HRH Premier chairs weekly cabinet session

Manama, July 13 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has extended congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Bahraini people and the Arab and Islamic nations on Eid Al-Fitr, wishing them many happy returns. Chairing the regular weekly cabinet session at the Gudaibiya Palace today, HRH Premier expressed deepest sorrow and grief over the demise of the late HRH Prince Saud Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of State, member of the Saudi Cabinet, Advisor to - and Personal Envoy of- the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Supervisor of Foreign Affairs. HRH Premier described the late HRH Prince Saud as an Arab diplomatic icon with a global influential presence and weight, recalling his honourable supportive stances towards the Kingdom of Bahrain’s security and stability at regional and international gatherings, as well as his dedication in the service of his country and the Arab and Islamic nations, Secretary-General of the Cabinet Dr. Yaser bin Essa Al-Nasser said in a statement following the session. The cabinet extended condolences and consolation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Premier and Defence Minister HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, as well as the late prince’s family and brothers. Commenting on the Law on the state budget for the two fiscal years 2015-2016, which was submitted to HM the King to ratify and issue it after it had been approved by the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council, HRH Premier issued instructions to all ministries and government departments to be committed to the funds allocated for them in the budget, take the necessary measures to rationalise spending, reduce unnecessary expenses and implement government projects without delay. He also issued directives to reduce the participation of ministers and senior officials in conferences, meetings and forums abroad unless their participation is required by the government’s interests, noting that Bahraini ambassadors accredited abroad can represent the kingdom in events and gatherings. HRH Premier requested the Finance Ministry to cooperate with other ministries and government departments, under the supervision of the Ministerial Committee for Financial Affairs and Rationalising Spending, to ensure they are committed to instructions and that their programmes and projects are implemented in accordance within the allocated funds and time frame. He also directed to avoid administrative expansion in government institutions unless it is required by public interests. On traffic, HRH Premier directed the Supreme Council for Traffic to conduct a study on ways to ensure the smooth flow of traffic from the Hamad Town Roundabout to the Clock Tower Roundabout in Riffa, past the Crown Prince’s Avenue, and submit useful proposals and recommendations as soon as possible. He also tasked the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry with providing alternatives that reduce congestions in the same area, especially near the Clock Tower. Alternatives may include opening new lanes and side exits to reach the Clock Roundabout from the main avenues around it. On judiciary, the session approved a draft resolution proposed by the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments on adjusting judicial fees. Accordingly, fees will vary from BD 30 to BD 200,000. The resolution is in line with the cabinet’s keenness to both ensure the citizens’ litigation rights and streamline procedures. It will also ease pressure on courts, especially regarding low-value lawsuits. The session also endorsed a draft-law on ratifying the second Protocol to Amend the Free Trade Agreement signed between Bahrain and the USA, and decided to refer it to the legislative branch, as required by the constitutional procedures in force. A draft resolution submitted by the Energy Minister on amending some provisions of the regulation of the plumbing profession promulgated in Edict 7/2012 was also approved by the session. The cabinet took note of the approval of the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council of Decree-Law 63/2014 on amending some provisions of Decree-Law 15/1977 on issuing development bonds. It also took note of their approval of a draft-law on amending Article 5 of Law 57/2006 on establishing the Labour Fund, a draft law on amending Article 6 of Law 19/2006 on organising the Labour Market and ratification of two Istisna’a and Agency Agreement signed between Bahrain and the Islamic Development Bank on preserving the pearl heritage and reviving urban economy in Muharraq.