President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan warned Sunday against undermining UAE's security as he promised to widen the decision-making process in the nation where some 60 Islamists have been detained this year.
President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan warned Sunday against
undermining UAE's security as he promised to widen the decision-making process
in the nation where some 60 Islamists have been detained this year.
"This country's security is sacred and any attempt to undermine its
foundations is a red line," warned Sheikh Khalifa in statements marking
the 41st anniversary of the union of the seven emirates that make up the
United
Arab Emirates
.
"We are gradually moving towards expanding popular participation in
decision-making, to reach a political system that would reflect reality and
suit the nature of the society," said Khalifa in remarks published by
local media.
Last year, Emirati activists signed a petition calling for political reforms,
including direct elections and broadening the powers of the toothless UAE
legislature, the Federal National Council.
Some of the activists were arrested but later released.
The UAE, a federation of seven emirates led by oil-rich Abu Dhabi, has not seen
any of the widespread protests calling for reform that have swept other Arab
countries, including fellow Gulf states Bahrain and Oman.
But authorities have stepped up a crackdown on voices of dissent and calls for
democratic reforms.
Khalifa affirmed his country's "support to the choices of the people"
in Arab Spring countries, while "rejecting any intervention in their
internal affairs."
"We also reject any interference in our security, sovereignty and our
internal affairs," he said.
On July 15, the UAE announced it had dismantled a group it said was plotting
against state security and challenging the constitution of the Gulf state.
Dubai
police chief General Dahi Khalfan had repeatedly
accused the Muslim Brotherhood--which came to power after the uprisings in
Egypt
and
Tunisia
--of
plotting against Gulf monarchies, claiming the 61 Islamists detained were
linked to the group.
The detainees had condemned "false accusations" of challenging the
political system and renewed allegiance to the leadership of the federation of
seven hereditary sheikhdoms.
Last month, the Gulf country issued a new law toughening penalties for cyber
crimes to include jail terms for anyone who calls for regime change or mocks
its rulers.
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