Notification to the Parties

CONCERNING:

YEMEN

Withdrawal of the recommendation to suspend trade

1. With Notification to the Parties No. 2002/005, issued on 14 January 2002, the Secretariat informed the Parties that, pursuant to Decision 11.16, the Conference of the Parties recommended that, from that date, all Parties should refuse any import from and export or re-export to Yemen of CITES specimens until further notice.

2. On 16 April 2002, Yemen enacted Prime Minister's Resolution N° (104) for the year 2002 regarding the protection of endangered species of fauna and flora and the regulation of trade therein and provided an English translation to the Secretariat.

3. The Secretariat's review of the English translation of Prime Minister's Resolution N° (104) showed that it only partially met the four minimal requirements for implementation of CITES. Consequently, the recommendation to suspend trade remained in effect until Yemen clarified the designation of a Scientific Authority and the procedures for confiscation of specimens of CITES-listed species illegally traded or possessed.

4. Following a request for additional information, on 3 September 2002 Yemen provided an English translation of the Resolution issued by the Chairman of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) under No. 41 of 2002 regarding the designation of the Scientific Committee for CITES.

5. On 24 September 2002, Yemen advised the Secretariat that a Memorandum of Cooperation was concluded with the Customs authorities to enforce the provisions of the Convention, including the power to confiscate CITES-listed specimens involved in illegal trade. In this connection, the Chairman of the Customs authorities issued a circular regarding the measures to be taken by Customs managers.

6. The Secretariat's review of the English translation of the complementary legislation shows that Yemeni legislation addresses the four minimal requirements for implementation of CITES (i.e. designation of CITES authorities, prohibition of trade in violation of the Convention, penalization of illegal trade and provision for the confiscation of specimens that are illegally traded or possessed).

7. Therefore, the Secretariat hereby informs the Parties that the recommendation to suspend trade expressed in Notification to the Parties No. 2002/005 is withdrawn with immediate effect.