The petition, signed by 130 proreform supporters, was a sign that Emiratis, too, are now acting on the inspiration by the Egyptian and Tunisian revolts. It demands changes in the ruling system, giving them a say in the running of the country and a share in its oil wealth.
The petitioners demanded “a comprehensive reform of the parliamentary system’’ and “free elections for all citizens.’’
The Emirates’ current parliament is based in Abu Dhabi and serves as an advisory body. Its 40 members are either directly appointed by the ruling sheiks or elected by citizens hand-picked by the rulers to vote.
Abu Dhabi’s Al Nahyan family controls the Emirates’ vast oil riches and holds most government positions.
Morocco
King Mohammed VI announced a broad revision of the constitution yesterday, a move aimed to boost democracy in the North African country amid recent turmoil in the Arab world.
In a rare speech to the nation on radio and TV, the king said a new commission will recommend constitutional revisions to him by June, and the overall project will be decided by voters in a referendum.
“By launching today the work of constitutional reform, we embark on a major phase in the process of consolidation of our model of democracy and development,’’ said the king, wearing glasses, a sober black tie, and dark suit.
The king said that women’s rights and political participation — already a mainstay of his previous reforms — will be strengthened, such as ensuring through law that men and women have equal access to elective positions.
Morocco has so far avoided the persistent unrest that brought down regimes in fellow north African countries Tunisia and Egypt.
Egypt
Clashes between Muslims and Christians left 13 dead and 140 wounded, deepening a sense of chaos as the police and ruling military struggled to maintain order barely a month after a popular uprising ousted longtime leader Hosni Mubarak.
The battles went on for hours in Cairo as both sides fought with guns, knives, and clubs.
Army troops fired in the air to try to disperse the crowds to no avail.
Saudi Arabia
Nearly 200 Shi’ites chanting “We want freedom!’’ protested in Saudi Arabia’s eastern province yesterday, even as the foreign minister warned that the oil-rich nation will take strong action if activists take to the streets.
The gathering in Qatif by members of the country’s Shi’ite Muslim minority is a smaller version of a planned “Day of Rage’’ tomorrow to demand the Saudi regime’s ouster.
The government, which is working to quell the unrest, accuses Shi’ites from outside the country of spurring the protests.
Tunisia
A court dissolved the party of ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali yesterday and ordered all its assets seized, demolishing a key symbol of his autocratic rule.
Prodemocracy activists cheered in the courtroom and sang the national anthem as the decision was announced to dismantle the Democratic Constitutional Rally.
