Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, chaired the Cabinet's session at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday afternoon. At the outset of the session, the Crown Prince expressed on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud his thanks and appreciation of the leaders of brotherly and friendly countries and all officials for their condolences on the death of Prince Badr bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (May Allah Almighty bestow mercy upon his soul). The Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohieddin Khoja said in a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA) after the session that the Cabinet reviewed a number of reports about events and developments in the region and the world, including the strained situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the continuing tragic situation in Syria, stressing the firm positions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards them. The Cabinet affirmed the Kingdom's keenness on continuing the development of its distinguished relations with the Republic of Lebanon, expressing its hope that the assignment of Tammam Salam to form the Lebanese government will contribute to the stability and prosperity of Lebanon. The Minister of Culture and Information pointed out that the Cabinet discussed a number of issues in local affairs and expressed the Kingdom's thanks to the guests of the 28th Janadriyah National Festival for Heritage and Culture for their appreciation of the Kingdom under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for providing an opportunity in this Festival for writers and intellectuals to submit their views and topics of interest to the world. The Cabinet also praised the great efforts exerted by the National Guard for the success of the Festival. Dr. Khoja said that the Cabinet continued discussion of its agenda and issued the following decisions: First: After reviewing what has been submitted by the Secretariat General of the Council of Military Service regarding amendment of some articles of service systems of officers and servicemen on the approval of the bill of rights and financial benefits, the Cabinet decided to amend the service system of officers issued by Royal Decree No. (M / 43) dated 08/28/1393, and to amend the service system of servicemen issued by Royal Decree No. (M / 9) dated 24/03/1397. Second: After a review of what has been submitted by the Minister of Agriculture on the draft system on practicing Veterinary Medical Occupations in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States, the Cabinet approved following measures: 1- Approval of the law (system) of practicing Veterinary Medical Occupations in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States adopted by the GCC Supreme Council in its 32nd session which was held in Riyadh on 24 and 25/01/1433 AH, corresponding to 19 and 20/12 / 2011. 2 - Approval of the provisions on the sanctions of violations of the provisions of the law (system) for practicing veterinary medical professions in GCC States. Third: After a review of what has been submitted by the Minister of Transport, the Cabinet decided to approve the regulation of safety for ships with small cargoes which are not covered by treaties of the International Maritime in the GCC States, adopted by the GCC Supreme Council in its 32nd session, which was held in Riyadh on 24 and 25/01/1433 AH, corresponding to 19 and 20/12 / 2011. Fourth: The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Water and Electricity - or his deputy - to discuss with the Egyptian side a draft Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt in the field of electrical interconnection and sign it in the light of the text attached to the decision and then submit the final version to complete the legal procedures. Fifth: After a review of what has been submitted by the Minister of Commerce and Industry regarding giving the ministry the powers exercised by the principalities and municipalities to impose instant sanctions within the list of fines and penalties for municipal violations issued by the Cabinet's No. (218) dated on 06/08/1422 AH, the Cabinet approved following measures: First: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry shall conduct the following: 1- Control of irregularities related to its terms of reference contained in the group (1) of the schedule attached to these regulations, and the imposition of fines contained therein in industrial cities and factories. 2- Control of irregularities related to its terms of reference contained in the group (III) of the schedule attached to these regulations, and the imposition of the fines contained therein, except for violation of opening a shop without a license, and violation of the non-renewal of shop license. Second: 1- Control of violations and imposition of fines referred to in clause (1) shall be set forth in minutes by an employee of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 2- Appeal can be made before the Minister of Commerce and Industry or his authorized representative against anyone of penalties contained in the list referred to in item (1) during (60) days from the date of notification of the issuance of the punishment, and appeal can be made against the Minister's decision before the Board of Grievances within (60) days from the date of notification of the decision. 3- The Minister of Commerce and Industry shall issue executive decisions and instructions needed on the application of the regulations. Sixth: The Cabinet approved appointments as follows: 1 - Fawzi bin Hassan bin Mohieddin Hakim as Deputy Governor of Saudi Authority for Standardization, Metrology and Quality (rank 15th). 2 - Abdulmohsen bin Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Yousef as Adviser for Quality at Saudi Authority for Standardization and Metrology and Quality (rank 15th). 3 - Eng. Khalid bin Ali bin Rashid Al-Dosari as Mayor of Qatif Governorate at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (rank 14th). 4 - Noor bint Saeed bin Ali Baqader as Director General of Educational Information at the Ministry of Education (rank 14th). 5 - Ali bin Muqbil bin Abdullah Al-Osaimi as Director General of Financial Affairs at the Ministry of Interior (rank 14th). The Cabinet also discussed a number of topics on its agenda, including two annual reports of King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives for two previous financial years.
