RIYADH – The Council of Ministers Monday lauded the role of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in further bolstering cohesion and solidarity among its member states as well as among governments and the people. The Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, called upon the UN Security Council to take a firm position so as to prevent Israel from going ahead with its plans to build more settlements in occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank. The Cabinet reviewed the GCC Summit that began Monday evening in Manama, and prayed to Almighty Allah to crown with success the efforts of Gulf leaders to achieve further progress in the GCC's march forward. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session, Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdulaziz Khoja said that the Cabinet stressed the government's keenness to preserve the Kingdom's cultural heritage, especially the urban heritage which forms a significant part of the nation's history and culture. The session commended the significance of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Built Heritage instituted by the Charitable Heritage Foundation. Crown Prince Salman received the foundation's award last week. Dr. Khoja said the Cabinet hailed the statements by most member states of the Security Council, slamming Israel's decision to build more settlements in Jerusalem and other occupied territories. The session urged the UN to stand firmly to prevent the occupation authorities from implementing this project that will scuttle the peace process. Scope of emergency medical services widened Dr. Khoja said the Cabinet approved a major amendment in the Law (paragraph three of Article V) of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) to widen the scope of emergency medical services. According to the amendment, the authority would make available all types of emergency medical services, including land, sea and air, as well as pre-hospital care for patients and victims of accidents and disasters. The amendment also calls for coordination between SRCA and the Border Guards in special ambulance rescue missions, as well as taking advantage of the available marine equipment of the latter. Apart from this, the authority shall conclude a strategic partnership agreement with the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation to set up a specialized institute to train SRCA employees and other members of society. The Cabinet also approved the child protection draft law while giving instructions to the concerned authorities to complete the necessary procedures in this respect. – SG
