Yemen Takes Measures to Confront Possible Coronavirus Repercussions

Yemen Takes Measures to Confront Possible Coronavirus Repercussions
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Yemen Takes Measures to Confront Possible Coronavirus Repercussions

Yemen Takes Measures to Confront Possible Coronavirus Repercussions

The internationally recognized government has taken several economic measures to counter the repercussions of the new coronavirus outbreak, official Yemeni sources said.

Among these measures was the extension of the closure of land, air and sea ports, they said.

Shipments of medicines and food, however, are still being allowed into the country.

Sources at the Supreme Economic Council said that the body, during its extraordinary session headed by Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed on Tuesday, discussed economic and financial developments amid current challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic.

The Council, according to the Saba News Agency, discussed possible coronavirus repercussions on the national economy. It also tackled mechanisms that could alleviate the effect of any economic downfall on citizens.

The Council reviewed the pricing and stocks of basic food staples.

It, according to official sources, directed the Yemeni Ministry of Industry and Trade to swiftly conclude the food inventory survey and identify any existing gap.

The Council also pointed to the private sector as a primary partner for the government in facing the global economic consequences caused by the coronavirus and its potential impacts on the local economy.

Saeed reaffirmed that his government will not fail in supporting the private sector as an effective partner in securing the needs of citizens.

Saeed also chaired a meeting for Yemen’s Supreme National Emergency Committee, which approved a string of precautionary measures for containing the coronavirus. The measures included extending the closure of land, sea and air ports for a period of two weeks starting April 1.

The Committee was briefed by Deputy Prime Minister Salem al-Khanshabi and Health Minister Nasser Baoum on measures undertaken by the government to protect Yemenis from the new coronavirus.



US Defers Removal of Some Lebanese, Citing Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
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US Defers Removal of Some Lebanese, Citing Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)

The United States is deferring the removal of certain Lebanese citizens from the country, President Joe Biden said on Friday, citing humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon amid tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

The deferred designation, which lasts 18 months, allows Lebanese citizens to remain in the country with the right to work, according to a memorandum Biden sent to the Department of Homeland Security.

"Humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon have significantly deteriorated due to tensions between Hezbollah and Israel," Biden said in the memo.

"While I remain focused on de-escalating the situation and improving humanitarian conditions, many civilians remain in danger; therefore, I am directing the deferral of removal of certain Lebanese nationals who are present in the United States."

Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have been trading fire since Hezbollah announced a "support front" with Palestinians shortly after its ally Hamas attacked southern Israeli border communities on Oct. 7, triggering Israel's military assault in Gaza.

The fighting in Lebanon has killed more than 100 civilians and more than 300 Hezbollah fighters, according to a Reuters tally, and led to levels of destruction in Lebanese border towns and villages not seen since the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war.

On the Israeli side, 10 Israeli civilians, a foreign agricultural worker and 20 Israeli soldiers have been killed. Tens of thousands have been evacuated from both sides of the border.