemen for their mutual trust and kind cooperation and support to start new diplomatic relations with Mexico.

“Mexico is beautiful and rich country of natural beauty, economic growth and opportunity and wonderful people. Having being there and having married in Mexico,” said al-Haidary, “I felt like I was at home, as I was surrounded by kind and generous people.”

In his speech, he requested His Excellency the Ambassador of Mexico to convey Yemen›s beauty, landscape, culture and heritage in a brighter way back in his home country.

“I hope this new association between Yemen and Mexico will become a strong connection and enhance the bilateral

“For this reason, I would

Mr. Arturo Trejo creased trade links. It has the challenges of being able to respond to visa and consular matters, and also looks at ways to

host fruitful cultural exchanges – a Mexican food festival is on the cards, I was delighted to hear.

National Yemen

CONGRATULATIONS

Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 Issue 21 www.nationalyemen.com

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8

BUSINESS

Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 Issue 20 www.nationalyemen.com

National Yemen

Global Market Forces Yemen to Divert 35 LNG Shipments

By NY Staff This past Sunday in a press conference marking the first anniversary of international exports of Yemeni liquefied natural gas (LNG), the general manager of Yemen LNG, Mr. Rafin, discussed the current challenges the company faces in the global LNG market.

“The cost of gas in the year 2008 and 2010 has been decreased due to the economic crises which has created complications in finding suitable buyers,” said Mr. Rafin.

These challenges have prompted Yemen LNG to divert 35 LNG shipments intended for United States to Asia next year to take advantage of higher demand and prices for LNG. «Our strategy at Yemen LNG is to exploit the difference of prices between the United States and Asia” Mr. Rafin stated. The 35 shipments represent 30 per cent of the 6.5 million metric tones that will be produced next year.

In addition to the global eco-

Mideast-based shipper Aramex halts Yemen shipments

By ADAM SCHRECK The head of Aramex says the Middle East-based shipping company has stopped accepting packages from Yemen after last week›s parcel bomb plot.

CEO Fadi Ghandour told The Associated Press on Wednesday the firm made the decision to halt shipments immediately after the plot was uncovered Friday.

«From day one -- absolutely,» Ghandour said, adding that the ban remains in place indefinitely. «It›s a precautionary measure for us until we understand what›s happening.»

Officials believe the explosives, destined for the U.S., were sent by al-Qaida operatives in Yemen. One of the bombs hidden inside a printer was discovered in a FedEx shipment in Dubai, where Aramex maintains its main air hub.

Ghandour said Aramex has begun tightening security measures at shipping sites in Dubai and elsewhere.

He provided few details, but said the company is boosting

existing screening procedures put in place since 9/11 and is urging its employees to be more diligent about handling packages. Small parcels require particular attention, he said.

Aramex is trying to get further guidance from government officials, particularly in the U.S., but they have not received much information, Ghandour said.

«We›re in discussions with authorities in various countries to understand what they want.

It›s a developing story,» he said. «There are a lot of unknowns.»

Aramex is headquartered in Dubai and is listed on the citystate›s main stock exchange. It also has corporate offices in Jordan. While the Middle East remains its biggest market, Aramex has operations in Europe, Asia and the U.S. Yemen is a small market for it and other freight companies.

The company is still making deliveries to Yemen, Ghandour said.

ernment has based its expectations during the current year.

However, the parliament has had a different position, and has been skeptical about the government›s ability to reach this number unless it has a clear vision through which essential changes are made to the policies and procedures to overcome the obstacles and difficulties facing economic activities and the investment environment.

287 Bn Riyals Additional Credit in 2010 Budget The government approbated last Tuesday the opening of additional credit in the State’s general budget for the fiscal year 2010 with a total amount of 287.35 billion riyals (approx. US$1.35 Bn), in the light of its discussion on the memorandum of the Finance Minister about the increase of the actual execution of supporting oil de-

ed States but to many other countries such as India, Mexico, Kuwait, among others.

The $4.5 billion LNG project is the largest industrial project in the history of Yemen . The Balhalf plant created in last October is contributing to the increase in capacity from the current levels of 5 million metric tonnes of LNG, to the projected 6.5 million tons next year.

