Bahraini PM chairs cabinet meeting, announces government resignation

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has announced the resignation of the government.
HRH Premier delivered a speech in which he asserted that Bahrain is on "the threshold of a new phase of national action."
HRH Premier extended, on behalf of the cabinet members, utmost thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for the Royal trust bestowed upon them through assigning them with national responsibilities over the past period and supporting them in order to be able to face challenges for the sake of Bahrain and its people.
HRH the Prime Minister valued highly HM the King's lauding of him and the government for its landmark achievements, and tireless efforts to enhance the development march in the kingdom.
He paid tribute to the cabinet members for the remarkable endeavours they had exerted in assuming their duties in the best way.
HRH Premier also congratulated the newly elected members of the Council of Representatives for the trust granted to them by the Bahraini people, wishing them every success in serving the homeland and the citizens.
"Based on Article 33 of the constitution that stipulates that the government should resign at the beginning of each new legislative term, I will hand in the resignation of the cabinet to HM King Hamad, in order to take the necessary decision," he said, affirming "constant readiness to serve HM the King and the nation."
Then, HRH Premier submitted the cabinet's resignation to HM the King.
This came as HRH Premier chaired at the Gudaibiay Palace today the regular weekly cabinet meeting, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.
Following the session, the Secretary-General of Cabinet Dr. Yaser bin Essa Al-Nasser stated that the cabinet had endorsed a draft Decree-Law on amending some provisions of Law 32 of 2009 regarding the establishment of a Pension Fund and Retirement Benefits for the Members of the Shura Council, the Parliament and the Municipal Councils.
The cabinet also approved another draft Decree-Law on amending some provisions of the Military Penal Code promulgated by Decree Law No. 34 of 2002.
Under the amendment, the "Military Penal Code" will be renamed as the "Code of Military Justice".
The cabinet also endorsed another draft Decree-Law on amending Article (13) of Decree-Law 5 of 1987 with respect to the reserve force.
The amendment stipulates that the reserve duty can be completed at the age 65 years or after 10 years of service.
A draft law amending Article 20 of the Municipalities Law promulgated by Decree-Law 35 of 2001, and another adding Article 316 (bis) to the Penal Code promulgated by Law 15 of 1976.
HRH Premier directed to approve an edict modifying the eligibility criteria for accepting housing applications.
The salaries of the husband and wife will be separated when counting the income of the basic household head when applying for housing services.
The Housing Ministry was requested to amend the Housing System.