RIYADH — The Shoura Council cancelled its sessions this week to make seating arrangements for newly appointed women members, Al-Jazirah newspaper reported Sunday. All female members will have their own offices inside an area separate from male members. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah on Friday issued a royal decree appointing women for the first time to the country's top advisory body. The King took the historic decision following consultations with religious leaders in the country. The royal decree called for designating a seating area with separate entrance for the 30 women members of the reconstituted council. A Shoura Council member can only assume office after he or she takes an oath in front of King Abdullah. Till then the new members of the council, including the women members, will not carry out any activities inside the council. — SG
