Gargash says FNC debates reflect political progress

The keenness of the leadership to boost the role of the Federal National Council (FNC), manifested in the empowerment programme announced by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reflects positively on the House’s work, Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for FNC Affairs, has said.

In a speech on the concluding day of the first ordinary session of the 15^th Legislative Chapter of the FNC on Tuesday, he said: “Empowering the council was and will remain the prime objective of the political leadership which the UAE citizens also have yearned for, as it is the all-inclusive federal edifice and important historic institution.”

He described the programme as the main part of the state’s ambition, and a realisation of the President’s desire to upgrade the mechanisms of political participation gradually to boost the political system, economic growth and comprehensive development of the federation.

The vital and constructive debates seen at the session between the ministers and the members were evidence to the civilized standard the FNC had reached, and reflected the political development of the country, he reiterated.

The council, according to him, had succeeded in highlighting a number of general and life-related issues, especially those pertaining to the environment and the society, whose impact is felt by all segments in the society. The government works hand in hand with the FNC to resolve those issues.

Dr Gargash underlined the keenness of the political leadership on bolstering the cooperation between the executive and legislative institutions to achieve the welfare and well-being of the UAE.

In this context, he referred to the strong cooperation between the government and the FNC which had yielded many achievements and successes.

He praised the appreciation shown by the government in meeting the needs of the House in the previous period. This appeared in the government’s response to the national issues, which it handled with the highest standard of transparency, accuracy and objectivity.

He also referred to the keenness of the ministers to attend the House session and answer all queries of the members in a detailed and thorough manner. This, according to him, proved that they were well aware of the importance of the role of the House in boosting the general performance of the government and the march of the comprehensive development of the UAE.

Dr Gargash also lauded the important role FNC Speaker Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr and the members of the council have played by addressing the general issues and the questions which are of the highest interest in the country. This also showed the keenness of the members in reflecting the issues of the man in the street and bringing them to the notice of constitutional institutions.

He also praised the joint action between the government and the FNC, and the standard of debate, which symbolised the high standard of the UAE society. He appreciated the remarks made by the council, whether through the questions or discussions of general topics and draft laws.

“The contribution of the members of the council have enriched the dialogue, draft laws, and served as qualitative addition towards promulgating the laws which steer the management of and society in the country.”

He said the first session of the 15^th Legislative Chapter is a benchmark in the march of the FNC, as half of its members were elected by a bigger electoral college as compared to 2006.

The presence of new members, who represent different segments of the Emirati society, and women members who were either appointed or elected enabling them to play their role in the council, has enriched the parliamentary experience.

During its last 14 sessions, the council had played legislative and watchdog’s roles, and had supported and guided the executive authority, Dr Gargash said.

He also praised the permanent and temporary committees of the council and the parliamentary diplomacy of the House.