SANA'A,(SABA) - Prime Minister Abdul-Qader Bajammal said Saturday the local authority represents a democratic process and that it enhances partnership with society in development and stability.

In his speech in front of the three-day regional forum on local authority in Arab countries that was held in Sana'a, Bajammal pointed out to the
process of democracy in Yemen and efforts to develop the democratic experience and ommunication between central authority and local
authority.

UNDP representative to Yemen, James Rawley delivered a speech in which Rawley focused on the importance of local authority to set strategies
of general development and poverty alleviation.

He praised the support of government which gave local authority further jurisdictions, and did the best to deepen decentralization.

Representatives of government bodies and local authority took part in the forum which aimed at enhancing aspects of democracy and decentralization in Arab countries.

AH/NS