They have the right to make some rules - but in the Philippines: Abdullah
Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday fielded a question by a Federal National Council (FNC) member about violation of international laws and norms by some embassies in the UAE by holding direct meetings with private sector organizations and obliging them to obey their instructions and orders.
"The embassies operations are governed by the international law and the Geneva convention which regulates activities of diplomatic missions.
"The UAE is a signatory of the convention and therefore, any activities (by such embassies) should be carried out in coordination with the ministry of foreign affairs. Otherwise, the ministry will summon the ambassador or charge d'affaires to warn them."
Sheikh Abdullah said the Embassy of the Philippines contacted some of the labour supply companies in the country.
"They have the right to make some rules - but in the Philippines. They have absolutely no right to infringe the UAE government's regulations."
Sheikh Abdullah went on to say that any illegal contacts made by the embassies under and pretext are considered as violations and are not acceptable by the ministry of foreign affairs.
"The ministry of foreign affairs is the key point of contact for the embassies wishing to establish communications with any sector in the country."
He urged government and private entities to report any violation by any embassy or foreign diplomats to the ministry.
"The Philippines is not the only country that we can bring workers from. However, the task of any country's mission is to protect interests of its citizens.
"I can see no harm in what the embassy of Philippines is doing if any labour-related matter is supported by contracts."
Asked about the steps taken by the ministry of foreign affairs to secure reciprocal exemption of visa requirement for UAE citizens in 34 countries, Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE was getting positive signals on this.
He added that following the recent visit of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the UK, the government there pledged to consider the issue this year, while contacts with some EU countries were progressing.
In his capacity as Chairman of the National media Council (NMC), Sheikh Abdullah answered a question about misleading advertisements and the steps taken to regulate advertisement.
Sheikh Abdullah said the media in the UAE is governed by the publications law. He added that the NMC has been playing a pivotal role in reflecting the true picture.
"I agree with several points and remarks made by the FNC about the NMC strategy, its role in developing the media sector and in Emiratisation.
"The development of NMC has already begun with the approval by the ministerial commission for services in February of a draft resolution to amend the organisation structure of the council. An advisory board for the council was formed in March."
Sheikh Abdullah said the rate of Emiratisation at the NMC is expected to increase this year to 71 per cent from 61 per cent in 2012. He added that future plans may include creation of a high level media training academy for as part of the Emirtisation efforts in the media sector.
The plans also include improving performance of the Emirates News Agency. He praised the authorities' initiative of inviting local press to cover the sessions of the national security trial.
"This is an unprecedented step that reflects transparency and freedom granted to the local media. You can read the uncensored reports about court proceedings, some of which are even sensitive."
The Federal National Council (FNC) yesterday held its 13th session of the 2nd term of its 15th legislative chapter under the chairmanship of its Speaker Mohamed Ahmed Al Murr.
Present during the session were Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Dr Anwar Mohamed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and for FNC Affairs.
Asked about the national strategy for saving water and energy,the energy minister, who is also chairman of the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA), said the authority's strategic plan addresses future needs until 2020. He added that the plan defines a 3-phase project to raise capacity.
"The first phase was completed at a total cost of Dh2.7 billion and resulted in a 52 per cent increase in water network and 49 per cent increase in water storage capacity. The second phase will be completed by 2014," he said.
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