KUWAIT CITY, Dec 24: An initiative proffering a fair and lasting solution to the Bedoun issue has been put forward by former MPs Musallam Al-Barrak and Moh-ammad Al-Shimmari, alongside prolific writers Ahmad Al-Deyain and Mohammad Abdul-Qadir Al-Jassem, and political activist Khalid Al-Fadhalah, reports Alam Al-Yawm daily.
In a statement, the signatories said the suffering of Bedouns who are deprived of basic human and civil rights, besides their legitimate aspiration for affiliation to a country, and foot-dragging by the authorities to end the problem, motivated this initiative and “we are keen on proffering an urgent humanitarian solution to the problem, based on clear legal basis”.
The statement mentioned the first step as setting up a committee to reach out to those concerned about the Bedoun issue, including human rights organizations, “Kuwaitis for Bedoun” group, the Kuwaiti Bedoun group, to mention a few, in an effort to agree on the practical steps. After this, a document containing permanent solution to the issue would be presented to all candidates in the coming election to sign as a pledge that binds everyone to ensure its passage if they win, the statement indicated.
It also states a draft bill on humanitarian solution to the problem would be presented to the National Assembly for passage within 3 months after the new parliament is sworn in.
Meanwhile, officials from Qatar’s real estate sector confirm that former MP Ahmad Al-Saadoun has no property in Qatar, reports Al-Rai daily quoting reliable sources as saying.
The same sources maintain Al-Saadoun is innocent of all allegations against him, reiterating he has no real estates worth millions of dollars in Qatar as claimed by some people. They added the Qatari registry has no document that refers to Al-Saadoun owning, buying or even selling real estate.
For the sake of transparency, sources indicated Al-Saadoun’s son had bought a piece of land in Qatar, just like any ordinary GCC citizen. However, it doesn’t totally justify accusations against Al-Saadoun, they noted.
In an unrelated development, the Undersecretary of Health Ibrahim Al-Abdulhadi said the ministry has not accepted the resignation of Dr Hesham Al-Khayat, consultant brain, nerves and backbone surgeon at the Ibn Sina Hospital, stressing the ministry is keen on keeping efficient national personnel.
Al-Abdulhadi said a thorough investigation will be conducted by the Legal Sector to identify rationale behind Al-Khayat’s decision to resign.
Earlier, Al-Khayat had tendered his resignation and traveled abroad but he returned to the country after new salary scales and financial increments had been approved for the medical sector. Abdulhadi hopes Al-Khayat will join his colleagues soon, as he is among efficient Kuwaiti personnel the ministry is proud of.
Meanwhile, as per confidential report issued by World Health Organization (WHO) Consultant Dr Ahmad Ramadan who visited Kuwait recently to review programs on hygiene to assess the current policies and programs of the ministry, a general policy for the Medical Emergency Department is lacking in Kuwait, reports Al-Anba daily.
The report added that the Environment Health Department does not have any policy to confront emergency situations, although Swine Flu or H1N1 has been treated outstandingly.
It stressed the basic structure in the system of collecting, analyzing and displaying data in all departments and units of Public Hygiene need thorough update, suggesting the sector takes advantage of accumulated know-how in dealing with the contagious disease H1N1, while preparing a general plan to manage emergencies and control contagious diseases.