Cabinet redefines jurisdiction of BIP, CIB and GAB RIYADH — The Council of Ministers Monday approved the National Transport Strategy. It specifies general guidelines and strategic plans aimed at creating an integrated sector incorporating safety, effectiveness, competency and technological development. The Cabinet meeting was presided over by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The strategy is meant to encourage and enhance economic development and the Kingdom's competitive ability at the international level besides ensuring a safe, healthy environment for the citizens. Dr. Abdul Aziz Khoja, Minister of Culture and Information, said the Cabinet also reviewed the latest developments in the Arab World and commended the signing of the historic Gulf initiative to solve the crisis in Yemen. The Cabinet praised King Abdullah, in whose presence the agreement was signed here last week, for his role in resolving the crisis. The meeting also lauded Arab League measures for peace in Syria. It commended the League's decision to impose sanctions on Syria. “The Arab League decision reflects the keenness of the Arab countries to save the lives of the Syrian people,” it said. The Cabinet also applauded the comments made by King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain on receiving the report of the independent commission inquiring into clashes in his country. The report was commended for its transparency and honesty and also reflected the sovereignty of law and justice, the Cabinet said. The Cabinet, Dr. Khoja said, redefined the jurisdiction of the Control and Investigation Board (CIB), the Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution (BIP) and the General Auditing Bureau (GAB). Investigation and prosecution powers of the CIB in criminal cases have now been transferred to the BIP. Similarly, financial control powers of the BIP have now been transferred to the GAB. However, the CIB will continue to exercise administrative powers in investigation and prosecution in financial cases. The Cabinet looked into a number of domestic issues and agreed on increasing the Kingdom's contribution in the capital of the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit from 13,500 shares to 60,000 shares with an increase of 46,500 shares at a total value of 46.5 million Islamic Dinars. Dr. Khoja said the Cabinet gave the go-ahead to the Ministry of Social Affairs to become a member of the Permanent Committee for Combating Money Laundering as per the Council's decision No.15 dated 17/1/1420H.
