BEIRUT: The Lebanese Women’s Council praised King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia’s decision to grant women the right to vote, run in municipal elections and join the all-appointed Shura Council.

In a statement, the council said the decision was “historical” and politically “courageous,” and praised the king’s step toward reform.

“This courageous political decision, which gives Saudi women the right to participate in their country’s affairs, would not have been possible without the [king’s] wisdom and his awareness of the importance of women’s role” in national development and progress, the council said.