The Shoura Council maintained yesterday that the rights of citizens and residents are equal before the law.
The council members expressed their opinion unanimously when discussing a report presented by its Islamic affairs committee on the rules of the Office of the Ombudsman with regard to cases involving the rights of the people.
The house strongly felt that a clause in the rules, indicating the right to litigation is guaranteed equally to citizens and residents in the Kingdom, should be retained to ensure equality.
The council also approved an amendment to the 13th article of the Board of Grievances system.
The 41st ordinary session of the Shoura Council was chaired by its President Dr. Abdullah Al-Asheikh.
Secretary General of the Shoura Council Dr. Muhammed Al-Amro said the council discussed the annual report of the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) on the establishment of the Universal Service Fund (USF) and the necessary funds needed for its smooth functioning. The house suggested the Ministry of Finance should give necessary funds to the USF.
In recognition of the importance of technology to the Kingdom’s competitiveness, the CITC is currently implementing the USF to provide voice and Internet coverage to the whole of the country. The fund’s aim is to provide 100 percent household coverage by 2015. Unlike similar funds in other countries, which collect a tariff from telecom operators to subsidize expansion, the Saudi Arabian fund will receive substantial government funding. By ensuring universal access to these technologies, the Kingdom will ensure businesses in all regions benefit from the increased productivity they provide. The fund is expected to improve the nation’s technological readiness, with cascading effects on competitiveness.
Then the house also approved a draft agreement between the Kingdom and Djibouti to develop cooperation in trade development, investment, encourage joint investments between businessmen in both countries, and facilitate cooperation in the areas of youth, sports, scientific and technical research.
Listening to various opinions expressed in the house, Al-Amro said discussions on the annual report of the Department of Zakat and Income for the fiscal year 1431/1432 AH was postponed to a later date.
Shoura Council insists citizens and residents equal before law
