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Bhutan's
National Assembly |
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Bhutan Politics |
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86th
session of the National Assembly
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December
2006
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| the 5th Druk Gyalpo, HM Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck |
| The
86th session of the National Assembly which began on December 22, took
on a historical significance with the presence of His Majesty Jigme Khesar
Namgyel Wangchuck who graced the opening session for the first time as
the fifth Druk Gyalpo after taking over the responsibilities as the Monarch
and head of state.
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On
the morning of December 22, the second day of the 11th Bhutanese month
(Male Fire Dog Year) representatives of the government, clergy and the
people escorted His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to the Assembly
hall in a traditional chipdrel procession. |
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The
formal opening, with the marchang and the zhugdrel ceremony, was attended
by the members of the royal family, representatives of the Bhutanese government,
the public, and the international community. The opening ceremony was telecast
live nationwide.
In
his welcome address the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dasho Ugen Dorje,
said that it was an auspicious occasion for every Bhutanese as it was the
first time His Majesty the fifth King of Bhutan, was gracing the National
Assembly session.
"I,
on behalf of the National Assembly members would like to express our heartfelt
Tashi Delek to His Majesty the fifth King, may the country and the people
experience unprecedented peace and prosperity under His Majesty," he said.
The
Speaker recounted the phenomenal socio-economic development that Bhutan
had enjoyed over the 34 years in an atmosphere of peace and prosperity
under the reign of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
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| the 5th Druk Gyalpo, HM Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck |
Dasho
Ugen Dorje said that the fourth Druk Gyalpo His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck,
who selflessly dedicated himself to the service of the people had consolidated
and crystallised the foundation of the country, had assured the sovereignty
and security of the nation and led the country to unprecedented socio-economic
development.
"I
would like to submit that no deeds will be able to repay His Majesty the
fourth King, for bequeathing us a nation that has seen unprecedented balanced
socio-economic development, peace and prosperity and ensured a secure,
stable and happy nation both for present and future generation," said the
Speaker.
He
said that the stage of development, which the National Assembly has reached
this far, would not have been possible without the benevolence and continued
guidance of His Majesty. |
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"I, on behalf of the National Assembly would like
to express our deep and heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty the fourth Druk
Gyalpo and we further appeal to His Majesty to continue to give guidance
to the National Assembly and we offer our sincere prayers for the long
life of His Majesty," he said.
Dasho
Ugen Dorje also reminded the members that His Majesty had visited New Delhi,
India, in July this year during which Bhutan and India extended their agreement
on trade, commerce, and transit for another 10 years, signed an agreement
on cooperation in the field of hydroelectric power, and a protocol to the
agreement on the Tala hydroelectric project to establish the tariff for
the export of power from Bhutan to India.
The
speaker also reminded the Assembly that during the special sitting of the
cabinet on December 14, His Majesty the King handed over his responsibilities
as the Monarch and the head of state of Bhutan to the Crown Prince, the
people were overcome with indescribable grief and sadness.
"However,
His Majesty the fifth King under the guidance of his illustrious father
is also well groomed in our traditional driglam choesum and is well versed
in the art of governance and statecraft," said Dasho Ugen Dorje. "As the
Bhutanese saying goes, Pha zang ge bu, Gye zang ge shup, Pha dra bu dra,
ser lay koen, we have full faith and confidence in His Royal Highness the
Trongsa Penlop for taking on the responsibilities of the fifth King of
Bhutan."
"I
would also like to appeal to His Majesty to provide continuous guidance
and direction to the National Assembly keeping with the changing times,
as was bestowed by His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo," Dasho Ugen Dorji
said, adding that the National Assembly members repose their full faith
and confidence and sincerely pledge their loyalty and dedication to His
Majesty the fifth King of Bhutan.
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| Contributed
by Rinzin Wangchuk, Kuensel, Bhutan's national newspaper, 2006 |
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