Sheikh Zaid Bin Sultan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, was re-elected the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at a session of the Supreme Council of the U.A.E. on Tuesday (30 November). But there were extensive consultations and several meetings before the Sheikh was persuaded to continue in office.

SYNOPSIS: The Council is made up of the rulers of the seven member states of the U.A.E.

They had been trying to ensure that the Sheikh, whose idea it was to form the union, should stay as an overall head of state.

Earlier in November the Council met Sheikh Zaid's conditions with an agreement to strengthen federal control over internal security and withdrew the Emirates' constitutional rights on armed forces. According to reports, the Sheikh, as the President of the U.A.E. has been complaining about the way the individual rulers conduct the affairs of their states, as well as their attitude towards the central government. He has been also concerned about the states' contributions to the central budget. Sheikh Zaid will serve another five year term.