Further arrests in Yemen

The Yemeni authorities have detained 23 persons who are accused of carrying out destructive acts with the aim of violating security in the country.

AFP quoted the Yemeni minister of the interior, Hussein Arab, as saying in statements quoted on Sunday by "26 September" daily that last week 23 members of an armed group were arrested. The Yemeni minister added that this group has committed since 1994 an armed theft and killed 16 persons, including five policemen.

The minister added that other members of the group are still fleeing, but did not set their number.

In October, 1999 Yemen decided to set up a special court in charge of considering cases of destruction and kidnappings of foreigners. Those who are convicted of destruction and kidnapping acts face the death penalty.