RIYADH: King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has expressed his gratitude to the people of the Kingdom for their expressions of emotion at his safe return to the country following surgery and a period of convalescence abroad. He also thanked the heads of friendly nations and all others who enquired of his well-being. The weekly Cabinet session Monday, chaired by King Abdullah, thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for the Royal Decrees he issued to further the people's ability to “lead a life of dignity”, and the relevant ministers briefed the meeting on procedures to put them into effect. King Abdullah briefed ministers on telephone calls with leaders of GCC states and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and on his message to Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. Abdul Aziz Khoja, Minister of Culture and Information, said in a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the meeting that the Cabinet congratulated the Kuwaiti government and people on their 50th anniversary of independence, the 20th anniversary of liberation and the 5th anniversary of the rule of the Emir of Kuwait. They also prayed to Allah for the continued security and stability of Kuwait. The Cabinet also reviewed the current international oil market and the impact on it of events in Libya. Ministers wished all the best for Libya and its people and said they hoped for an end soon to the “extraordinary circumstances” in order for Libya to resume normal levels of oil production. Ministers reemphasized the Kingdom's policy of seeking market stability and continuation of oil supply, as well as consulting consumers and producers from OPEC countries and beyond to “maintain balance in the oil market and avoid detrimental fluctuations”. The Cabinet also reviewed other regional and international developments and reiterated the Kingdom's consistent stand on them. In domestic business, ministers reviewed a study on dairies and new procedures introduced by the Cabinet based on recommendations from the Supreme Economic Council. The new regulations require dairy manufacturers exporting fresh milk products to reduce by 20 percent per year for five years green fodder irrigated with non-replenishable water, effective from the date of the enactment of the decision. Dairy companies are also required to import cumulative shipments of green fodder equal to 20 percent per year of total green fodder used in the production of fresh milk for export until imported fodder replaces local fodder in its entirety. Dairy companies, the procedures state, will be permitted to export products if customs authorities see compliance with the stipulated imported quantities. The Cabinet also approved Monday a decision for the government to pay, during the next three years, 50 percent of passport, driving license and ownership transfer fees, as well as fees for the renewal of home helper residency permits. The decision is effective from Jan. 6, 2011. Ministers further approved government payment of the difference between the unified GCC tariff and the Kingdom's customs tariff for 180 commodities, for a period of three years effective Feb. 22, 2011. The Cabinet also approved regulations governing internal auditors and Grade 14 appointments concerning ambassadorial positions.
