JEDDAH, 10 February 2005 — Shoura Council President Dr. Saleh Bin-Humaid has ruled out appointment of women on the consultative body during the upcoming Shoura reshuffle, when the number of its members will be increased from 120 to 150.

“The issue of women’s participation in the Shoura as a member has not yet been mooted officially, although some writers and social forums have raised the issue,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted him as telling reporters.

However, he pointed out that the Shoura had taken the advice of female academics and thinkers while discussing women’s issues. “We invite experts to discuss vital issues and in this regard we don’t differentiate between men and women,” he explained.

Dr. Bin-Humaid said there are differences of opinion among scholars on appointment of women on the Shoura. “Both sides have their reasons. Any decision-maker or thinker who follows either opinion is correct,” SPA quoted him as saying.

Asked about the possibility of holding elections to the Shoura, he said there was no official word on such elections. “But we in the Shoura are ready for any reforms and we have presented our views for reforms in the state and the council,” he added.

He said the expansion of the Shoura including representatives of various regions and tribes would strengthen the organization. According to Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, the Shoura expansion would take place within two months.

There were reports in the local press that a number of prominent Saudi women were likely to be inducted into the Shoura during the reshuffle. “The names of a selected number of women have been proposed for appointment on the Shoura Council. But a final decision on the matter was yet to be taken,” Al-Yaum reported quoting informed sources.

Osama Kurdi, a member of the Shoura, has said appointment of women as members would strengthen the Shoura and would be beneficial to everybody.

Muhammad Al-Zulfa, a senior Shoura member, said there was no justification for keeping the women out of the consultative body.

Al-Zulfa also called for the appointment of youth on the consultative council saying they represent about 60 percent of the country’s population.