UAE citizens join push for greater democracy

A GROUP of citizens in the United Arab Emirates petitioned the rulers yesterday to allow a popularly elected parliament, as demands for leadership overhauls continued to spread across the Middle East.

Bahrain has been gripped by a three-week uprising, and smaller rallies have taken place in Kuwait, Oman and even Saudi Arabia.

There are no official opposition groups in the oil-rich UAE, a union of seven sheikhdoms. But the petition, signed by 130 pro-reform supporters, showed that Emiratis are acting on the inspiration of the Egyptian and Tunisian revolts. It demands the ruling system changes, gives them a say in the running of the country and a share in its oil wealth.