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Mohammed opens FNC session

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Tuesday inaugurated the Federal National Council’s Second Ordinary Session of the 15th Legislative Chapter.

Shaikh Mohammed with Shaikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region; Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers of emirates; Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr; and Federal National Council members during a photo session on the opening day of the FNC session on Tuesday. — Wam

The Vice-President declared the second session opened and thanked the members for the relentless efforts they exerted for the development of the country and its people. He also said he was sure the same relentless efforts will continue to serve the nation during this session.

“It is the Will of Allah we are starting another session of the council to serve the country and its people and I pray Allah may protect and prosper our country,” said Shaikh Mohammed.

Shaikh Mohammed arrived at the FNC Secretariat around 1pm and was received by Speaker Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Cabinet and FNC members and senior officials of the Armed Forces and Interior Ministry. He inspected a guard of honour. The opening ceremony began with the recitation of verses from Holy Quran, followed by the reading of the day’s agenda. Later, the Speaker delivered his welcome speech.

“We record our deep appreciation and gratitude to His Highness President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Your Highness (Shaikh Mohammed), your brothers Their Highnesses members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates for the unlimited support to the council to help it take part in (the) decision-making process,” said Al Murr.

“Our experience of parliamentary and political participation to look forward to the leadership and people of the UAE is making progress according to the political programme put forward by His Highness President in 2005,” he added.

EU resolution

The speaker also referred to a statement of some European Parliament members pointing fingers at the UAE on human rights issue. “The statement was biased and entirely based on misinformation and false allegations, deliberately ignoring the social and economic development of the people achieved, and that has been endorsed by many international organisations,” he said.

He further referred to the country and the council’s experience of elections in 2006 and 2011, saying the electoral system was developed locally and perfectly matched the aspirations of the society. “Import of an electoral system does not match our society and culture. With the two consecutive elections successfully held, we see the political process of the country further progressing with greater parliamentary participation in decision-making,” said Al Murr.

The opening ceremony concluded with the inaugural speech by Shaikh Mohammed, wishing the council success. The proceedings of the Second Ordinary Session, chaired by Speaker Al Murr, began after a recess of half an hour.

During the question hour, one of the members said both the FNC and government have to take up the issue of European Parliament’s biased report on UAE’s human rights record, saying all the news the people of the country are getting about the issue was coming from abroad.

Permanent panels elected

Earlier, the House began the business with the election of eight Permanent Committees. The council also discussed and approved laws and regulations issued and agreements signed by the country in the absence of the council.

nissar@khaleejtimes.com