Tag Archives: opinion
UAE is a state of giving, peace and security: Khalifa
UAE is a state of giving, peace and security: Khalifa (Wam) / 27 July 2013 The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Saturday, welcomed the initiative launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to mark Sunday as the Emirates Humanitarian Work Day. The day, Ramadan 19, which is the 9th death anniversary of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is marked under the theme “Love and Loyalty to Zayed: The Generous”. “It’s a kind initiative which we support and urge all – individuals and government and non-government organisations – to support and sponsor, engage and rally behind it for promoting values of goodness, nobleness and giving, which constitute core components of the Emirati national identity,” the President said. “It also glorifies the culture of human volunteerism, cooperation and solidarity whose good seed was sown by the late Shaikh Zayed, and his fellows the founding fathers. Their sons, grandsons and people of the UAE are all today pursuing their footsteps. “On this blessing day of the holy month of Ramadan, we remember them all with deep sense of affection and loyalty and pray that their souls rest in eternal peace for what they offered to their homeland, nation and the humanity at large. They were the generation of generosity and giving; our fathers whom we take pride in and whom we are proud of before other nations,” Shaikh Khalifa added. “We value these government and private humanitarian initiatives which swept across the country in response to the Federal Cabinet resolution to dedicate the anniversary of the late Shaikh Zayed as a celebration of the Emirates Humanitarian Work Day in remembrance of his humanitarian and charitable initiatives and works which inspire UAE people and community organisations to donate generously in support of the needy and vulnerable segments within the UAE and abroad like the Dress One Million Needy Children across the world, provision of essentials to needy families, sponsorship of orphans, releasing indebted prisoners and other initiatives targeting education, health, children and family as well as other social and educative fields.” The President paid gratitude to all those who have contributed to the success of the day which firmly promotes the benevolent, humanitarian image of the UAE, enabling “our experiment, our State and our citizens” to earn respect and regard of the world. Shaikh Khalifa prayed Allah to protect “Our State; the State of security, peace and decent life; the State of giving which extends its helping hand to the poor and needy everywhere.” Continue reading
Kuwait votes amid boycott calls
Kuwait votes amid boycott calls (AFP) / 27 July 2013 Kuwaitis voted on Saturday in the country’s second parliamentary election in eight months with a less than moderate turnout after the opposition urged a boycott. Polling began slowly in the morning but increased slightly later to drop again at around noon. Turnout in some districts was under 20 per cent by 2pm, according to state-run Kuwait Television. Turnout was higher in some constituencies, especially in tribal areas, but no official figures were provided. The first results are not expected until after midnight (2100 GMT) as ballot papers are still counted manually. Information Minister Shaikh Salman Humoud Al Sabah said after visiting a polling station in Jahra west of Kuwait City that turnout was high. Besides opposition calls for a boycott, the sweltering heat of around 45 degrees Celsius combined with Ramadan fasting, also apparently contributed to a low turnout. It was the second time the opposition had called for a boycott in protest at an electoral law that it says enables the ruling Al Sabah family-controlled government to manipulate the outcome. The law was ruled legal in June by the constitutional court, even though it dissolved parliament on procedural flaws and ordered Saturday’s election. “I just hope this parliament completes its (four-year) term,” said civil aviation employee Bassam Eid, after voting in Al Qasia. “We are frustrated at the repeated dissolution of the house,” Eid told AFP. The last two parliaments were dissolved by the constitutional court on procedural grounds, while previous parliaments were dissolved by the Emir. “I am really concerned at the turn of events in the country as there will be no development without political stability which we hope will be achieved after this election,” Dr Jawad Abulhassan told AFP. Pensioner Umm Mohammad said she hoped for an end to the disputes plaguing the country, but was not optimistic. “We earnestly hope to see political stability in the country after this poll… We are still afraid that this might not happen,” she said at a polling station reserved for women in Jabriya, south of Kuwait City. Some groups that boycotted the last election — notably the liberal National Democratic Alliance and some of the emirate’s powerful tribes — did take part on Saturday. But only a few opposition members were among the 300 hopeful candidates. They include eight women, the lowest number since women won political rights in 2005. Around 30 Arab election observers visited polling stations and were assisted by monitors from the Kuwait Transparency Society. The opposition failed to mirror the support it mobilised ahead of the last election, but has remained adamant that it will not take part in a “corrupted” political system. Just days before polling day, the authorities arrested at least four candidates and dozens of their campaign staff on suspicion of attempted vote-buying. Of Kuwait’s population of 3.9 million, just 31 per cent are citizens and of that 1.23 million only 440,000 are eligible to vote. The voting age is 21 and Kuwaitis in the police or army are barred from taking part. Continue reading
136 mobikes impounded in RAK
136 mobikes impounded in RAK Ahmed Shaaban (ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com) / 24 July 2013 The RAK Police, as part of an intensive campaign to develop traffic awareness during the holy month of Ramadan, impounded 136 motorcycles over the last ten days for flouting road safety rules. Col Ali Saeed Alalaikam, Director of Traffic and Patrols Department, RAK Police, said the drive has helped decrease congestion, apart from the deaths and other casualties on the road. “The RAK Police are keen to apply the strategy, and initiatives of the Ministry of Interior to improve road safety, reduce congestion, accidents, and deaths.” “The move is part of a nationwide initiative under the theme ‘Accident Free Summer’ meant to enhance road users’ safety.” Adding, he said the bikes impounded are not licenced by the concerned licensure bodies. “Some were making noise, annoying residents and road users, and endangering their safety.” Col Alalaikam said that field inspectors are deployed on all internal roads, highways and distant areas to stop errant and callous motorists. “These inspections are enforced round the clock, and all the year round.” Meanwhile, the RAK Traffic Police are cooperating with the Economic Development department, and all competent bodies in the emirate by intensifying inspection campaigns at shops selling those bikes, and financial penalties will be imposed on them by the department. “All parents are urged to monitor their children and alert them about the risks of riding unlicensed bikes which are mostly unsafe and improperly equipped.” The motorcycles seized, include small motorcycles driven by children, quad bikes and unregistered motorcycles. “Some of these children are below 10 years of age. It is risky for such young children to ride on the roads.” Bikes, irrespective of their engine capacity, must be registered, and the driver must possess a valid motor cycle driving licence. “Any violations must be dealt with punishment as per law,” he noted. Continue reading
