Defence ties sought with Egypt, Jordan
Manama, April 2, 2014
Egypt and Jordan could become members of the Peninsula Defence Shield - if a parliamentary proposal is passed.
The draft bill was unanimously approved by MPs yesterday, who referred it to the foreign affairs, defence and national security committee for further review, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.
Minister of State for Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Abdulaziz Al Fadhel said it could take time for the proposal to be implemented.
"There are political issues that are related to the formation of the GCC and we have nothing against the idea in principle, but it has to go to the parliamentary committee concerned for feedback."
Meanwhile, parliament passed two unified GCC laws, but rejected amendments earlier made by the Shura Council.
It referred the unified GCC veterinary medicines and the unified GCC veterinary medical practices laws back to the Shura Council, which could be shelved if the council insists on passing its amendments.
Parliament also approved amendments made by the Shura Council to the new unified GCC security and military personnel social insurance law.
It will be ratified by His Majesty King Hamad.
MPs yesterday voted to summon ministers responsible for the poultry crisis and power cuts for special discussions.
They also postponed discussions on amendments to the Cassation Court set-up law for a week based on a request from Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa. - TradeArabia News Service
