UK AMBASSADOR: YEMEN NEEDS FRIENDS' SUPPORT TO SOLVE ITS PROBLEMS

SANA'A, Jan.27 (Saba) - The British ambassador in Sana'a Tim Torlot
said that Yemen's problems, including the security problems and
instability, could be solved with an inclusive group of procedures
to strengthen Yemen's economy.

"For achieving that Yemen needs support from its friends in the
international community… and so the London meeting would give a
chance for that", the ambassador said in an article published on
Wednesday by the Saba-run alsyasiah newspaper.

He revealed that 24 partners and friends of Yemen would focus their
research during London meeting on how to support the Yemeni
government to overcome the huge challenges facing it, impose the
authority of law and order, combat corruption and to diversify
sources of income rather than relying mainly on oil and gas revenues
that are still weak.

The ambassador considered London meeting on Yemen a great
opportunity to mobilize support from Yemen's partners and friends to
assist Yemen to confront the current challenges, including the
worsening economy, rising unemployment rates, shortages of electric
power and water, population growth and increasing number of young
people who are in need of education and job opportunities.

"We should do better to make sure that our assistance meets properly
the needs of the Yemeni people", he added.

Meanwhile, he pointed that the UK has a big program to support
education, and a new program of YR2.9 billion aiming at
strengthening the private sector to facilitate and develop
businesses in Yemen so as to provide job opportunities for the
normal people.

He noted to the current relations of friendship and cooperation
between Yemen and UK, saying "On November 30, 1967 the British
troops left Yemen for the last time after 130 years ... And this
date marked the end of the colonial relationship between Yemen and
Britain, and there are no British intents to return to Yemen".

BA