 Saudi Arabia reaffirmed yesterday that it would not allow any "deviant or corrupt group" to undermine the country's security and stability. "We'll leave no stone unturned in our bid to combat terror," Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd told the Shoura Council. Inaugurating the 150-member council's first session of a new four-year term, King Fahd said the Kingdom would go ahead with its reform and development programs. He stressed the government's efforts to achieve speedy growth in all sectors and estimated total investments in the industrial sector at more than SR260 billion. In his keynote address, which dealt with foreign policy, economic liberalization, privatization programs, women's jobs and Arab League reforms, King Fahd reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to stabilize world oil market. "We'll work to achieve a balance between the interests of producers and consumers," the Saudi Press Agency quoted him as saying.
| Was he drooling as he said this, or were the wires attached to his body moving with perfect coordination? |
The Shoura inauguration comes a day after King Fahd reshuffled the consultative body, inducting highly educated and experienced professionals and expanding its membership from 120 to 150. More than two-thirds of its members hold doctorates. Shoura Chairman Dr. Saleh Bin-Humaid and its members took oath before the king during the ceremony. Bin-Humaid thanked the king for widening the council's role and said he hoped for greater progress over the next four years.
| Compared to the last 900. |
"I am sure that the coming sessions would witness major qualitative and objective changes in terms of the Shoura's responsibilities, powers, structure and mode of work," he added. Shoura members echoed his call, saying the body should have more oversight of government decisions. "We will need to discuss the budget and important ministries like the oil ministry," said Abdul Aziz Al-Oraier. Economist Ehsan Bu-Hulaiga said the council had made strides toward playing a legislative role and was "progressing" in its quest for scrutiny of the government. |