President meets EU chief observer

SANA’A, Oct. 02 (Saba)-President Ali Abdullah Saleh received on Monday Baroness Emma Nicholson, chief observer of European Union election ObservationMission. In the meeting, Baroness congratulated president Saleh on success of presidential and local elections which was took place on 20th September, 2006.She highlighted the Yemeni democratic experience, saying that the preliminary report of the mission showed that the elections were between good and very good. It is high degree compared to other elections in other countries, she said, the mission is to issue final report soon. She confirmed support of European Union for democracy and development in Yemen, pointing out to the success of Yemen in fighting terror. She also indicated to role of Yemeni women in political, economic and social life. President Saleh praised participation of the EU mission in monitoring presidential and local elections, appreciating European support of democracy and development in the country. He said that the democracy is part of history of Yemeni people, pointing out to the chance granted for Yemeni women to take part in the political life. The meeting was attended by deputy premier Rashad al-Alimi and deputy chief observer Richard Chambers and other officials. AH/AH SABA