Income from gas exports has become an important revenue source for the impoverished

country of Yemen as it struggles to compensate for falling crude oil revenues. Yemen, which lacks the vast resources of its neighbor Saudi Arabia, has seen a large decrease in crude oil exports in the past decade.

The changes in Yemen LNG exports come as Yemen is facing heavy pressure from Washington to crack down on al-Qaeda militants who have previously targeted Yemen›s energy industry.

Egyptian Investment Projects Tops Third Quarter

By NY Staff

7.6% GDP Growth Expected This Year A recent economic report has expected that economic growth in Yemen will witness tangible development during 2010, where the growth rate in the gross domestic product (GDP) arrive at around 7.6% due to the full operation of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project.

The State›s general budget for 2010 has expected that the increase in non-oil based GDP to 7.4%, upon which the gov-

nomic crisis, LNG demand in the United States, which was expected to be a major importer, has fallen due to massive increases in domestic supply from shale gas. He said the company has already diverted 25 shipments to Asia out of 85 shipped this year from its plant at the Arabian Sea port of Balhaf.

«The growth in Asia continues to be very strong, the appetite for clean fuel is there,» Mr. Rafin said. Yemen not only ships LNG to Asia and the Unit-

rivatives and the domestic benefits. The government has referred the draft to parliament to finalize the constitutional procedures related to it.

In 2008 the government also endorsed additional credit to the amount of 660 million riyals; and in 2006 approved an additional credit with the amount of 422 million riyals.

Press Release

Clarification on Security Incident in Shabwa

Sana’a, 10 November- Yemen LNG confirms that the security officer killed on 9 November 2010 in Ataq city, Shabwa governorate, was not assigned to the security of the Yemen LNG Company

Egyptian investment projects are now ranked first amongst foreign investments in our country during the third quarter of the current year.

The report, issued by the General Investment Authority (GIA), mentioned that the investment cost of the foreign projects has amounted to 39.274 billion riyals, which is 42% of the total investment capital for the third quarter.

The report said that the value of the Egyptian investment projects reached almost 22 billion riyals and the most important project is a power-generating project, while Kuwaiti investments ranked second with a capital of 16.52 billion riyals

represented in a residential city and other investments.

The Saudi investments ranked third with 560 million riyals for the project of the Geological and Environment Studies and Soil Research, followed by the French, Tanzanian, Syrian, UAE, Malaysian, Jordanian and US investments taking the rest of places in the list of the foreign investments in our country for the third quarter of the current year.

The GIA has had granted permission during July-September of the current year 2010 to a number of projects with a total cost of 93.5 billion riyals.

According to the GIA report, the investment projects wit-

nessed a boom in relation to the second quarter, the investment during which is estimated at 74 billion riyals. These projects were distributed amongst 12 governorates, across various economic, service and production sectors.

The projects in the second quarter provided around 1,944 job opportunities. From between the governorates Hodeida ranked first with invested capital of almost 61 billion, riyals - 65% of the investment capital. Among the most important projects is a power station, a residential city and a factory for mixing car and engine lubricant oils and these projects provided almost 458 work opportu-

nities.

Following in order is Aden governorate with an investment capital of 22.9 billion riyals and the most important projects are in the areas of electric power and land transportation, providing 314 work opportunities.

The Capital Secretariat came third with an invested capital of around 3.33 billion riyals, - only 3% of the net investment - in tourist suites, a center for geological surveys, a center for hydraulic and heavy equipment maintenance and a sponge factory, providing 644 work opportunities.

Sana›a, Hadramout, Lahj, Taiz, Ibb, Al-Mahweet, Dhale›, Shabwah and Hajjah shared the rest of places in relation to invested capitals.

The report mentioned that that the industrial sector ranked first with an invested capital of 61.455 billion riyals of the total invested capital, 65.74% of the total, which in turn generated over 1,000 job opportunities.

