Manama, June 11, (BNA) The Cabinet welcomed the visit paid by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Saudi Arabia and the talks he held with Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, Abdulla bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
It also praised the warm reception and hospitality in which HM and his accompanying delegations were received saying that it reflected the deep-rooted relations and keenness of the two leaders to push forward bilateral relations, affirming the positive outcome of such high level visits.
This came during the cabinet weekly session which was held today under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister, Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa in which he also hailed the visit paid HM the King to Syria and the outcome of talks with Syrian President, Bashar Al Assad on consultations vis-ŕ-vis several issues, topped by the peace process in the Middle East, the situation in Iraq and Arab, regional and Global issues of common concern.
More -- After that, the Cabinet expressed satisfaction over the development and the ever-improving quality of government education, reflected in the increasing number of graduates and high- achievers.
In this regard, it extended warm congratulations to successful students, wishing them continued outstanding educational and future career achievements.
Afterwards, the cabinet welcomed the appointment of Shaikha Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa as President of the UN General Assembly in its 61st session, hailing the Bahraini diplomat's many achievements at the regional and global arenas which boosted the kingdom's good reputation, extending thanks and appreciation to countries that offered support to the kingdom's candidate.
The cabinet then reviewed the preparations and contingent measures made to meet the growing demand for energy, especially electricity and water, during the summer season.
In light of a report presented by the Minister of Electricity and Water on both the needs reality in Bahrain, the Cabinet stressed the government's keenness on securing water and electricity for all regions.
The cabinet moved to reviewing the memos listed on its agenda and took the following decisions: First, the Cabinet reviewed a draft law on unemployment insurance which is in line with the government's keenness to financially assist the unemployed and provide them with an alternative income while waiting for their permanent jobs.
Taking into consideration the recommendation of the Ministerial Committee for Social Services regarding, the cabinet decided to refer the above mentioned draft law to the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs for further study with the consultation of related specialized bodies, including Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
Second, the cabinet dedicated a larger part of its meeting to reviewing a number of proposals and draft laws, drafted in light of the proposals bylaw which were submitted by the Representatives and Shura Councils.
It also reviewed other draft laws forwarded by the government as well as agreements and pacts between Bahrain and friendly countries.
More -- HMK/MT The Cabinet approved the following proposals which were forwarded by the Representatives Council after considering the recommendations made by the Ministerial Committee for Representatives and Shura Councils' Affairs.
A proposal to permit the Works and Housing Ministry to supply the housing units it provides for citizens with all essential amenities and services such as water heaters, ceiling fans, lighting, kitchen furniture and garage roofs.
A proposal to develop the housing area in Muharraq near Shaikhan Al Farisi Mosque area and tasked a Singaporean Consultative Company to devise a comprehensive view of the project which aims at building new and higher apartments that can accommodate as many house- seekers as possible.
The cabinet also agreed to extend the pre- monthly repayment period for beneficiaries of housing services from three to six months.
A proposal to build housing units in the village of Buri as part of the greater Buri Housing Project which will be included in the 2007/2008 budget and another proposal to build housing units in Sitra area.
Meanwhile, the cabinet approved the following draft laws forwarded by the government and referred them to the Representatives and Shura Councils as per constitutional procedures: A draft law to amend article 9 of the decree bylaw number 36 for the year 2002, regarding the organisation of governmental tenders and purchases which aims at reappointing two thirds of the Tenders Council members for another period, not exceeding six consecutive years so as to benefit from their expertise.
A draft law to amend certain provisions of the decree bylaw number 36 for the year 2002, regarding the organization of governmental tenders and purchases.
A draft law to outlaw begging and vagrancy in order to eradicate the phenomena at grass level and protect the kingdom's image by creating a social care house that accommodates the beggars before studying their social and financial states.
A draft law to approve an agreement on cooperation in the security field between Bahrain and Qatar.
The cabinet approved seven proposals relating
to a draft law submitted by the Shura and
Representatives councils, with an attached memo
forwarded by the government.
It approved the decree by law no.15 for 1976 on
toughening punishment of those who do not fast
and make it public during the holy month of
Ramadhan.
A draft law related to the Supreme Council for the
implementation of Islamic Sharia.
A draft law on establishing the Al Shefa National
Fund.
A draft law on launching Bahrain's Award for
Environment.
A draft law related to freeing sports athletes from
work when representing the country in sport
events.
A draft law related to Public Al Zakah general
Organization at the Sunni endowment.
A draft law on end of service remuneration for
non-Bahrainis serving ministries, establishments
and general establishments and other bodies that
fall under law no. 13 for 1975, on the regulations
governing salaries
and rewards of retirees of government
employees.
Then the council discussed seven agreements
and treaties related to the increase of cooperation
with
friendly countries, including Sudan, Turkey and
Greece which were referred to the ministerial
committee for legal affairs.
An agreement of diplomatic and consular
cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and
Qatar aimed towards reinforcing cooperation and
coordination between the two countries.
A draft law endorsing the agreement between the
Kingdom of Bahrain and Sudan on encouraging
and protecting investment.
A draft law endorsing the agreement between the
Kingdom of Bahrain and Sudan on the avoidance
of double taxation and tax evasion of income tax.
A draft law on naval transportation for commerce
purposes between the Kingdom of Bahrain and
Turkey, which is aimed towards establishing and
developing relations in marine transportation in
addition to preventing marine pollution and
encouraging technical and educational
cooperation .
Also endorsed were draft laws approving marine
transport agreement between Bahrain and Greece,
approval of a world agreement combating sport
performance -enhancing steroids, endorsing
Bahrain's accession to the Arab Agricultural
Investment and Development Organization
Agreement.
The cabinet also discussed a memo on government
officials' retirement pensions and salaries and
referred it to the Civil Service Bureau for study.
For better Municipal services, the cabinet signed an
new 6 month agreement worth BD 700,000 with MBM
company in addition to the previous one, underlining
the company's commitment to the required level of
cleanliness.
Then, the cabinet reviewed the endorsement of
financial Trusteeship law by the Councils prior to
raising it to HM the King for ratification according to
the constitutional laws.
on the other hand, the cabinet listened to the
Ministers' reports including the outcome of Bahrain's
participation in the meeting of the Ministerial
Committee for the Ministers of Posts,
Communications and Information Technology, held
recently in Abu Dhabi and the results of the visit paid
recently to Greece.
On the other hand, the Foreign Minister briefed the
cabinet on the outcome of the Bahrain-Qatar
supreme Cooperation Committee whereas the
Minister of education briefed it on the results of the
first session of the intermediate and secondary
general exams and the Minister of labor briefed it on
the outcome of his participation in the 59th session of
the world labor conference recently held in Geneva.
