The Yemeni authorities expect parliament’s approval of the 2013 budget to help the country return to stability after the political turmoil of the past two years during the Arab Spring. Attacks on Yemen’s oil and gas pipelines and electricity transmission lines have continued intermittently, denying one of the poorest Arab countries a vital source of revenue. Many challenges lie ahead and the inflow of donors’ pledged aid will have to accelerate to alleviate an economy in dire straits.
The draft budget was approved by parliament on 19 January after legislators called for a rationalization of public expenditure, a speedy solution to the lack of security in the country and creation of a climate conducive to investment. (CONTINUED - 1596 WORDS)