The services sector ranked second with 26.3 billion riyals, 28.12% of the total invested capital, which provided 489 work opportunities, followed by the tourist sector with an invested capital of 5.29 billion riyals, 5.66%, providing 337 work opportunities. The agricultural sector ranked last with 446.2 million riyals, only 0.48% of the total invested capital, although it created almost 100 work opportunities.

Yemen Foreign Assets Surge to $5.89 Bn, Debt Amounts $6 Billion

By NY Staff The Central Bank of Yemen (CBY) has announced that the bank›s reserves at the end of last August rose to 1.265 trillion riyals – approximately $5.89 billion dollars.

The net foreign assets of the banking system had reached at the end of last July 1.37 trillion riyals – approximately $5.73 Bn. The report issued by the Department of the Research and Statistics in the CBY has pointed out that the oil exports (the Yemeni government›s share) during August reached 233 million dollars in comparison with 270 million dollars in last July, where oil production declined by 13.6%.

The government›s share of the total quantity of oil exports during January-August 2010 reached to 22.14 million bar-

rels, worth $1.02 Bn, meaning that the average barrel price was rated at $56.

The CBY report also revealed that the government has used most of these returns in financing the imports of oil derivatives for domestic consumption, which reached, according to the report, as of August, $1.275 Bn. It added that domestic consumption during the period between January and August 2010 amounted to the equivalent of 17 million barrels.

The report said that the total incorporated budget for commercial and Islamic banks has decreased at the end of August by 82.5 billion riyals, by 4.3%, valued at only 1.82 trillion riyals. The overall incorporated budget for this banking sector has been set at 1.58 trillion ri-

yals end of August 2009.

In relation to the money supply, the report mentioned that it has witnessed a decline of 44 billion, by 2.8% than the previous month.

At the end of July, net national income was 2.25 trillion riyals, while in August it went down to 2.204 trillion riyals.

The report attributed the decline in the money supply to the change in the net foreign assets of the banking system and the demands of the governmental sector.

As for the exchange rate, it has also witnessed a decline at the end of August, where the exchange rate stood at 214.90 YR to US$1, after they both had witnessed a continuous rise during the past period. The stabilization of the exchange rate led to stability of the prices of many

foodstuffs in the local market as well as stability of prices of steel and wood.

With regards to the general foreign debt, it has risen to 5.96 billion riyals, and the international fund corporations have had the major part of it, where the current account, including late installments for these corporations, has come to $3.169 billion.

The debts offered by the member states of the Paris Club, represented by Russia, Japan, the United States, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Holland and Germany, have amounted to $1.75 billion, and the rest of debts were distributed on the funds and the non-member states in the Paris Club.

National Yemen

Sport

Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 Issue 21 www.nationalyemen.com

9

Shamsan Stadium Exposes the First Flaw of Gulf 20 Facilities Bty Abdul-Karim Mufadhal The technical report, by the now-redundant engineer Amin Al-Samawi, an engineer in the Ministry of Youth & Sports assigned to supervise the Gulf 20 facilities, has proved to be unquestionably true that there are flaws in some Gulf 20 facilities, among which is Shamsan Club Stadium in regard to the areas of the grandstands.

This report had cost AlSamawi to be laid off from his job supervising the facilities by

order of some contractor firms, which considered his demands and technical reports as blackmailing them and hindering them from working.

The construction flaws were confirmed by the chairman of the Shamsan Club, which is one of the six training clubs for the Gulf clubs participating in Gulf 20, who said that the process of installation of the seats was crippled due to the narrowness of the grandstands areas.

National Yemen newspaper

has abstained from publishing some of the flaws of Gulf 20

facilities due to lack of the required documents from

Engineer Al-Samawi, which will be published in upcoming

issues if those documents were provided.

Cranes fight back to draw in Yemen

Security Measures Shatter National Team Friendly Match

By NY Staff

Bty Abdul-Karim Mufadhal

Goals from Mike Sserumaga and Patrick Edema salvaged Uganda Cranes a stalemate in Yemen on Sunday night.

The visitors settled early on their home ground and raced into a 2-0 lead. On the back of thrashing Senegal 4-1 in their last friendly encounter, the feeling that Cranes was going to be walked over lingered heavily.

