Minister of FNC Affairs applauds the UAE government for promoting political dialogue

The concluded term is the first of two that comprise the 14th legislative chapter of the FNC.

In a review of the FNC's overall performance, Dr. Gargash said that the keen participation of ministers, FNC members and governmental representatives demonstrates the dynamic political environment of the country. The discussions of the past term, which centered on societal welfare measures, promoted new legislation, enhanced organizational structures and enriched the UAE federal government experience. The Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs played a key liaising role as co-ordinator between the government and the FNC.

"Our goal was to facilitate communication flow between government officials and FNC members, which is imperative to constructive discussions and policy making. We were successful in bringing the government and the FNC closer together by providing the right environment for parliamentary debate," said Dr Gargash.

He added: "The government was committed to spirited debate and deliberation with FNC members and the attendance of ministers was crucial in expediting the process. The Ministries were also supportive in organizing separate meetings with FNC Special Committees to fast-track decisions. We were focused on making this FNC term one of the most successful and will continue to strive toward enriching our parliamentary experience," said Dr Gargash.

Dr Gargash highlighted that the draft law for regulating in-vitro fertilization (IVF) centres across the UAE was one of the key issues discussed in the latest session. "The healthy debate on framing the draft law shows the level of public interest on this issue. Based on the deliberations, the FNC decided to add a new article to the draft law to implement a supervisory committee that will ensure that all IVF centres are working in accordance with Islamic rules, teachings and ethics."

On the new draft law related to Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Social Affairs Minister Maryam Mohammed Khalfan Al Roumi's comprehensive understanding of the issue helped FNC members decide in support of the draft law, said Dr. Gargash. The FNC also approved a new law for establishing a new Federal Council for Tourism and Archeology and a new Federal Environmental Authority.

In summary the FNC discussed fourteen draft laws and thirteen public matters during this legislative chapter that ran from February 12 to July 4, 2007. Dr. Gargash stressed the important role of all FNC members headed by His Excellency Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Ghurair, and explained that the success of the FNC represents the successful implementation of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's political modernization agenda.