FNC passes five draft laws

The Federal National Council (FNC) on Tuesday held its third session for this term, which was presided over by Speaker Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi.

The Council approved the draft reply to the speech of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the FNC's inaugural session of the first term of the 16th legislative chapter, which was held on November 18, 2015.

In the draft reply, the FNC expressed gratitude to Sheikh Khalifa for the national programme he announced on the 44th National Day anniversary, in which he detailed plans to position the UAE among the world's best in all fields by December 2021, marking its golden jubilee anniversary.

The Council also praised Sheikh Khalifa's initiative of adopting the country's policy in the fields of science, technology and innovation. It also lauded his directives to announce 2016 as the year for reading.

The session was attended by Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy; Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Federal National Council of Affairs; and Dr. Maytha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairperson of the Marriage Fund.

The Council passed a draft law on amending the federal law No. 4 for 1987 pertaining to civilian medals to include the President's order to confer the Martyr's Medal on the Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and to hand it to their relatives.

Also sanctioned was a draft law on amending the federal law No. 8 for 2009 on orders, medals and military decorations. The amendments include addition of the Order of Bravery and the Medal of Military Campaign and changing a medal's name.

The Council also passed a draft federal law for 2015 on diplomatic orders and medals which is aimed at honouring members of the diplomatic and consular corps for their outstanding services and contributions in developing relations with the brotherly and friendly countries.

It also approved two draft laws, one pertaining to amending provisions of the federal law No. 6 for 2007 on the establishment of the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology, and the other related to amending the federal law No. 2 for 2009 on the establishment of the Etihad Rail Company.

The session saw three questions asked by the members to the government representatives on marriage grant and the marketing support to national enterprises.

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