But Sserumaga, who has been

in poor form at Bunnamwaya, showed why coach Bobby Williamson still believes in him by pulling a goal back.

Proline youngster Edema then levelled to hand Cranes a share of the spoils. It was his first international goal, coming in his second cap. But it was his second goal against Yemen; he netted against them in the Cecafa U-20 Championship in As-

mara, Eritrea where the Asian side featured as guests. Uganda won that tie 3-2.

Yesterday’s match was a build up for the national team, which will seek to defend its Cecafa crown in Tanzania later this month. After Cecafa, Cranes will shift focus to the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) next year.

National Yemen NATIONAL YEMEN VACANCY NOTICE Role Number of vacancies

JUNIOR NEWS / NEWS ANALYSIS JOURNALISTS Two

Application deadline

14 November 2010

Start date

Immediate

Starting salary

$450 USD monthly salary + benefits

Work pattern

Full-time (40 hour weeks) / irregular shifts (journalists will be required to travel)

Description

The NATIONAL YEMEN (NY) newspaper requires two staff journalists to cover ‘breaking news’ and ‘news analysis’ articles. Journalists must be prepared to travel frequently, and at short notice, to provide coverage around Yemen.

Our news journalists will be required to write approximately 1000 words of ‘news’ articles, and 2000 words of ‘news analysis’ articles each week on pre-agreed topics, meeting appropriate deadlines.

Journalists will be required to attend two weekly staff meetings at NY HQ, and also to complete our journalism training packages.

Eligibility

We are looking for young, reliable, articulate, reasonably experienced journalists.

Journalists will be expected to be punctual and to meet both our deadlines and our standards. Failure to meet either our deadlines or our high professional standards may result in instant dismissal.

Advanced English language competency is required. Journalists will be expected to be competent computer users.

Incentives

In time we will offer an improved salary, commensurate with the journalists’ competency and professional development.

This job is also an excellent opportunity to begin a promising career, and will provide excellent professional training. It also may lead to international coverage of a journalist’s work.

Apply

Applicants should send a covering email, their CV, including all contact details, and also a sample of their written work. The written sample should be 800 words long, in a ‘news analysis’ style, on a subject of their choice.

Selection

Applicants will be contacted within three days, if they have been successful. The applicant will be expected to attend an assessment day and interview within one week, and will be expected to write a further article, of our choice.

Selected applicants will work for one month on a non-paid probation status after being selected. If the trainee journalist meets our deadlines and reaches our standards over the probationary period, they will be fully welcomed to a permanent position with us, with full pay.

e-mail: info@nationalyemen.com

The Yemeni football team›s coach, the Croatian Strechco, has expressed his annoyance at the 22 May Stadium guards› refusal to allow the players of AlShu›lah Team to enter the stadium for the friendly match with the standby players of our national team.

Coach Strechco›s purpose of this match, which was decided to be held last Tuesday evening with the presence of the members of the organizing committee of Gulf 20, was to assess readiness of our standby players.

Everybody was surprised by intensive security assigned for guarding 22 May Stadium not allowing the club›s bus to enter

the stadium under the pretext of non-coordination with the security committee, which is one of the formed committees by the Supreme Committee organizing Gulf 20.

Despite the many attempts and threats made by the chairman of the Supreme Committee and Minister of Youth & Sports, Hamoud Obad, to convince the security team to let the bus and players in, the guards refused.

Minister Obad called the Director of Gulf 20 Tournament, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Eisi, to make many calls, which all failed due to the stubbornness of the security men and the chairman of the security committee which prevented the match because no

prior coordination was made with him, despite the concession made by the attendees to allow only the players and the coach to enter.

This incident has exposed the ignorance of the security men›s preparation for dealing with all circumstances of the matches and haphazardness that exists in the action committees of the tournament, as the security committee receives orders from the Supreme Committee and not vice versa. The incident has also revealed the extent of security concerns experienced by the security agencies in Aden city.

