AMIR: KUWAIT MEDIATION TO PROTECT GULF HOUSE

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Amir vows to protect Constitution – Regional challenges require unity, joint action: Premier

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 24: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah affirmed Tuesday that the commitment to the Constitution in Kuwait is stable and belief in parliamentary work is firmly established, saying “I am the one who protects the Constitution and will not allow it to be prejudiced,” because it is the basic guarantee after God Almighty. During the opening of the second ordinary session of the 15th legislative term of the National Assembly, His Highness the Amir said that regional developments and challenges have made parliamentary work a national benefit to “strengthen our most important national gains”.

His Highness the Amir said that Kuwait will continue the road for development and welfare for all people living on this land. His Highness the Amir said that the road towards achieving sustainable development was not an easy path because there are grave internal and external challenges that should be met with great resolve. Kuwait’s security and peace are of paramount importance; therefore, people should band together and safeguard these blessings, said His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah. He went on to say that the National Assembly should work hard towards fending off dangers that might harm Kuwait and its people.

His Highness the Amir underlined the importance of security as the bedrock of Kuwait’s welfare and development, affirming that uniting people around the concept of national unity will bring upon a bright future. Also during his speech, His Highness the Amir touched on the necessity of executing plans for economic reforms, indicating that Kuwait must transform from an oil-based economy to an economy, which is diversified and dynamic. Investing in human resources is necessary in order to realize economic development, said His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah who indicated that Parliament had a huge responsibility in this regard. His Highness the Amir concluded his speech with a vow that he would work with all his might to ensure that the Kuwaiti people live a prosperous and happy life, asking the National Assembly and the Cabinet to partake and join in this noble cause.

Gulf House
Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad stressed that everyone should realize that the only objective of the Kuwaiti mediation is to reform the “Gulf House which is our home and protect it from collapse”. His Highness the Amir said that the mediation of Kuwait is not merely a traditional mediation by a party between two parties, “We are not a party but one party with two brothers”, expressing the hope that everyone would be fully aware of the risks of escalation with resulting implications of regional and international damage to the Gulf and its peoples.

He pointed out that the history and future generations of the Gulf and the Arabs will not forgive anyone who contributes, even with one word, to fuel this dispute or be part in it, stressing that the GCC is a promising glimmer of hope in the darkness of Arab action and the candlelight that illuminates the long tunnel and a model to be followed in cooperation.

He stressed the need to adhere to the approach of calm and avoid the conflict in an attempt to overcome this crisis, saying “what brings us together is stronger than what divides us … Let us ask God to calm the souls because the GCC is a solid castle and a banner of security, dignity and prosperity. National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim said that the National Assembly represents the spirit of cooperation with the executive authority, including serving the citizens and achieving their interests.

Al-Ghanim made his remarks in his speech during the opening of the second session of the 15th legislative term, adding “We are facing great challenges and national entitlements including economic reforms which is necessary to raise growth rates, create jobs and improve the investment climate.” “This can only be achieved by controlling public expenditure, promoting rationalization, improving development planning and developing institutional performance,” he added. People in the region should focus on efforts to bring an end to the Gulf crisis as a step to safeguard regional welfare and security, said Al-Ghanim. Al-Ghanim said that people living in the GCC countries should unite and work together for their own interests and good, affirming that the current status quo will bring grave consequences for the region.

He further reflected on the crisis, saying that it was a mere misunderstanding amongst brothers and expressed his confidence that the problem will be resolved soon. Speaker of the National Assembly lauded His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s efforts in this regard, adding that the Kuwaiti leader always took the initiative in trying to find a solution for any problems that might face the GCC countries.

Joint action
His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah highlighted the need of concerted efforts to protect the gains made in the areas of promotion of freedoms and democracy, security, stability and economic development. In his address to the opening session of the second legislative term of the National Assembly, he said the democratic atmosphere in Kuwait is a source of pride for all citizens that materializes the cultural values of the people. His Highness the Prime Minister extolled His Highness the Amir for his keenness on the efforts to realize the aspirations of the people for a bright future. “The recent developments in the Arab region and rampant chaos have negative impacts on the security of Kuwait which require us to stand united and work together in order to protect our national unity and ward off the risks of sedition,” he stated.

“The Arab region undergoes a challenging period and numerous threats in the security, political, economic, social and cultural areas. Kuwait is at the core of this region. “Therefore, we are required to have wise, responsible and practical vision for protecting our homeland and overcoming this delicate stage,” His Highness the Prime Minister stressed. Addressing the lawmakers, he said, “As the second term of your honorable Assembly opens, we hope for continued cooperation between the Assembly and the government based on mutual trust and respect to protect the security, stability and prosperity of the country.” “All of us, as government and Parliament, share formidable tasks and responsibilities for honoring our undertakings in the framework of the Constitution. “We have no choice other than working together and maintaining our complementary relationship as per the provisions of the Constitution and the parliamentary regulations and responsible practices,” he made clear.

Regarding the foreign policy of the country, he said Kuwait has always been committed to the principles of respect for the sovereignty and independence of, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of, other countries. Kuwait maintains neighborly ties with the countries in the Gulf region and supports the fairs issues of the Arab nation as well as the causes of freedom, justice, peace and human rights around the globe. Kuwait’s recent selection as nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council reflects the confidence of the international community in its constructive role worldwide under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir, he pointed out. In this regard, His Highness the Prime Minister commended the efforts made by His Highness the Amir to contain the Gulf row and protect the stature of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff and Agencies

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