Yemen Observer: http://www.yobserver.com
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Written By: Zaid al-Alaya’a
Article Date: Sep 18, 2007 - 3:57:48 AM
The Millennium Challenge Corporation has approved a $20.6 million grant to help Yemen fight corruption and improve the rule of law, political rights, fiscal policy and government effectiveness through institution building and improving administrative systems.
The MCC is a U.S. Government agency that works with developing countries for the promotion of good governance, economic freedom and investment, in this instance, through its Millennium Challenge Threshold Program.
“Yemen has undertaken significant fiscal and administrational reforms to fight corruption and improve the rule of law since 2005,” said U.S. Ambassador to the UN and head of the MCC, John Danilovitch. The MCC program in Yemen will run for two years. Its specific aims are to reduce corruption in the public sector, build up the capacity of the judiciary, improve electoral procedures and participation, sustain a positive investment climate by reforming taxes and better managing government debt, and to modernize customs administration.
“The American International Development Agency will follow up the implementation of the program, on behalf of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and the American Ministry of Treasury in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development,” said Ambassador Danilovitch.
Yemen’s ambassador to Washington, Abdel Wahab al-Hajjri, expressed Yemen’s gratitude for the grant, and said that the decision will propel the Yemeni Government’s reform efforts.
“The decision is a recognition of Yemen’s achievements in this regard, and it is an important step towards preparing Yemen for full membership of the program whereby the country will receive even more support annually,” he said.
Al-Hajjri also received a call from the American Foreign Ministry saying that the American Government is keen to provide further support to the government of Yemen.
“The American grant will be allocated to fight against corruption, and improve the investment climate by increasing the efficiency of tax and customs procedures and regulations of government procurement and management of loans, raise the capacity of the judiciary, and support the development of the electoral process,” Fuad al-Kohlani, Trade Attaché at the Yemeni Embassy in Washington said on the GPC website almoatmer.net.
In an earlier interview, newly-appointed American Ambassador to Yemen, Steven Seche, mentioned some of the positive steps Yemen has taken in recent years.
He cited the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Supreme Authority and the passing of the Procurement Law, and described them as “admirable steps” in fighting corruption and strengthening the administration.
The Board of the Millennium Challenge Threshold Program will meet soon to discuss Yemen’s participation and progress. Ambassador Seche said that he is optimistic about Yemen’s prospects because of the country’s progress in improving security and democracy, which he considers inseparable.
Yemen was suspended from the Millennium Challenge Threshold Program in November 2005, but has since then made significant progress in reform and was recently re-included.
The reforms have enabled many multinational corporations to put Yemen back on track towards economic development and the alleviation of poverty.