Saudi- Shoura Council proposes supreme body for culture 

(MENAFN - Arab News) The Shoura Council has recommended the establishment of a Higher Council for Culture to plan and implement policies related to culture and also suggested creating a national council for books.

The 28th regular session of the Shoura was held yesterday under the chairmanship of its president, Abdullah Al-Asheikh.

Shoura Secretary-General Abdullah Al-Ghamdi said these two main recommendations were unanimously approved with an aim of developing the cultural activities of the Kingdom and to make available useful books for readers in the country.

The decision was taken by the house during the reading of the Ministry of Culture and Information's annual report, which was presented by the council's committee on cultural affairs and media.

According to Al-Ghamdi, the house agreed to encourage investors to open new newspapers in the Kingdom.

Urging the Ministry of Culture and Information to expand its cultural and media activities in line with the Arab and Islamic world, the house totally discouraged any radio or TV programs such as a lottery or programs that offer prizes for lucky winners.

The house also rejected the idea of forming two separate ministries for culture and information.

During a discussion on the report of the annual performance of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare (GPYW) submitted by the committee on social affairs and family, some members suggested the presidency should be transformed into a ministry.

Al-Ghamdi said such a suggestion was only the members' individual opinion and the Shoura Council as a body would further discuss these matters at a later date.

The report said the council's committee received direct feedback from Prince Nawaf bin Faisal bin Fahd, president of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare. The report added that besides meeting Prince Nawaf, the committee also met several senior officials of the Ministry of Finance and other related governmental organizations to discuss problems faced by the GPYW toward developing sports in and outside the country.

The committee also pointed out the deteriorating level of performance by some clubs affiliated to the GPYW. The committee suggested remedial measures to develop such clubs and organizations to improve sports participation among Saudi youths.