Conference on developing democracies starts today

Yemen police were deployed in streets and the main crossing points in Sanaa to be ready to provide security during the convening of a conference of developing democracies, whose works started today.

Security procedures were taken around the areas in which the event associated with the forum are also convened around the areas in which the participating delegations reside.

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh opened the conference and delivered a speech before the participants, who represent more than 17 countries from Latin America, Asia, Europe and Africa, including three Arab states Morocco, Jordan and Yemen.

The conference is organized by U.S. National Democratic Institute for International Affairs in cooperation and coordination with donor countries and the host country.

A statement for Yemeni Prime Minister Abdul Karim El-Iryani and the head of the U.S. National Democratic Institute for International Affairs said, "High ranking leaders in policy, economy and civil society are participating in the works of the forum," which is to last for three days.