[03 December 2007]

SANA'A, Dec.03 (Saba)- The Dutch ambassador to Yemen R.H. Buikema said Monday that his country's support to Yemen has changed its policies from support and implementation to only support leaving implementation to Yemeni government.

He called for opening dialogue with Civil Society Organizations, thinking that dialogue with government bodies and the organizations is the ideal path for managing different sectors in Yemen.

He indicated that the Dutch support will not be direct in all cases but, instead, indirect or by supporting a development fund such as the Social Fund for Development.

Buikema confirmed, in a press conference held in Yemeni Female Journalist Forum, that focusing on gender is a very basic topic for the role of woman in improving Yemen, pointing that the embassy has supported equivalent projects in Ibb governorate in field of combating early marriage and girls education.

Dutch Kingdom is considered one of the greatest donors to Yemen after World Bank and its basic support focuses on sectors of health, water and education in Yemen.

MS/AM

Saba