Almotamar.net - Yemeni Deputy Premier for Interior Affairs Sadiq Amin Abu Ras has said Sunday the shortage of waters represents a big hindrance in the face of realizing sustainable development in Yemen and its impact was not restricted to hindering the agricultural and economic development only but caused in arousing social problems and threatening the stability in some local communities.

He clarified that improvement of waters situation in Yemen would bring big benefits to the country enhancing aspects of development through what it would provide of job opportunities in areas of agricultural production, improving the family income and situation of the woman in regard with education. Those remarks came in opening of the Yemeni-French symposium in Sana�a on Sunday titled �Waters is a world issue and Yemeni priority�, and said, in the symposium organized by the French Cultural Centre and Sana�a university, the symposium comes as a contribution in this direction and it is depended on for coming out with scientific visions for solving many of the waters problems in Yemen.

Abu Ras added that he who studies Yemen�s ancient history would wonder about the methods and practices the Yemenis had innovated for the utmost benefit from the scarce rain waters. They had developed techniques in this regard, among them building terraces in the rugged mountains, building dams and irrigation canals in valleys and plains and drawing up good systems for regulation of water distribution in a just way.

He also pointed to the integrating relationship between waters and the civilizations that existed in different areas of the earth in different periods of time as the waters considered the major element for continuation of life and flourishing of civilization projects in all their forms and purposes.

On behalf of the Yemeni government, Abu Ras valued keenness of donor countries, among them France, on supporting Yemen efforts for overcoming the problem of waters and developing its water resources. He stressed the distinguishing Yemeni-French relations , considering them as an example of relations of firm and sustainable cooperation based on mutual respect and common interests , adding that the Yemeni-French relations are witnessing flourishing growth in different political , economic and cultural areas at various levels.

For his part the French ambassador to Yemen Joseph Silva said the problem of waters has economic, , social dimensions and impact , requiring exertion of more efforts in managing its resources and meeting the increasing demand , considering the deep analysis of all human aspects and seeking help of ideas of experts is considered among the more important tackling of these problems . He stressed France�s keenness on the continuous support for issues of development in Yemen.