KUWAIT CITY, Oct 17: Parliament Speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi on Sunday stressed the need to stop the exchange of accusations between various parties in the local political arena, particularly the scathing attack launched against the Popular Committee for Collection Donations at the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE).

Warning that the exchange of baseless accusations might instigate chaos in the country, Al-Khorafi expressed his disappointment over the irresponsible acts of some people, who raised doubts on the officials of the committee.  “It is disheartening to hear the people of my country hurling unfounded accusations at each other, because this is not in the interests of Kuwait.  We should not forget that we are one big family bound by several ties.  Our previous experiences have proven that the people of this nation are united,” he asserted.

Al-Khorafi also warned against “playing with fire which may destroy everything in the country.”  He went on to say, “I hope wisdom and common sense prevail among the people.  There is nothing wrong in disagreeing over a number of issues, but it is embarrassing if we do not know how to disagree.  I fully trust in the ability of the wise people in this nation to thwart any attempt to instigate chaos.”
Asked if it is appropriate to call on the lawmakers to focus on achievements, especially since the opening of the new legislative round is fast approaching, Al-Khorafi pointed out, “We all want to play a crucial role in the next round, so we have to look at things in a positive way.  We must not give anyone a chance to react negatively towards the lawmakers.  Let us be optimistic, so our efforts would yield the desired results.”

On the allegations of the Ministry of Information that Scope Channel tried to overthrow the government through the airing of a certain program during Ramadan, Al-Khorafi stated, “I could not believe that someone would accuse a television channel of trying to topple the government.  This is absurd and it spells trouble.”

The speaker contented the ministry’s decision to refer the channel to the Public Prosecution is a clear indication of its attempt to abuse its power, in addition to its inability to present valid reasons for referring a media outfit to the prosecution.  “We are not against the referral of the channel or any other institution to the prosecution, provided it is done in accordance with the law.  The decision should come from the judiciary.  It is a disgrace that a TV station has been accused of trying to overthrow the government,” he lamented.

Al-Khorafi also asked the government to review its decision and punish those who take any step deemed harmful or offensive to Kuwait.

On the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) draft bill, Al-Khorafi explained the parliamentary Financial and Economic Affairs Committee has finalized its report on the bill.  He affirmed the report will be forwarded to the National Assembly for voting.