SEMC: Collusion Between the Ministry of Endowment and Hajj and Umrah Agencies

By NY Staff

In a report to the AntiCorruption Authority, the Studies and Economic Media Center (SEMC) has claimed collusion between the Ministry of Endowment and Guidance (MEG) and Hajj and Umrah agencies. SEMC’s report describes a compromise over lodging for pilgrims which has led to an increase of fees of 600 Saudi Riyals ($160) per pilgrim; pushing the total fees per pilgrim to SR 2,000 ($535).

The report described the process in which the MEG rented residential towers in Mecca for approximately nine thousand pilgrims. The MEG then required the agen-

cies to rent only from these buildings. The agencies refused to rent from the MEG’s towers preferring their own rental methods. In an effort to compromise, the MEG proposed to the agencies that they could charge an additional SR 600 for each pilgrim that utilizes their residential towers.

These fees are in addition to typical annual fees of SR 1,400 pushing the total fees to SR 2,000.

When the fees are included with the rest of Hajj costs such as accommodation, transportation and other services, it brings the total to SR 8,000 ($2,300). This increase has led Pilgrims to

complain to the SEMC, stating that the new cost of the Hajj is now unacceptable. However, the Ministry has attributed this move to the increase in the level of Hajj services. Yet this increased level of service does not match the rise in the fees for Yemeni pilgrims.

The SEMC has demanded an investigation into the cause of the increase to verify its legitimacy. Although the issue is not critical to the health of the national economy, the SEMC has pursued this issue as it puts the Hajj and Umrah out of reach of Yemenis seeking to perform their Islamic duties.

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Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 Issue 20 www.nationalyemen.com

POLITICS

National Yemen

Yemen ambassador says West needs to remain ‹level-headed›

By Jennifer Campbell, Postmedia News

OTTAWA — Yemen›s ambassador to Canada is calling the government›s move to ban air cargo from his country an overreaction.

«The banning of all air traffic and mail originating from Yemen is an example of overreaction to the problem as opposed to seeking a logical solution,» Ambassador Khaled Bahah told Postmedia News. «Those individuals intent on sending explosive devices will only seek a new departure site. Decisions like this cause global upset and give impetus to and hearten terrorists worldwide.»

Bahah said that since Sunday, when two U.S.-bound parcel bombs from Yemen were

intercepted in the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates, the public has «been bombarded by a plethora of media frenzy resulting in confusion and some degree of hysteria.»

«It is at times like this that we must remain level-headed and pursue a course of action that is both rational and effective,» Bahah said. «We must cure the disease rather than kill the patient.»

But Carleton University security expert Jez Littlewood thinks the government›s reaction is sensible.

«Clearly, there is an issue with things coming out of Yemen and given that moving away from passenger planes to perhaps air cargo represents a

new direction, it›s understandable that people want to be extremely cautious,» said Littlewood, who is the director of the Canadian Centre of Intelligence and Security Studies at Carleton.

Littlewood expects the government will take the next few weeks to examine the data in greater detail. He said officials will consult with allies and

friends and then do a complete review of the policy.

The security expert also noted that tightening air transport security — and air cargo in particular — was one of the recommendations coming out of the Air India Inquiry report.

«At the time, the government›s response was that they were aware of it and looking at investing in security, so

there is a wider context than Yemen itself,» he said.

From a national security perspective, the initial response — that it›s better to ban cargo than risk having a plane blow up in the air, at least until we have greater surety about how this is playing out — makes sense, he added. «I err on the side of caution and I would (be) hardpressed to criticize the government›s initial reaction in terms of ‹better to be safe than sorry.›» Littlewood›s predecessor, Martin Rudner, said Yemen is an extremely complicated society and «a very dangerous country.» He said he agrees with the ambassador that while no one

greatly helps the country economically. We welcome everyone who loves Yemen, whether they are Yemeni or non-Yemeni.

Foreigners and investors in Yemen must stay and we will defend them against any terrorist operations and terrorists.

Ghaida› Mohammed Abdu, a researcher Q: How do you view the package bombs operation?

A: The Yemeni woman has delicate feelings; she is passionate and kind and could never be a blood-shedder or a destroyer.

