Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi underscored on Monday’s the government’s priorities in saving the national economy and consolidating stability.
He held a meeting with the government in the interim capital Aden to underline the importance of reform, security and empowering state institutions, saying they were necessary for the “survival of the state”.
“Economic reforms are the real test for the state,” he remarked, urging officials to focus on providing wages and basic services and goods.
Security must be consolidated, and efforts should be made towards “reclaiming the state,” he continued.
The government has major responsibilities that must not be ignored, he added, warning against being distracted by minor issues while Yemen is confronted with mounting humanitarian, economic and security challenges.
Moreover, al-Alimi stressed the need to unify public revenues and depositing them in the Central Bank. The success of the government begins when it has control over public funds and resources.
He also underlined the importance of the “independence of the Central Bank” and activating auditing tools for the banking sector.
The success of the monetary policy demands “complete cooperation between state institutions,” he said.
Al-Alimi also noted the rising challenges in humanitarian work, saying over 17 million Yemenis are in need of aid. He highlighted the “alarming reports” about obstacles hindering the work of international organizations.
He stressed the need to secure humanitarian work and facilitate the efforts of international workers in the field.
On the security level, he praised the accomplishments in busting terrorist cells, and arms and drugs shipments headed to the Huothis.
Any economic, financial and administrative reform operation needs an effective security and judicial system, he stressed.
“There can be no economy amid fragile security and no development without an independent judiciary,” he declared.
On foreign policy, he urged diplomatic missions to further support the Yemeni people and activate diplomacy in serving the national interest, especially after the designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization, al-Alimi added. He also called on the government to document the Houthi crimes and violations.
He noted that the Saudi- and UAE-led Arab coalition’s support of the legitimate authorities in Yemen is an “investment in the stability of Yemen and the future of the region.”
Prime Minister Salem bin Braik, who was present at the meeting, underscored the strong ties between the government and Presidential Leadership Council.
The success of the current phase demands respect for the jurisdiction of the executive authority and refraining from meddling in government affairs, he went on to say.
He described the comprehensive reform plan adopted by the council as an “unprecedented national project”, demanding that it be implemented in full.
