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July 2, 2004 |
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THE KINGDOM SPARES NO EFFORTS IN CONFRONTING TERRORISM IN ALL ITS FORMS. THE ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE PROOF OF THE DEVELOPMENT TAKING PLACE IN ALL AREAS. THE KINGDOM GIVES PRIORITY TO THE PALESTINIAN ISSUE, AND ISRAEL'S PRACTICES OBSTRUCT THE ACHIEVEMENT OF A JUST, COMPREHENSIVE AND LASTING PEACE IN THE REGION. THERE IS AN URGENT NEED FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION SO THAT IRAQ COMES BACK TO THE ARAB AND INTERNATIONAL ARENAS AND ENJOYS FULL SOVEREIGNTY, SECURITY AND STABILITY. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz patronized the 4th year inauguration of the 3rd session of the Shoura Council. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques delivered a royal annual address on internal and external policy of the government. In a press statement on this occasion, the Chairman of the Council Dr. Salih Ibn Abdullah Ibn Humaid praised the support provided to the Council by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard and Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz patronized at Al-Salam palace the inauguration ceremony of the 4th year of the 3rd session of the Shoura Council. The ceremony was attended by Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard. In his yearly speech at the Shoura Council the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz pledged Saudi Arabia would tailor reforms to its own needs and set out a comprehensive package to foster economic growth. King Fahd's annual policy address to the Shoura Council recalled a promise of partial municipal elections, but did not set a date for the first ever poll in the country in principle due to take place later this year. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques reiterated that Saudi Arabia was introducing the reforms it perceives as adequate a reference to the government's view that reform must come from within and not necessarily follow a Western pattern. "Saudi Arabia is pressing ahead on the path of development and modernization in a manner compatible with the interests of its people, its needs, its specifics, its Arab identity and of Shariah," on which the entire system is based, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques said. " The Kingdom is proceeding on the track of growth, modernization and development in line with the people's interests and the Kingdom's needs in accordance with its characteristics, Arab identity and Islamic Sharia,'' the Monarch said. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques said the Shoura Council had been given powers to propose legislation, that a National Dialogue Center had been established to promote public debate and a human rights committee set up. The Monarch also pointed to the decision issued by the Cabinet to expand citizens' participation in local affairs by election and the activation of municipal councils. He also noted the amendment to Shoura council's articles to make initiatives in proposing draft regulations and their amendments. "Moreover, the Cabinet issued a decision to broaden citizens' participation in local affairs through elections, by activating municipal councils," the Monarch said. The government promised in October 2003 to organize elections within a year to elect half the members of new municipal councils. Reports around that time said elections would also be held within three years to fill one third of the Shoura Council's 120 seats and that half the members of regional councils could be elected within two years. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' address said Saudi Arabia would continue to implement economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment, boosting the private sector and diversifying the oil-based economy of the Kingdom. Listing the goals of the eighth Five Year Development Plan for 2005-2010, King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz highlighted the privatization drive and the government's efforts to broaden the economic base, referring in particular to the opening of the gas sector to foreign investment. The Kingdom, which sits on the fourth largest gas reserves in the world, concluded deals with a number of international oil consortiums. Investment in the industrial sector exceeds SR254.5 billion. On the economic field, the King noted that the Kingdom ranked 4th in gas reserves in the world. It signed gas contracts with international oil companies providing for employing 75 percent of Saudi nationals in their projects. The volume of investment in industrial fields exceeds S.R. 254.5 billion. The number of plants surpasses 3633 including 342,000 workers in various producing fields. The King also shed light on the privatization strategy approved by the Economic Supreme Council to provide new additional investment through the private sector. The King said that the 8th developmental plan from 1425/1430 focuses among other things on technological fields, developmental projects, provision of jobs to graduates, increase in citizens' income, and interest in education and training. King Fahd added that human development is the major base of social and economic development. He noted the vital role of women in development, saying that women perform their duties and exercise their rights in accordance with the tolerant Islamic Sharia. "Human resource development remains the cornerstone of the country's economic and social policy, with the government