UAE PM announces creation of ministers for happiness and toleranceFebruary 9, 2016 - 15:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The prime minister of the United Arab Emirates has announced the creation of a minister of state for happiness, as part of a major government shake-up, BBC News reports. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the ruler of Dubai, said the minister would drive policy "to create social good and satisfaction". A new post of Minister of State for Tolerance was also created. Sheikh Mohammed said several ministries would also be merged and unveiled plans to outsource most government services. "Governments must be flexible. We don't need more ministries, but more ministers capable of dealing with change," he said at the World Government Summit in Dubai on Monday. "We want a young and flexible government that will fulfil our youth's aspirations and achieve our people's ambitions." The Minister of State for Tolerance would promote the virtue "as a fundamental value in UAE society", Sheikh Mohammed tweeted. The prime minister also announced the creation of a UAE Youth National Council. The "elite group of young men and women" would advise the government on youth issues and be led by a female minister of state for youth no older than 22, he said, adding: "The energy of youth will fuel our government in future." Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |