Brussels, 23/08/2006 (Agence Europe) - At the invitation of the Elections Committee of the Republic of Yemen, the European Commission is deploying an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the country's presidential and local elections scheduled for 20 September 2006. The EU EOM will be led by Baroness Nicholson. Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said: “I am happy that EU observers will be accompanying the Yemenis in this process. Progress in democracy through fair and democratic elections in Yemen will no doubt strengthen the mutual relationship in the interest of both parties.” The EOM Core Team of 11 election experts arrived in Sana'a on 12 August. Forty long-term observers followed on 17 August. A further forty short-term observers will arrive shortly before election day. The Commission budget for this EOM is €3.2 million.