The Federal National Council (FNC) has voiced full support for the UAE's stand on participating in Al Hazm storm alliance to restore stability and security in Yemen and to support the legitimate and internationally recognised government there.

In his opening speech at the 13th session of the 15th legislative chapter, held here yesterday, FNC Speaker Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr said the UAE's joining in Al Hazm Storm emanated from its historic commitment and role in support of the brotherly Yemen.

"The UAE hopes that Yemen and its people will emerge stronger from this plight and that all Yemeni parties will focus their efforts on development and stability," he added.

The FNC members discussed six articles of a draft law on antiquities with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of Federal National Council of Affairs.

The Council stressed the importance of the law in regulating antiquities' preservation, registration and identification, as well as defining modes of excavation, restoration and strict prohibition against their export.

The Council also lauded the UAE ranking as the world's largest donor of official development aid relative to its GDP during 2014 for the second year in a row.

During the session, two letters to the government were read out, concerning the FNC's recommendations on increasing the minimum housing grant from Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme from Dh 500,000 to Dh 800,000. The other recommendation is for creation of a higher committee for Hajj affairs under the chairmanship of a cabinet minister.

The Council reviewed a letter by Dr. Gargash which contained remarks by the Cabinet's General Secretariat on the draft federal law amending some articles of the federal law number 24 for 1999 on environment protection and development.

A question was asked to Dr. Gargash on the viability of a step taken by Etisalat to renew its sponsorship contract for Barcelona Football Club for three more years for a total amount of Dh 10 million.

In a written response, Etisalat CEO Abdulkarim Julfar said the sponsorship was aimed at attracting a larger customer base in its markets, benefiting from the Club's worldwide popularity.
Source: WAM