DHAKA: Saudi authorities are reassessing a controversial ban on the right for women to drive in the ultra-conservative kingdom, activists said on Wednesday, citing the interior minister.

‘Rest assured that the issue is being discussed, and expect a good outcome,’ Prince Mohammad Bin Nayef said, according to Aziza Al Yousuf who met him along with fellow activist Hala Al Dosari.

Yousuf said the meeting took place at the minister’s office, but through a video conference, in compliance with strict rules of segregation between men and women.

But the top security chief stressed that the globally unique ban on driving for women was ‘a matter to be decided by the legislative authority’, Yousuf said, reports gulfnews.com.

Saudi Arabia has an all-appointed consultative Shura Council, with no elected parliament.

The council makes recommendations to the government, but the king remains the absolute legislator.

‘We expect a royal decree that gives us this right,’ Yousuf said.

Three of the recently appointed 30 female members of the council presented a recommendation last month that women be given the right to drive.

BDST: 1853 HRS, NOV 27, 2013