[09/February/2010]

SANA'A, Feb. 09 (Saba) - The Parliament turned down on Monday amendments proposed by the government to the anti-smoking law after discussing the government note that suggested that the draft law be applied and assessed in the reality before any amendments brought in.

In its explanatory note, the government said the draft law was a priority to applying the anti-smoke law and dealing with smoke affects at a time when its efforts continue to reduce the rate of Yemeni smokers through effective interventions to improve health styles particularly among the young and youth.

In this regard, major efforts are being exerted to tackle smoking through motivating self abilities to boost health of the young and youth and reducing tobacco consumption rates with price measures that studies confirmed their success.

Parliament also listened to the letter of head of the Supreme National Anti-Corruption Commission concerning requested amendments to some articles of the anti-corruption law 39, 2006.

The council pointed to difficulties facing the SNACC due to the gaps in the law text that have negatively affected the commission and meeting its goals.

Moreover, the council reviewed the explanatory note of the Transportation Minister about the seaports law with the aim to establish a framework with which the concerned authorities can assume their responsibilities for planning, constructing, repairing and running the national seaports effectively.

The minister also stressed the importance of encouraging the development of seaport authorities with the private sector engaged in providing infrastructure to ensure fair competition and better services by seaports.

The draft law included rules for developing seaports and license and employee rights measures, providing services for ships, freight issues, port and professional safety and environment protection.

The draft law was turned over to a special committee to study it and present the results to the council.

During Monday's session, Parliament also discussed the joint report of the Service and Development and Oil and Minerals Committees on a loan agreement signed with the Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development to finance rural road project at a cost of $ 52 million.

The MPs voted on related recommendations, urging discussing and voting on the agreement to take place in the next session.

FR
Saba