steadily increasing spending on education, health and social services and working to provide high quality services," the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques said. The King's speech also highlighted the role of women in economic and social development, saying the state would work to empower women and broaden their participation in the country's development process by providing more jobs and ensuring they play a more active role in public affairs. To activate citizens' role in taking part in growth and development and the process of modernization, King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue was established, the King said. The center aims at strengthening dialogue based on various viewpoints on overall issues including the development of education, the tackling of violence and extremism phenomenon, and the role of women in development. King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz pointed out the government set up a higher commission on women's affairs, guaranteed women participation in the recent National Dialogue Forum in Al Madinah Al Munawarrah and in the National Human Rights Commission and would consolidate this participation further. The King indicated the establishment of the National Association for Human rights, noting that a governmental authority for human rights will be announced soon. The Saudization campaign was also part of the government's efforts to boost per capita income in the Kingdom, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques said. "Efforts are being made for the nationalization of jobs and reducing unemployment resulting from a discrepancy in the job market and the presence of large numbers of non-Saudi workers." Saudization efforts were accompanied "by a constant revision of education and training policies." The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques stressed that the Kingdom is based on Islam and the governing constitution is derived from the Holy Quran and Sunnah, adding that the government is also based on justice, Shoura and equality in accordance with Islamic Sharia. The security of the Two Holy Mosques and services provided to pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors of the Prophet's mosque are on top of our priorities, the King stated. To enable them to perform their rituals easily and comfortably, Makkah, Madinah and Holy Places Development Authority was established. Then the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz reviewed the achievements in economic and social fields King Fahd noted that Islam is a religion of mercy and peace. Islam calls for acquaintance among nations and peaceful coexistence. It forbids aggression and the wreaking of havoc in the earth. "It is unfortunate that the Kingdom has been subject to terrorist incidents which led to intimidate and kill people. The perpetrators aim at destabilizing security. But the strong unity between the leadership and the people, the caution of security bodies, and the bravery of all to maintain the homeland's security and stability will undermine the perpetrators' aim. We will not allow a wicked group led by a deviating ideology to destabilize the Kingdom's security," the King said. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques noted that terrorism aims at wreaking havoc in the earth and at fighting religion, stressing that Islam has nothing to do with terrorist incidents and Muslims have no sympathy whatsoever for these incidents or their perpetrators. King Fahd added that the Kingdom has spared no efforts in confronting terrorism in all its forms. The Kingdom has combated it locally and condemned it internationally. It has been among the first countries that called on the world community to combat terrorism and it has stood by all peace loving countries to fight terrorism. To achieve this objective, the Kingdom ratified the Arab Agreement to Combat Terrorism and approved the unified security strategy of Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to combat extremism phenomenon associated with terrorism. The Kingdom is committed to fully supporting the United Nations resolutions on combating terrorism. King Fahd's address warned terrorists the government would not allow them to destabilize the country. "We will not allow a subversive group driven by deviant thinking to undermine this country's security or destabilize it." "The deep cohesion between the leadership and the people, the vigilance of security forces and the valiant efforts of everyone to preserve this country's security will prevent them from achieving their goals," the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques said, denouncing "the terrorist acts that terrorized people and claimed lives." The address added terrorism was "corruption on earth" and though Muslims were responsible for some terrorist acts that happened in the world, Islam has nothing to do with such acts and behavior. "Islam is free of such acts and the Muslim has nothing to do with these actions and has no sympathy for those who carry them out. Islam is the religion of peace, love and tolerance. It calls for doing good and refraining from anything evil and encourages understanding and peaceful coexistence while strongly warning against injustice and aggression." On the Kingdom's foreign policy, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques also took up the issue of Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, denouncing recent developments like the building of a separation wall cutting deep into Palestinian land, and