AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH NEW MINSTER OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

UNCLAS SANAA 000521 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV YM DEMOCRATIC REFORM SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH NEW MINSTER OF LEGAL AFFAIRS ¶1. Ambassador met with newly appointed Minister of Legal Affairs, Adnan Omar al-Jefri, on February 26. Ambassador congratulated al-Jefri, who was previously Minister of Justice, on his posting. Al-Jefri discussed the challenges in balancing rights and responsibilities when drafting and enforcing laws and regulations, including the new draft press law. Al-Jefri stated that the Ministry will conduct outreach programs to educate the public about their rights under the law, and will also train law enforcement officials on respecting the public's rights. Ambassador indicated that the USG may be able to assist in those efforts. Al-Jefri welcomed the idea of professional exchange and development programs with the American Bar Association and law school faculties in the United States. Krajeski