Sheikh Mohammed opens new FNC session

A red carpet lined with troops awaited the arrival of the Vice President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, to officially open the new session of the Federal National Council.

Sheikh Mohammed takes the podium to give the opening speech on behalf of the president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. WAM

ABU DHABI // Council members were reminded of the great responsibility bestowed on them by the government, and for the need to keep in close communication with the Emirati community, at the opening of the Federal National Council's third term.

The start of the term promised to be one of their most eventful yet.

Yesterday morning, to herald the session, Abu Dhabi's FNC headquarters were decorated with flags for the arrival of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

The FNC members and guests were ushered in to the council to await the arrival of members of the ruling families of various emirates.

Shortly before noon, Sheikh Mohammed arrived in his Mercedes and was greeted by troops lining a red carpet.

Diplomats, ministers, and other high ranking officials fell silent in the council chambers as they were notified of Sheikh Mohammed's arrival. After officially opening the council, the Vice President read out an encouraging speech on behalf of Sheikh Khalifa, the President.

“We ask Allah to aid us in establishing what is in the good of the country and the citizens, and to maintain the spirit of the union and continue the national legacy for the late founder Sheikh Zayed,” he said.

He went on to praise the role of UAE men and women in all fields with regards to the progress the country is making towards becoming a transparent, developed and legal state.

“We hope that your respected council portrays the country’s transparency and responsible decision making,” he added.

Mohammed Al Murr, the FNC Speaker, expressed his high hopes and expectations for the coming term.

“The dire responsibilities that await us require us all to invest every second to serve our homeland and to press issues that concern our nationals,” he said.

“And as per my trust in you and what we witnessed from your continuous cooperation, you will not save any efforts or will to continue what we started.”

He stressed to council members they should benefit each other and make use of all their expertise.

The council’s constitutional specialities are particularly important at this stage, with both the leadership and nationals giving “us the responsibility to practise the council’s constitutional specialities,” Mr Al Murr said.

He said with the beginning of this term, the council’s agenda was already filled with draft laws and issues to be raised to ministers.

The laws would be “built through mutual cooperation between the council and the government”.

This cooperation was the “corner stone” to accomplish the nation’s dreams and objectives, he said.

“We renew our pledge that we will be up to the responsibility and trust bestowed on us, and we will not spare any efforts from achieving our national responsibility.”

He said the country’s security and stability in all areas was the main factor behind its constant development and outstanding accomplishments in building security, civilisation, and sustainability in all fields.

“These national accomplishments are in no way to be risked because they were a natural result of the leaders’ stress and faith that justice is the basis of ruling. That legal autonomy and human dignity ... are the support poles of society.”

The next session is expected to take place in two weeks time.