Israel's policy of "targeted assassination" and demolition of Palestinian homes. The King said that the Kingdom has given a great priority to the Palestinian issue, stressing that Israel's practices have obstructed the achievement of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques described Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Gaza withdrawal plan as an attempt to "unilaterally create new realities on the ground." "All these Israeli policies are an obstacle to reaching a just, comprehensive and lasting peace," the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques said. As regards Iraq, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz stressed the urgent need for international cooperation so that Iraq comes back to the Arab and international arenas and enjoys full sovereignty, security and stability. "There is an urgent need for international cooperation to allow Iraq's return to the Arab and international arena as a fully sovereign country living in peace and stability." The King said. Then the Chairman of Shoura Council Sheikh Dr. Salih Ibn Humaid delivered a speech in which he shed lights on the activities and achievements of the Council in various fields at local and international arenas. The ceremony was attended by Prince Mishaal Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Miteb Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Nawaf Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior; other princes and officials. The Shoura Council praised in its 17th ordinary session the speech of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud during the inauguration ceremony of the 4th year of the 3rd session of the Shoura Council. Presiding over the session, Bakri Ibn Saleh Shata, Vice Chairman of Shoura Council delivered a speech in which he appreciated leaders' keenness on the works and decisions of the Council. Secretary General of the Council Dr. Humoud Ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Badr said that the Council approved a regulation on producing educational aids and its marketing and approved an amendment to the sixth article of the regulation of Saudi Commission of Engineers. Dr. Al-Badr also pointed out that the Council discussed the organization of unprecedented experimental surgeries. The Consultative Council, or Majlis Al-Shoura (established by Royal Decree No. A/91, dated 27-8-1412) marked a significant move towards the formalization of the participative nature of government in Saudi Arabia. The Consultative Council was inaugurated by King Fahd himself in December, 1993. The announcement of the establishment of the Council, which coincided with the tenth anniversary of the accession of King Fahd and which was accompanied by details of a new "basic law", clearly marked the first steps towards a more broadly based involvement in the Kingdom's political processes. The primary function of the broadly-based Majlis Al-Shoura is to provide the King with advice on issues of importance in the Kingdom. The Consultative Council, when set up, consisted of a speaker and 60 members selected by the King. The Royal Decree establishing the Council made it clear, first and foremost, that the Council was set up and would operate: "in compliance with [the existing system of government in the Kingdom] and in adherence to the Book of God and the tradition of His Messenger." The term of the Majlis Al-Shoura is set at four years (Hijira Calendar), with a clear stipulation that, when a new Shoura Council is formed, at least half of those appointed must be new members. (The setting of fixed terms in this instance may indicate a shift away from past policy of indefinite tenure of political office.) The scope of matters on which the Council may deliberate was very widely defined. The members of the initial Council were chosen to represent a wide mix of clan and religious leaders, business and professional men, as well as government officials. Academics formed the largest group, however, and there is an impressive number of members with advanced degrees. Members of the majlis will meet regularly in Riyadh in full session. Council members are expected to devote themselves "to serve the common interest, preservation of the unity of the people, the entity of the state and the interests of the nation". In practice, members of the Council are able to initiate legislation and review the domestic and foreign policies of the government. Any government action not approved by the Council will have to be referred back to the King. The King therefore remains the final arbiter of state affairs. The King also retains the power to appoint and dismiss both Ministers and Council members and has the power to dissolve the Council, restructure it, and appoint a new one at any time. In 1997, King Fahd increased membership of the Consultative Council to 90 members. In 2001, the membership of the Consultative Council was again increased, on this occasion to 120. By 1998, the Council was well established and operating effectively. In addition to its defined role in the political process, it had established a library containing more than 25,000 volumes, together with 305 periodicals in a number of languages as well as Arabic, and a total of more than 6,000 slides. In grasping the significance of these measures, it is important to understand that the Kingdom's purpose in establishing the Majlis Al-Shoura and in introducing other planned reforms is to provide an institutional framework through which the traditional form of Saudi Arabian government, based on consultation