There was a big fight between students in Taiz University last Monday. It was because of holding a party in Al-Zubeiry hall. Some students wanted to celebrate the anniversary of the Hijira of prophet Mohammed while the university staff had a musical party at the same time. So, a big fight took place. Guns were used. Three students were wounded, while the university security did nothing. It seem to be a maneuver by the Islah and PGC parties to control the university. The trouble makers are now under investigation.

 

Yemen celebrated Labor Day on the first of May, as did the entire world. Many distinctive persons were honored from various productive sectors.
The Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, Mr. Mohammed Al Tayeb, spoke briefly on this occasion saying, "The first of May witnessed many activities that featured the great concern of Yemen about this important area. Laborers play basic and vital roles in the development process." Mr. Al Tayeb added "Yemen concerns for Laborers are not limited to celebrating Labor Day but, it is a continuous affair. The Ministry is undergoing a comprehensive characterization of laborers to insure they get full rights. This characterization will include laborers from both public and private sectors."

 

A number of Industrialists and businessmen from Yemen and Lebanon met to try and revive the commercial and trade cooperation, between the two countries.
The visiting Yemeni delegation was headed by Mr. Abdul Jabbar Saeed, who had invited his Lebanese counterparts to focus more on Yemen. "The Lebanese businessmen have not realized the importance of the Yemeni markets and the opportunities to expand their markets," said Mr. Abdul Jabbar. Mr. Jacques Sarraf, president of the Lebanese Industrialists Association, in his speech expressed the importance of the strategic location of Yemen, as a connection to a huge market. The businessmen hope that this visit will strengthen the trade links between the countries.

 

The Tolouse-based Airbus Industries has given Yemenia, the national carrier of Yemen, high marks for on-time operations. "As of the end of January (1999), we are pleased to notice that the results of the last 6 months are reaching the level of 100% for dispatch and operational reliability, while for the last 12 months, it was 'only' 99.4," wrote the producer.
In the congratulatory message, of which Mr. Abdullah Al-Muterreb, Marketing Manager of Yemenia, says his company is very proud, Airbus Industrie also pointed to "constant improvement of the technical department organization which has led GESAC to renew the COA (French CDN) by twelve months, instead of six months as previously. Such testimony will be reflected in higher market share.

 

In its issue number 17 of Volume IIX dated 25th April, the Yemen Times published a story about the Hayel Saeed Group of Companies, and another business group. While the story was mostly factual, there are a couple of corrections we want to make.

1.Future Investments:
We in the Hayel Saeed Group of Companies continue with our commitments to contribute to the development and construction of Yemen. We view our investments in Yemen on a long-term basis, and our decisions are not made on a purely profit-incentive basis. That is why we will continue to be one of the driving forces of the nation's growth and development.

2.Employees:
Indeed, a small number of employees have been laid-off by the Hayel Saeed Group of Companies. But the main reason for the termination of service of the majority of these people was the fact that they have reached retirement age. As the Yemen Times kindly appreciates, Yemeni law stipulates a certain minimum and maximum working age. This was the basic reason for laying-off some employees recently.

We hope the above two corrections will shed light on the situation. The Hayel Saeed Group of Companies continues in its growth and expansion, and we continue to lead the development process of Yemen.