If we read Yemeni history, we will find that women build civilization and development. For example, Balqis saved her country from the war with Solomon, and Al-Saydah Arwa Bint Ahmed Al-Suleihi›s reigned in a peaceful Yemen, built dams and schools. So, how could their grand-daughters be terrorists?

However, thank Allah our sister Hanan Al-Samawi has been proved innocent and her innocence is the one for all the Yemeni women.

The Sana›a University›s demonstrations against terrorism are a proof that the Yemeni people condemn terrorism and terrorists of all forms and kinds.

Q: What is your personal opinion as a woman about terrorism?

A: If terrorism exists in a place, it leads to insecurity and non-safety.

Q: How do you view the impact of terrorism on the Yemeni economy?

A: Terrorism in general has a major impact on the economy. It restricts it from developing as terrorism stops investment basically. Who would come to an unstable and insecure country?

Despite the laws in Yemen,

terrorism is prevalent and the economy is deteriorating whether in investment or in tourism.

Tourists are abducted and this affects the Yemeni economy.

Q: How do you view those who carry out terrorist acts?

A: Certainly, terrorism is a dreadful thing. If it exists in a country, it affects the psychology of the population. It affects the psychology of women. People don›t feel safe on the road.

Women have their respectable status in Yemen, but if the course of terrorism develops, then it becomes an epidemic in the society of Yemen.

Q: What would you like to say to the foreign minorities in Yemen?

A: Yemen is a safe country despite existence of some problems. The Yemenis still love and welcome their visitors all the time. Yemeni is a beautiful and safe country and those who try to destabilize and threaten its safety will be eliminated. They exist in a few regions only.

Saleem Al-Ghaberi, a young supporter to the issues of rights and freedoms Q: How do you view the package bombs operation?

A: The operation of the package bombs was run by terrorist organizations which want to hurt Yemen and its reputation and associate it with terrorism.

Those organizations sent the packages and reported them.

The purpose is to slander the reputation of Yemen in the eyes of the world and also impose an economic sanction on Yemen to worsen the situation.

In this operation, Yemen has lost millions of dollars, whether by preventing the Yemeni airplanes from reaching some countries or through scaring off

the investors and scaring off tourists.

At this time every year, tens of thousands of tourists should be pouring into Yemen. This terrorist act is the work of international terrorist organizations. It could also be the work of international intelligence, which might be supported by powerful countries that have ambitions and interests in the deterioration of the situation in Yemen so as to facilitate their control over it and its wealth. The world citizens must think deeply about this act without judging the peaceful Yemen and people, who condemn terrorism and terrorists.

Q: How do you view terrorism?

A: I believe that terrorism is largely a product created by intelligence agencies in oppressive regimes to find justifications to strike oppositionists or those who demand reforms and political freedoms and basic human rights. They create terrorism to find justifications for interfering in the affairs of others and to oppress the oppositions.

Q: How do you, as a young man, view what happens in Yemen?

A: The inevitable consequence to a government that ruled Yemen for the past thirty years of Sa›ada, the southern movement and Al-Qaeda is an accumulation of mistakes committed by the regime which does not find drastic solutions to problems. This regime does not care about what threatens national security as much as it does for what threatens its own security and its regime›s safety.

This is the problem that created Al-Qaeda and the Houthis.

What is the relationship be-

wants to have planes blown up, the core issue for Canada isn›t air cargo but rather young people who are being influenced over the Internet by the preaching of people such as Yemen›s Anwar Al-Awlaki who has, among other things, penned a document that gives extremists 44 things they can do to support jihad.

That was the case, he said, with the Toronto 18. He also noted that the largest oil company in Yemen, Nexen Inc., is Canadian.

«To my mind, a printer cartridge coming to Canada is not the threat, I would worry more about the targeting of Nexen interests,» Rudner said.

tween Al-Fadhli and the southern movement›s supporters or between the government and Al-Qaeda?

The confessions of the defendants in the case of the British Ambassador reveal their connection to intelligence agencies and give a sign that Al-Qaeda itself is the creation of intelligence agents.

The Yemeni government invents these events to silence the opposition and those who demand reforms, either to bring powerful states into the country or to obtain support and finance under the rubric of «Counterterrorism».

