52 - December 28th thru January 3rd 1999, Vol VIII
Public Meeting for Iraq
A public meeting was held at Sanaa University on December 24 to condemn the American-British attack on Iraq. Political parties and public organizations representatives, scholars, university professors, Parliament and Consultative Council members attended the meeting. They came up with some recommendations, most importantly, that Yemen should not continue the blockade on Iraq and that an Arab summit must to be held soon.
720 Projects in 1999
In its 1999 plan, the Social Development Fund will execute 720 projects in different governorates. About 302 of these projects (281 in social development, 12 in establishment building, and 9 in small loans) begun to be implemented in 1998 and they will be continued in 1999. Other 406 projects will be implemented in the education, health and water sectors; 12 in training and qualifying people in specialized associations.
Yemeni Journalists Meeting
The general secretariat members of the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate called the Syndicate's Central Council to meet on January 5, 1998 at the Syndacte's offices in Sanaa to study and confirm the its documentation and to set a date for the Syndicate's second conference. The general secretariat members meet continuously to prepare for the Cnetral Council's meeting. They call upon all members of the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate to participate in preparing for the conference.
Teachers Appeal to President
The Yemeni Teachers Syndicate asks President Ali Abdullah Saleh to review the Teacher Law, endorsed by the Parliament on December 2. In their letter to the President, the teachers complained that this law does not address their basic demands.
Arab Universities Meeting
Sanaa University will participate in the 5th Arab Meeting which will be held in Asyoot, Egypt from 22 to 25 of February, 1999. In this meeting, participants will discuss the program of students exchange among Arab universities and how to make training more active through using the Internet and associations with research centers.
Exxon Provides US $40,000
The American Exxon Oil Company will support health programs in Yemen with US $40,000. This is allocated for the NIDs program, the Disabled Rehabilitation Center in Al-Jomhoori Hospital, Al-Sab'een Hospital, and the Orphans School in Sanaa.
226 Million Yens for Refrigeration
An agreement between Yemen and Japan for improving refrigeration systems in Yemen was signed on December 24 at the ministry of Planning and Development. According to this agreement Japan will provide Yemen with 226 Million Yens (US $1,900,000) to buy 600 refrigerators and other equipment to improve storing of medical vaccines.
Nasr Passes Away
Ali Abdulaziz Nasr, a Yemeni poet and freedom-fighter, died on December 20, 98. Nasr spent most of his life working in the education sector. He edited some local newspapers and wrote in many Arab magazines and newspapers.
From 1971 on, he held positions in the State Council. Until he died, he was a member of the People's Founding Council and Shourah Council. Some of his poetry volumes include "People's Struggle" and "The New Nero".
Cardiologists in Mukallah
The Friends of Heart Patients Association, Mukallah branch, will hold a seminar on Heart Problems in Yemen in March, 1999. Several Arab and Yemeni cardiologists will participate in this seminar.
Businessmen Condemn Lack of Security
Following an attempt to kidnap Yemeni businessman Nabeel Al-Khamiry, the business community is now channeling its efforts to get the government to overhaul the country's security system.
Mr. Al-Khamiry was confronted by a gang of 10 men when leaving his Sanaa offices on Monday, December 21. Using a car with military number plates, the men hit Al-Khamiry with their rifle butts, but he was able to resist and was later assisted by his employees. The assailants fled after snatching the businessman's pistol and briefcase.
Sanaa University Ends Strike
As the Ministry of Finance agreed to raising their salaries by 50%, Sanaa University staff stopped the strike they started on December 8. The Ministry of Finance will pay out the allocated 50% raise for the last three months of 1998.
Training Courses in Taiz
The Vocational and Industrial Institute in Taiz is organizing regular short-term training courses. The 10 courses recently held covered many specialties. Over 1,000 people applied to attend the course, but only 240 candidates were accepted through an admission test.
Mr. Saif Mohammed Ahmed, director of the institute, said: "These intensive courses will provide people with a better chance to get jobs and improve the skill of those who already have their own businesses."
In the future, each course will last for 4 months and there will be 4 courses per year where the trainees have to study 5 days a week.
"All the courses are provided free of charge." Courses will continue immediately after Ramadhan.
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