KUWAIT CITY, Feb 21, (KUNA): The State of Kuwait is at a time of its history where constructive cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities is greatly needed to push ahead with reforms and development plans, stressed His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in interview with KUNA, Tuesday.
Sheikh Nawaf was interviewed by KUNA Board Chairman and Director General Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Al-Ibrahim Al-Sabah on the anniversary of the Crown Prince taking the constitutional oath for the post before parliament, back on Feb 20, 2006.
Asked specifically about his vision for the relationship that ought to be maintained between the legislative and executive authorities at present, Sheikh Nawaf said, “we are at a juncture where both authorities must show utmost responsibility and accountability and determination to honor their duties, if we are to realize progress and meet the expectations of the Kuwaiti people.”
The Crown Prince considered His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s dissolving of parliament recently “a prudent step which did not compromise the path of freedoms and democracy Kuwait had opted for since its early days as sovereign nation.”
Still on the “unprecedented acts of irresponsibility and attacks on social solidarity and sanctity of parliament,” he added, “the majority of the Kuwaiti people blessed this decision to preserve national unity.”
The National Assembly elections which followed on Feb 2, 2012 were held in transparency, and “those who made it to parliament are expected to honor this great trust by their countrymen and contribute to development of Kuwait and to efforts to keep up with advancements around the world.”
The KUNA chairman asked Sheikh Nawaf whether violations and errors in conduct by some MPs would compromise parliamentary progress. The Crown Prince said it is a must that all opt for dialogue, respect the other opinion, and maintain respect for all parties in the best interest of the nation. All must also preserve Kuwaiti customs and generally embraced ethics and values and keep focus on the state’s highest interest at all times.
“Cooperation between the two authorities at present is no longer just prudent; it is vital,” Sheikh Nawaf stressed. “The Kuwaiti Constitution was adopted in 1962 and it clearly includes the basis for political freedom, equality, and social justice. Kuwait is the region’s forerunner in democracy, and is keen on keeping to this path.” Sheikh Nawaf touched on the economic situation in the country. He said, “this attitude of cooperation between the two authorities will enable the nation to realize a great deal in the field of overall development and the economic situation and means to bolster it should come within the authorities’ top priorities.”
The KUNA chairman referred to recent talk of differences among members of the Sabah family and asked for the Crown Prince’s judgment on this matter. Sheikh Nawaf remarked, “since Kuwait’s establishment over 300 years ago, there was no serious dispute within the family, but rather differences of opinion with all parties seeking the country’s best interest.”
On recent political action and flux, some of which led to dissolution of parliament and disbanding cabinet, he said that “the problem was failure to respect the nature of the relationship between government and parliament. When there is disagreement the two cannot overcome, the final say should be for His Highness the Amir.”
On recent reports of corruption domestically in state institutions, he said appropriate laws and guidelines, close regulation and administrative reform were a prerequisite towards solving the issue.
On illegal residents in the country, he explained that a long time spent in research and planning has resulted in the formation of a centralized body tasked with these individuals.
The body has been recommending solutions to the problem; after several cases were found to, in fact, deserve naturalization, while others continue to receive the right for a job, education and healthcare.
On calls to increase wages in public institutions, he said employees had the right to do so, and that the government had a clearly drawn-out strategy on wage structures, that takes into account the nation’s resources and saving them for future generations.
The six-member nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which Kuwait is a side in, is a shining light on the Arab and Islamic worlds and is a beacon for interactivity and collaboration, he said.
“It has presented a positive role in the economic, military and security fields. We look to more efforts in order to achieve the hopes and aspirations of member countries.” The worldwide danger of terrorism has, at some point, affected the country and the leading Kuwaiti official explained that tackling its threats should be carried out according to the directives of international treaties, which have been adopted on the international as well as on the Arab narrower scale.
In Kuwait, a recent terrorist threat was thwarted after security intelligence, gained from the surrounding GCC partners, was passed around and this cooperation was hailed by Sheikh Nawaf.
On the country’s relations with northern neighbours, Iraq, he said Kuwait hopes to build on a joint history of relations, based on mutual respect and exchanged economic and political cooperation.
On Iran, neighbours to the east of the country sharing the Arabian Gulf and whose nuclear ambitions have caused uproar in the international community, the crown prince described Tehran as “a friendly and dear neighbor,” and that there are mutual interests between both countries.
He said Kuwait is monitoring closely the country’s troubles with the international community and that the region’s security was the responsibility of all.
He said any solution to the Middle East issue should be through the Arab Peace Initiative, adopted in Beirut 2002, in addition to the Quartet-sponsored roadmap and peace-encouraging efforts of the international community.
Inter-Palestinian conflict and division should also be discarded and “Palestinian factions should come together under one command that calls for legitimate national rights for an independent nation, with a capital of Jerusalem,” he added.
The will of the people after the Arab Spring series of revolutions in the region is respected by Kuwait, said Sheikh Nawaf, who added that his country does not intervene in the internal affairs of others, while hoping that these transitions go smoothly.
On a final note, on the coinciding of the anniversary of his ascendance as Crown Prince with the country’s national anniversaries, he expressed hope Kuwait stays united, stable and secure under the guidance of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.