04 - January 25th thru January 31st 1999, Vol IX
Zayidi Appeals to President
Mr. Hassan Saeed Al-Zayidi, who has been imprisoned by Political Security Office since December 18th, has appealed to President Ali Abdullah Saleh asking for his release. In a letter to the president, Zayidi pointed out that as a final year student at the College of Journalism at Sanaa University, he has exams starting on 23rd January.
The letter also discloses that Hassan's brother who came to look for him was also taken into custody. "In addition, there are five other members of the Zayidi clan who have been in prison for a long time and have not been charged with any crimes."
The Zayidi clan has been notorious for kidnapping and blowing up of the YHOC oil pipeline which passes through their region. Hassan himself helped the German Berliner Zeitung journalist, Mr. Hamaiel, visit the four Germans who had been held in their region during the first half of December, 1998.
Al-Hadhiri Victimized by State Security Organ
Mohammed Saleh Al-Hadhiri, a well-known columnist and writer with Al-Wahdawi and other opposition papers, stated that state security organs have been tailing him for some time.
On Thursday, January 14th, the security people kidnapped Al-Hadhiri's brother and, thinking they had the writer, beat him badly. "They kept repeating 'Stop writing!' my badly bruised brother told us," he said.
The opposition parties issued a statement condemning the action.
YR 3,397,000,000 To Improve Ports
During 1999, the Ministry of Transportation will execute different projects with total expenses of YR 3,397,000,000. These projects will include improving Aden and Soqatra airports, some seaports, and air transportation in the country.
During 1998, YR 988,000,000 were spent in implementing similar projects.
YR 13,142,218,000 for 36 Projects
With total expenses YR 13,142,128,000 36 projects were licensed in Hodeida. Twenty six of these projects are being implemented in industry, 6 in agriculture & fisheries, and 4 in services and tourism. More than 200 employees will benefit from 50% of these projects.
Since 1992, YR5.5 billion was spent for implementing 219 projects in the governorate.
Custom Revenue = 120% More
The total customs revenue of Hodeida Airport reached YR 57,765,682 in 1998, 120% more than it was in 1997 (YR 30,768,271).
The Hodeida Airport customs office began a new plan in February, 1998.
2 Films at French Center
There will be a show of 2 French films at the French Cultural Center in Sanaa. The first show will be on January 25, and the second on February 1st.
The two films will treat different social problems, most importantly improving children's abilities and talents
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