Q: Do you think that these aides support the Yemeni economy?

A: In my opinion, what is more important for such aid is to build the national economy because the aid comes with conditions and stipulations, and the assistance that comes from the United States or from other countries consolidates the current national sovereignty, which is well-known.

But aid also comes in return for allowing US aircrafts to kill Yemeni citizens on Yemeni soil, which is a violation to the national sovereignty and the rights and dignity of every Yemeni.

This will direct Yemen to the wrong path and to the shores of destruction and will lead it to death, with Al-Qaeda and religious extremism, which are fabricated problems.

Young people have to think big and denounce violence and terror because this is the era of peace and the era of obtaining rights with peaceful and civilized manners. We do not need to terrorize, nor do we need a weapon.

The Package Bombs

By Mohammed Al-Qiyari Last week two bomb-ridden packages, sent from Yemen, were intercepted before detonation, causing public uproar both at home and abroad. On this subject, the National Yemen sought a variety of Yemeni views: Dr. Abdul-Rahman Hajwan, Director of Hajjah Radio Station.

Q: How do you view the package bombs incident?

A: I think that the incident was meant to prove that Yemen is a source of terrorism, which is not true. Allah has brought out the truth despite a fabricated lie that a Yemeni girl sent these packages; the girl was proven innocent. The innocence of Yemen will frustrate its enemies.

On the contrary, Yemen is the source of civilizations and can never be a source of destruction.

Q: How do you view terrorism on the Yemeni arena?

A: Terrorism in general is a lesion that has made society sleepless and restless in Yemen and other countries under different rubrics. Some of these rubrics are «religion» and «Patriotism». No wise person in the universe would support a terrorist act whatsoever. Allah has instructed us to co-exist with all nationalities and races.

We pray that God will save Yemen from the evil of terrorism and terrorists and those who are loyal to them or work and support them in their deadly agendas against societies and their attempt to destroy the national economy. The carrying out of these operations by Yemeni nationals is an insult to Yemen and Islam. They talk in the name of Islam, while they don›t belong to Islam.

Q: What is your role on this phenomenon as a media professional?

A: As media people and nonmedia people, we call all Yemenis to line up and stand together to fight this phenomenon, report it, denounce it and deem it criminal and consider those who support and encourage it as criminals. We as media people by all means attempt to explain this message to the society and to all the people of Yemen.

We have a program on Hajjah Radio that is dedicated to educate the people of the importance of the country and love to

Yemen and the importance of fighting terrorism and the damages that result from terrorism which have affected Yemen due to such terrorist acts.

Ms. Samar Ahmed Qayd, a Medical College graduate Q: How do you view the package bombs operation?

A: Enemies wanted to smear the reputation of Yemeni women, but their plans have failed.

Allah and the people always support the innocent. All the Yemeni people have stood by the side of Ms. Hanan Al-Samawi, whose reputation they wanted to slander and through her they wanted to slander the reputation of the Yemeni women in general. The Yemeni woman is a civilized one and is a builder of the fatherland. She is a student and an educator to generations and can never be a destructive woman to the peoples and countries.

These terrorist acts and explosions have spread in Yemen recently and cause a lot of panic amongst the Yemenis and nonYemenis. They have also led to halting the investment in Yemen. The European Union and other organizations which used to support Yemen economically have suspended their support.

Also, these acts reflect a bad image about Yemen and that it is an unsafe country. We are against terror and we are Muslims who are peaceful with any peaceful person who works for the interest of Yemen, whether this person is a Yemeni or nonYemeni.

Q: Who is it that you think wishes to smear the reputation of Yemen?

A: Those people are abnormal and have irrational plans and thinking. We do not know if these people are religious extremists or they just have interests with people outside Yemen to shake the stability of the country. We are in a critical situation because of persons acting irrationally and unreasonably, making Yemen unstable. We are in need for development in Yemen, but unfortunately, due to the acts of those criminals, the process of development has faltered and deteriorated.

Q: What would you like to say to the foreigners in Yemen?

A: I would like to say to them that we, the Yemenis, love their existence in Yemen, which

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