SANA'A - Three new centres for computerized identification cards have been formally opened in Sana'a by Mayor Ahmed Al-Kohlani and civil status and registration director Rashid Jurhoom.
According to Al-Kohlani, the computerized certificates are more secure against counterfeiting.
"Ensuring the safety of ID certificates will be an effective method of identifying criminals and clamping down on a lot of crimes," he said.
The mayor highlighted the need to make it easier for people to confirm their identities.
"In the near future automatic cards will be required in all formal procedures in Sana'a," he said.
Jurhoom said the aim of the new centers would be to establish a national database to enable economic, social and security development. "The civil registration is the fundamental reference for the identity of citizens," he said.
"Holders of computerized ID certificates will get national numbers," he added. "Fingerprints will be used as infallible identification systems."
Further new centers will be opened in the next couple of days in Marib, Hajja and Al-Dhala', with more to follow in Aden, Hadhramaut, Al-Hodeidah, Taiz and elsewhere.
By Observer Staff
© Yemen Observer 2005
