ABU DHABI // Ghareeb Al Suraidi, the FNC member who suffered a heart attack shortly after being elected, said it felt good to finally be sworn into the council yesterday.
Mr Al Suraidi, of Fujairah, missed four sessions but yesterday vowed to honour the country and its people.
Before his fellow members, he read the oath loudly then asked to thank the President, Sheikh Khalifa, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, the Minister of Presidential Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, who helped to arrange his transport to London for treatment.
Mr Al Suraidi also thanked Dr Sultan Al Moazen, who travelled with him on Sheikh Mansour's behalf, and Dr Anwar Gargash, the Minister of State for FNC Affairs, who checked on him continuously.
"The feeling is good to be here," Mr Al Suraidi said. "I really wanted to participate and work with the fellow members. I was following their work through the website …"
Members were delighted their colleague was well enough to attend, and the Speaker, Mohammed Al Murr, welcomed Mr Al Suraidi in his opening remarks.
"We are happy with his return in health to his home country, and to the FNC to be amongst his brothers," Mr Al Murr said. "Thank God for your return."
[ osalem@thenational ]
