'Government responsible for resolving social issues'

Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council stressed that it is the government's responsibility to find solutions for social issues such as foreign labour, unemployment issues of Emiratis and in developing public services.

The council agreed on a draft during a closed-door session, in which they discussed other issues.

The meeting was held in the presence of Mohammad Bin Dha'en Al Hamili, Minister of Energy; Dr Hanif Hassan, Minister of Education, and Humaid Mohammad Obaid Al Qutami, Minister of Health.

Rejected

Council members rejected a 'fatwa' that doesn't allow freezing embryos and destroying embryos. Presently there are 10,000 frozen embryos at the Dubai Fertility Centre.

A special committee will be set up to discuss the issue in cooperation with the Ministry of Health.

The Minister of Energy answered members questions about the lack of power in the northern emirates.

Al Qutami, in reply to a question, said there are future plans to open more health centres across the Emirates.

Dr Hassan, the Minister of Education, stressed that 350 candidates have applied for 18 positions and that only 65 are suitable.

On rare occasions the Council has held closed-door sessions where journalists and guests are not allowed and TV cameras are switched off.

In a recent session, it was learnt that Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Speaker of the Council, warned members not to use bad words and act indecently.