Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, expressed gratitude for the achievements accomplished by the Shoura Council over the past period, hoping that the achievements of he Council, which were acknowledged by all people in the Kingdom, would reach their peak that appeases the leadership and citizens alike. In an exclusive interview with Al-Shoura magazine, to be issued tomorrow, Prince Salman said the approach of the council in tackling the defects of some regulations enforced over years without change and the debate and dialogue with ministers and senior officials over those matters come among the most prominent achievements of the council. He praised the effectiveness of the council's resolutions and paid tribute to the highest skills of its members whom he described as literate, intellectuals, experts and reliable. He called for spreading the culture of Shoura (consultation) in the Saudi society as it is an Islamic principle. He gave an account on the history of Shoura (consultation) as an integral part of governance in the Saudi rule, citing late King Abdulaziz first Shoura Council and its renewal by the then Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques late King Fahd bin Abdulaziz. He denied the occurrence of weakness of Shoura culture in the Saudi society as the consultation was an integral part of the Islamic culture and Saudi tribal system. In response to a question on the role of the regions' councils and the Shoura Council, Prince Salman said the regions' councils are in charge of regional matters and each is confined to its region while the Shoura council is in charge of the nation's issues. However, both chambers are concerned of the public interests, he said. Asked whether he was satisfied over the achievement of the council over the last 15 years, Prince Salman replied in the affirmative. On the implementation of the Council's decisions, he said they are forwarded to the ruler of the country who has the right to take decisions on them before having the force of law.
