Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council, the legislative body of UAE, will celebrate the 38th anniversary of its establishment today.
The Federal Constitutional authorities have contributed to the parliamentary life of the country through enhancing political participation and decision-making processes.
For the first time half of the council's members are now elected and some of them are women.
The constitutional amendment No 1 for 2009, which included a number of articles, some dealing with enabling the council to expand its powers and strengthen its role and status in implementing political programmes, was announced by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in December, 2005.
Wisdom
The anniversary of the founding of the Council — which held its first meeting in 1972 — reflects the wisdom of our leadership to extend its history and the compassion of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highness the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, to empower the Council and its interaction with issues of citizens through the promotion of its role of a supportive authority of the executive branch.
This support was highlighted by Shaikh Khalifa in his speech to the Federal National Council on the occasion of the first ordinary session of the Fourteenth Legislative Chapter of the Council, which was inaugurated on February 12, 2007, and which he described that day as "historic, and an important juncture in the nation's history".
Support
In a speech to mark the 38th anniversary of the FNC, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Speaker of Council said that the FNC, since its establishment has had the full support, follow-up and patronage of UAE leadership. Al Ghurair stressed that the basic purpose of the Council is to adopt and discuss anything that might provide a better life for UAE citizens and to participate in the discussion and approving of legislation and laws that promote UAE infrastructure.
He also commended the performance of FNC members and hailed women's participation, emphasising that they receive all the appreciation and respect.
Al Ghurair pointed out that the council continues to perform its constitutional legislative and regulatory duties, relying on leadership's wise support through enabling it to play its role on national and international arena.
At the same time he praised the contribution made by chairpersons and members of the Council over legislative chapters.
He commended the positive and constructive role of media and their accredited representatives to cover work, events and activities of the Council, which helped in strengthening communication between the council and the society.
