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This is Imran Khan's first public appearance since his arrest in last August in Toshakhana case
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Saeed Al Kindi elected speaker
ABU DHABI - His Highness Shaikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,
Inaugurated here yesterday the first session of the 13th Legislative Chapter of the Federal National Council (FNC), in the presence of Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of emirates, Deputy Rulers, Crown Princes, ministers, under-secretaries, senior officials and diplomats.
After the inauguration ceremony, the 40 members of the house, appointed under a federal decree issued by the President, His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, took oath of office.
Saeed Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi from Dubai was elected Speaker of the Council in a secret ballot. Mr Kindi secured 22 out of 29 votes cast.
The other two candidates, Fadhil bin Saeed Al Darmaki and Ahmed Mohammed Nasser Al Khatiri, got 12 and five votes respectively. Ahmed bin Shabeeb Al Dhahiri was elected First Deputy Speaker with 26 votes, while Rashid bin Obaid Al Hafeeti was elected Second Deputy Speaker, unopposed. The house also elected two observers and the parliamentary affairs committee.
Eight other special committees were elected, each comprising seven members. These are: Internal Affairs and Defence Committee, Financial, Economic and Industrial Affairs Committee, Education, Youth, Information and Culture Affairs Committee, Health, Labour and Social Affairs Committee, Foreign Affairs, Oil and Mineral Resources, Agriculture and Fisheries Affairs Committee, Islamic Affairs, Auqaf and Public Utilities Committee and Contestation and Complaints Investigation Committee.
The FNC's 40 members include eight each from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, six each from Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah and four each from Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. There are 11 new members in the council who have replaced former legislators.
Loyalty to Zayed
Before having been elected the Speaker of the House, Mr Kindi Saeed paid tribute to President Shaikh Zayed for his pioneering role in forging and maintaining the UAE federation and also in working for the cause of the country's progress and prosperity.
Speaking on behalf of FNC members, Mr Kindi wished Shaikh Zayed good health so that he continues to lead the country to more prosperity and progress.
Mr Kindi also extended the council's gratitude to Shaikh Maktoum for inaugurating the session, saying that his keenness to personally inaugurate the session was an indication of the commitment of the country's leadership to the principles of Shura.
"The council views Your Highness's personal presence here today as a sign of strong commitment to the principles of Shura. This will serve as an added incentive for the council to intensify efforts in handling various issues that will be tabled before this council," he said.
"With the opening of this legislative chapter, the council hereby renews allegiance to the country's leadership and also pledges to reinforce the UAE Federation as well as the country's stability and security and endeavour to achieve the aspiration of the UAE people for more progress and prosperity."
Iraq Issue
The region's hottest issue, war threats against Iraq, was debated by the council which said it would issue an official statement in two days.
"We should issue a statement on the current situation in the Gulf. I call upon the house to express our views on the war threats and the issue of weapons inspectors. We must interact with what is happening around us," said council member Saeed bin Hafeez Al Mazroui.
Another member of the house suggested that the leaders of the AGCC states should put their efforts together to avert a war in the region.
The FNC General Secretariat will issue a statement explaining the council's views in regard to the situation in the region and the war threats.
Expatriate workforce
During the session, the council reviewed 11 federal laws issued during its recess. The bills include the federal budget and issues pertaining to customs, general information and environment. The council also reviewed 23 international protocols and agreements signed by the country during the FNC's recess.
The house was informed about a letter from Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Saeed Al Ghaith regarding policies of the Ministries of Interior and Labour about replacement of expatriate workforce with nationals.
Another letter sent by the minister to the council dealing with policies of the Ministry of Education and Youth on curriculum, private education and employment of national teachers in the sector was also discussed by the council.
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