Letters: May 10, 2012

Provide proper accommodation
I understand that families and single women feel threatened by bachelors, but to segregate these men based on their income and status is wrong (‘Sharjah cracks whip on bachelors,' Gulf News, May 6). Instead of forcing people out of their homes and into what could be described as ghettos, maybe companies should be forced to provide their lower-paid employees with basic accommodation.
From Ms Jen
Sharjah
Web comment

Another point of view
It is good the authorities are taking action, but one should also think about the labourers' point of view. People are forced to live in shared accommodation because of the low income all the bachelors receive, especially those who are married and who have to take care of their families and need to save money to send back to their home countries. Such steps should be taken, but people of lower income should be given accommodation through their company, near where they work, if possible, so that it won't be a problem for them to get there.
From Ms Noor Jahan
Sharjah
Web comment 

Something missing
It is easy for everyone who has a salary of more than Dh4,000 to say evict all the blue collar workers. Maybe we should think about why these workers don't like to stay in industrial areas. Maybe there is something missing in the amenities in the industrial areas. Industrial areas lack trees and parks and these workers need fresh air and recreational areas.
From Mr Yasser
Dubai
Web comment

History lesson
Being a Western expatriate who has lived in the UAE for many years, I feel the current petrol prices are more than generous (‘High prices of petrol heavily affect lives of people,' Gulf News, May 7). The people proposing cheaper prices should review American history from the 1970s when the US was selling petrol so cheap that eventually there was a major fuel shortage. As time progressed, international markets had no choice but to increase the cost. Petrol is an expensive commodity to extract, refine, and distribute, and building more refineries won't solve anything. Eventually, crude oil resources diminish, and the UAE is already being generous with keeping their prices low. If they wanted to, they could sell petrol at international market prices, but they don't. So, be grateful for what they offer.
From Mr Brandon
Ras Al Khaimah
Web comment

No comparison
Petrol expensive, here? Are people totally mad? They have no idea how lucky we are. They should never visit a petrol station in the UK. Otherwise they might have heart failure when they see the cost.
From Mr Andy
Dubai
Web comment

Not so expensive
I come from Ireland. Trust me when I say that the fuel cost is not expensive here.
From Mr Paul Devine
Dubai
Web comment

Feasible reduction
I have lived in this country long enough to see the price of petrol triple within the span of a year. To all readers who believe that the price is comparatively cheaper here than in their own countries, I would like to suggest that the next time I top up they please pay my fuel bill, since it may not be too expensive for them as they claim.
From Mr Savio Almeida 
Dubai
Web comment

Helping Somalia
I read with interest Nima Skhorrami Assl's column of April 30 on Somalia and wanted to take the opportunity to clarify some points with regard to the UK's position (‘Oil can be a boon for Somalia,' Gulf News, April 30). Assl asserts that the UK's primary interest in Somalia is due to its oil resources. This is simply not true.

British ministers have not held any discussions with the transitional federal government of Somalia on oil deals, and neither was there any discussion at the London Conference on Somalia chaired by the UK prime minister on February 23, 2012.

Somalia is a country in crisis. Its problems, famine, the rise of Islamist extremism, lawlessness, kidnapping and piracy, are the result of one issue — the breakdown of the state. That is why the UK's primary objective in Somalia is to seek a lasting political solution that will bring peace and security to the country and the region, and also reduce threats to the UK. The UK has been working hard to resolve Somalia's underlying problems, and which is why the UK convened a major international conference on Somalia.

The UAE was a central participant at the London Conference, which has acted as a catalyst for a new international approach. For example, UN troop numbers have been increased from 12,000 to 18,000 and been provided with new equipment, helping improve security and strengthen the fight against Al Shabab. The UK and the UAE are both contributing to a new Stability Fund designed to support local communities and institutions in Somalia.

I am proud that the UK has worked very closely with the UAE on this agenda. The UK and UAE share a unique partnership. Our shared history and links to different cultures allow us to bring different perspectives, and friends, to the debate. Our two nations engage in regular dialogue, particularly over Somalia. Piracy remains a big concern to both the UK and the UAE, and we are hoping to work together on several new initiatives that are currently in development. I look forward to the forthcoming piracy conference the UAE is hosting.
From Mr Dominic Jeremy
British ambassador to the UAE
Abu Dhabi

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