Saudi Arabia Condemns Vienna Attack: Such Acts Contradict All Human, Religious Values

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet meeting in Neom. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet meeting in Neom. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Vienna Attack: Such Acts Contradict All Human, Religious Values

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet meeting in Neom. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet meeting in Neom. (SPA)

The Saudi government strongly condemned on Tuesday the recent terrorist attacks that have taken place in the Afghan capital Kabul, the French city of Nice and the Austrian capital Vienna.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting that was held virtually from Neom due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“Saudi Arabia vehemently rejects such acts that target innocent lives and destabilize security. Such attacks contradict all religious beliefs and human values,” added the government.

It underscored the need to shun practices that stoke hatred, violence and extremism in all their forms.

On Yemen, the cabinet reiterated its condemnation of the Iran-backed Houthi militias for continuing to fire armed drones towards the Kingdom. It said the Saudi-led Arab coalition had destroyed all the aircraft, slamming such terrorist acts as violations of international humanitarian law.

Locally, the ministers underlined the importance of combating all forms of corruption and on levels. They stressed the need to protect national gains and public funds to boost the comprehensive development that is taking place in the Kingdom.

They hailed all efforts aimed at fighting corruption and anyone abusing their position for personal gain and profit, urging that the severest of punishments be laid down against violators.

King Salman also briefed the cabinet on the message he received from Kuwait Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah.

The ministers also highlighted King Salman’s speech before the Think20 (T20) engagement group. He had underscored that the world’s top priority at the moment must focus on saving lives and developing a vaccine for the coronavirus. He also stressed the need to remain abreast changes in education and business and prepare society to learn new skills in line with the demands of the job market.

The government also highlighted the G20 Business 20 (B20) Summit and its recommendations that tackled reviving the global economy and consolidating new firmer economic foundations in order to confront future challenges.



Qatar Considers Shura Council Appointments Instead of Elections

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
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Qatar Considers Shura Council Appointments Instead of Elections

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has directed the referral of proposed constitutional amendments, including the return to appointing members of the Shura Council, to the Council for consideration.

Speaking at the opening of the Shura Council's fourth ordinary session on Tuesday, Sheikh Tamim said: “Based on my responsibility and duty towards my country and my people for the good of the present and the future, I considered that these amendments fulfill the supreme interest of the state and promote the values of justice and equality in rights and duties among members of Qatari society.”

“I have directed that the draft constitutional and legislative amendments, including a return to the system for appointing members of the Shura Council, are to be referred to your esteemed Council for necessary action in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution,” he added.

“The Council of Ministers will take necessary measures on proposed amendments to laws and other legislative instruments in accordance with the law,” he said, reminding that the Shura Council is not a representative parliament in a democratic system, and its status and powers will not be affected whether its members are chosen by election or appointment.

The proposed amendments will be put to a public vote and will shift from an electoral system back to appointments.

Sheikh Tamim added that “there are many ways to consult with the Qatari people” and acknowledged that competition among Shura Council candidates occurs within families and tribes, affecting local traditions and social cohesion.

On October 1, 2021, Qatar conducted its first legislative elections since the Shura Council was established in 1972.

The Shura Council is the country’s legislative body. It discusses matters referred by the cabinet, including proposed laws and state policies, reviews the national budget, and asks ministers questions for clarification.

The Council can also make recommendations to the government on public policies. However, it does not have authority over defense, security, economic, or investment matters.