within the context of the tenets and requirements of Islam, can be most effectively expressed in today's increasingly complex and interdependent world. The reforms can be seen as marking an important new chapter in the life of the Kingdom and King Fahd's desire to hasten the pace of modernization within the religious and cultural traditions of the Kingdom. The oil wealth has transformed the economy and infrastructure of Saudi Arabia in the past three decades. These measures mark the start of a cumulative process facilitating the modernization of Saudi Arabian government. The reforms do not, however, mean that the Kingdom has moved away from its Islamic traditions. King Fahd himself stressed that his reforms were based on Islamic principles of fairness, decency and popular consultation. In essence, the Consultative Council should be seen, not as a modest move towards Western-style democracy, but as an organic development of the consultative processes on which the Kingdom has been governed since its inception, processes which arose from a tradition that goes back to the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The Basic Law, which incorporates the arrangements for the Consultative Council and for regional government, established in written form both a description of the essential structure and organization of government and, in effect, a bill of rights for the citizen. The Basic Law sets out the general principles on which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is founded. The Majlis al-Shoura Law is as follows: Article 1: In line with the Almighty Allah's words: It is part of the Mercy Of Allah that thou dost deal Gently with them. Wert thou severe Or Harsh-hearted, They would have broken away From about thee: so pass over (Their faults), and ask For (Allah's) forgiveness For them; and consult Them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast Taken a decision, Put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those Who put their trust (in Him). And, with Allah's words:" Those who respond To their Lord, and establish Regular prayer; who (conduct) Their affairs by mutual Consultation; Who spend out of what We bestow on them For Sustenance; Then, following the example of God's Prophet (peace be upon him) in consulting his companions and urging the nation to do the same; The Majlis Al-Shoura shall be set up to undertake appropriate tasks in compliance with this law and the Basic law of Government, in adherence to the Book of God and the Prophet's Sunnah and in fostering the bonds of brotherhood as well as in co-operation in righteousness and piety. Article 2: The Majlis Al-Shoura shall be established on the Qur'anic injunction calling on Muslims to hold fast by the Rope of God, and on strict adherence to the sources of Islamic Legislation. The Members of the Majlis shall be keen to uphold the general good and to preserve the unity of the community as well as the entity of the State and the interests of the Nation. Article 3: The Majlis shall consist of a Chairman and sixty well-educated and qualified members to be selected by the King. The rights and duties of the members and all their affairs shall be determined by a Royal Decree. Article 4: A member of the Majlis shall be: (a) A Saudi National by birth and descent. (b) Of proven integrity and efficiency. (c) Not less than 30 years old. Article 5: The member of the Majlis may submit a request to the Chairman that he be relieved from his post, and, in turn, the Chairman shall forward the matter to the King. Article 6: If a member of the Majlis plays his duties false, an investigation shall be conducted, and he shall be prosecuted in accordance with rules and procedures issued by a Royal Order. Article 7: If, for any reason, the seat of a Majlis member becomes vacant, the King shall name a substitute by a Royal Order. Article 8: The member of the Majlis may not exploit his membership to serve his own interests. Article 9: The member of the Majlis may not be combined with a government post or a senior administrative job with a company unless the King sees a need for this. Article 10: The Chairman of the Majlis, his deputy and the Majlis' Secretary-General shall be appointed and may be relieved from their posts by a Royal Order. Their grade, rights and duties as well as other affairs shall be determined by a Royal Order. Article 11: The Chairman, members and the Secretary-General of the Majlis shall take the following oath before reporting to work with the Majlis: "I swear by Almighty God that I will be loyal to my Religion, then to my King and country; shall not divulge any secrets of the State; will uphold its interests and laws; and will perform my duties in good faith, honesty, sincerity and fairness." Article 12: The city of Riyadh shall be the headquarters of the Majlis. However, the Majlis may meet in any other place inside the Kingdom if approved by the King. Article 13: The Majlis term shall be four Hijira calendar years beginning as of the date set in the Royal Order by which the Majlis was established. The new Majlis shall be set up at least two months before the expiration of the term of its predecessor. If the term ends before a new Majlis is formed, the old Majlis shall continue to discharge its duties until a new Majlis has been set up. When a new Majlis is established, its new members shall account, at least, for one half of the total number of members. Article 14: The King, or whomever he may deputize, shall deliver a Royal speech before the Majlis on a yearly basis dealing with State domestic