Once again, as expected, the president of the Republic has officially proclaimed the official start of the 2012 Legislative Session. During the occasion, the president appeared before deputies, judges, ministers and a cross-section of the society, at the National Assembly building, outlining the programmes, policies and projects that the government will embark on to steer the political, economic and social wheel of the country in the course of the year.

Such a conduct by the president as dictated by the constitution elucidates the fact that we have taken giant steps on the march to promote our democracy. A responsible government is one that is accountable to the people.

The appearance of the executives before the National Assembly, which is composed of representatives of the masses, to have their actions, policies and programmes subjected to scrutiny is a principal indicator that the leadership has provided the country with a responsible government that operates within the frameworkand practice ofgood governance.

The president has yet again manifested that he is a leader who wants the progress of his government to be measured by the improvement in the health of our people, by the number of children in school and the quality of their education, by the availability of water and electricity in our towns and villages, and by the happiness which we manifest as the people of a sovereign state.

As the 2012 Legislative Session is now open, we wish to remind deputies that they are entrusted to act on the opinions of the people. They have a crucial role to play in establishing a transparent society. They should therefore remember their responsibility at all times.

We seize this opportunity to wish the speaker and the entire National Assembly members a happy 2012 Legislative Year.