Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, new president of the Emirates

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The leaders of the United Arab Emirates announced on Saturday the unanimous appointment of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as chairman of the hereditary government of the Arabian Peninsula nation.

The state news agency WAM reported that the leaders of the seven territories into which the country is divided made the decision during a meeting held at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi, following the death of President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, 73 years, Friday.

It is the third time that the nation, an ally of the United States, has changed president since its independence in 1971.

The latest, in which Sheikh Khalifa succeeded his and Sheikh Mohammed’s father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, came after his death in 2004. The immediacy of Saturday’s announcement appeared to show unity and reassure the world about the stability of a country crucial for the production of oil and natural gas, which is also home to Western military troops.

WAM described the election as unanimous among the leaders of the seven territories, including the city of Dubai.

“We commend him and pledge allegiance to him, and our people pledge allegiance to him,” Dubai’s leader, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said on Twitter after the vote. “The whole country is led by him to lead him on the paths of glory and honor, God willing.”

The Emirates has declared three days of official mourning during which businesses will close and shows will be suspended in honor of Sheikh Khalifa. On Friday evening, electronic screens in Dubai projected the image of the late sheikh as flags flew at half mast.

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Gambrell is on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP.

Source: Publimetro