Yemen discusses with EU and IFES elections cooperation

SANA'A, Sep. 16 (Saba)- Chairman of Supreme Commission for Elections
and Referendum Khaled al-Sharif held talks on Monday with the
representative of European Union Michel Sarfon current arrangement
for coming parliamentary elections.

They also reviewed preparations
for phase of reviewing voters' registrations for the parliamentary
elections and aspects of the mutual cooperation between Yemen and
the EU in field of elections.Recommendations of the European mission
for 2006 presidential elections were discussed as well.

Al-Sharif confirmed concern of the commission to work transparently within
international standards to carry out the 2009 parliamentary
elections.He also affirmed that the SCER works to implement the
recommendations of the European mission within the legal
authorizations granted to the commission.

The two sides agreed on preparing a joint projects and programs to sever the elections
process in participation of the EU, UNDP and donor organizations in
addition to the SCER.For his part, the European official pointed out
to the concern of the EU with the Yemeni democracy and elections in
Yemen, highlighting efforts of the SCER.

He confirmed continuing partnership between the two sides to develop the elections
process
in the country.

On the other hand, the SCER chairman Khaled al-Sharif held a meeting with IFES
executive director Peter Williams who
handed over an invitation to him to take part in the IFES program for 2008 American
presidential elections to see how elections would
be and attend a conference on elections that will be held in Washington.

They also discussed memorandum of understanding associated with the media
activities, elections registration,
technical assistance offered by USAID in coming period, which would be signed soon.

AH