[16 May 2008]

ADEN, May 16 (Saba)- General Secretary of Aden Local Council Abdul-Karim Shaef met on Thursday with UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Antonio Guterres.

The meeting discussed a number of issues related to refugees affairs in Yemen, particularly Somali refugees in Kharaz camp in Lahj governorate and means of providing various cares for them.

Shaef welcomed the commissioner and his accompanying delegation, reviewing with him refugees situation and support and care provided for them by the UNHCR.

On his side, the commissioner confirmed continuation to support UNHCR programs for Refugees in Yemen, indicating the shortage of assistance level as proved by international community for UNHCR in these regard.

He called the international community to consider refugees' issues as a humanitarian issue concerning the whole world.

The commissioner paid a visit to Kharaz camp for refugees in which he got acquainted with various issues related to refugees.

On the other hand, General Secretary of Aden Local Council also held talks with the European Union ambassador to Yemen on a number of issues related to the support being provided by EU for a number of projects in Aden province.

During the meeting, the ambassador hailed Governors electoral experiences which he described as "unique" to develop local governance, confirming EU's support for such good steps.

NN/AM

Saba