and foreign policies. Article 15: The Majlis may express its opinion on the general policies of the State referred to it by the Prime Minister. It may in particular: (a) discuss and express its opinion of the general economic and social development plan. (b) study laws, regulations, treaties, international agreements and concessions, and offer its comments thereon. (c) interpret Laws. (d) discuss and make suggestions concerning the annual reports submitted by various ministries and other government bodies. Article 16: A meeting of the Majlis shall be valid only if attended by at least two thirds of its members, including the Majlis Chairman or whomever he may deputize. Resolutions shall not be legal unless approved by the majority of the Majlis members. Article 17: Resolutions passed by the Majlis shall be submitted to the Prime Minister, who shall refer them to the Council of Ministers for consideration. If the Majlis and the Council are of the same opinions, Royal endorsement shall be issued; but if their opinions are at variance, the King may take whatever he may deem proper. Article 18: Laws, international agreements, treaties and concessions shall be issued and amended by Royal Decree, after being reviewed by the Majlis. Article 19: The Majlis shall form specialized committees, from among its members, to carry out its various functions. The Majlis shall also have the right to set up special committees, from among its members, to discuss any item on its agenda. Article 20: The Majlis affiliated committees may, with the Chairman's approval, seek the help of anyone they consider suitable from among non-members. Article 21: The Majlis shall set up its panel comprising the Chairman of the Majlis, his deputies, and heads of the Majlis specialized committees. Article 22: The Chairman of the Majlis shall submit to the Prime Minister a request to call any government official to attend the Majlis sessions, while the Majlis is discussing matters within the area of competence of this official who shall have the right to take part in the discussions but not the right to vote. Article 23: Every group of ten members of the Majlis may make a motion for the enactment of a new regulation or the amendment of one already in effect and present it to the Chairman who shall forward it to the King. Article 24: The Chairman of the Majlis shall submit an application to the Prime Minister requesting access to governmental documents and statements deemed necessary by the Majlis for the pursuit of its activities. Article 25: The Chairman of the Majlis shall submit an annual report to the King detailing the activities carried out by the Majlis in accordance with its internal by-laws. Article 26: Civil Service regulations shall be applied to the personnel of the Majlis, unless its internal by-law stipulates otherwise. Article 27: The Majlis shall have a special budget endorsed by the King, and dispensed in accordance with rules issued by a Royal Order. Article 28: The Majlis financial affairs, financial control and final accounts shall be organized in accordance with special rules issued by a Royal Order. Article 29: The Majlis internal by-law shall organize the duties of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, and the Secretary-General. It also organizes the Majlis bodies, the manner in which its sessions are run, the way the Majlis and its committees go about their work and its method of voting. Likewise it organizes the rules of debate, rejoinder and other matters that could enhance order and discipline in the Majlis and enable it to perform its duties in an manner that is beneficial to the Kingdom and the well-being of its people. This by-law shall be issued by a Royal Order. Article 30: This law shall be amended in the same manner in which it has been issued. The primary function of Majlis Al-Shoura is to advise the King on issues of importance to the nation. The concept of consultation with learned and experienced citizens is one that has long been practiced by Saudi leaders and has its roots in Islam. The late King Abdul Aziz, who established the first consultative council in the mid-1920s, explained: "We have to follow what is stated in the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah in implementation of Allah's orders to consult others in the affairs of the moment." In order to give the Council a more formalised and efficient mechanism, King Fahd restructured the system in 1992. The council now consists of a chairman and 60 members appointed by the King for a four-year renewable term. Its members represent the spectrum of Saudi society. King Fahd personally inaugurated the first session of the new Council on December 29, 1993. Responsibilities of the Council include discussing regulations, domestic and international issues and all other matters of public interest. It can request the participation of government officials at key meetings and apply for access to government documents. Reports and recommendations made by the Council are submitted directly to the King. One of the Council's first actions was to form eight specialised committees. Members were divided along the various committees based on their experience. These committees are: Educational, Cultural and Information Affairs Committee Health and Social Affairs Committee Foreign Affairs Committee Security Affairs Committee Organisation and Administration Committee Islamic Affairs Committee Economic and Financial Affairs Committee Services and Public Utilities Committee |
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