Order relieves Defense, Interior Ministers

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 18, (KUNA): His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Hamad Al-Sabah respectably declined, Monday, the position of Prime Minister after an Amiri order was issued, tasking him with choosing members of the Cabinet.

In a statement, Sheikh Jaber Al- Mubarak expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his trust in him, saying that it was an honor to serve the country and people.

Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak said that he felt sorrow over not being able to implement the order due to fear that he could not attend to his duties adequately. He also expressed sorrow with regard to news being spread over traditional and social medias, stressing that the campaign of misinformation was far from the truth and warned that will have a negative impact on the state if it continued.

Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak affirmed that he was laying his trust in the Kuwaiti legal system, which will bring justice to the forefront. He renewed his apology to His Highness the Amir over his inability to take on the position of Prime Minister, wishing the best to whomever will be assigned as head of the Cabinet.

His Highness the Amir on Monday received His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak. During the reception, His Highness the Amir said: “I feel sorry that you have turned down the position of Prime Minister, at the same time you have to know that you are bigger than the position and stronger than everything. You are Jaber Al-Mubarak that we all respect and revere. May Allah bless you, and let the people know things as they are.

His Highness the Prime Minister: “By Allah’s will and it was my aim to serve your Highness.” His Highness the Amir: “You served well and shouldered a huge burden. Thank you and May Allah bless you.” His Highness the Prime Minister: “Who matters is your Highness and His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Earlier Monday, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak respectfully declined the position of Prime Minister after an Amiri order was issued, tasking him with choosing members of Cabinet. His Highness the Prime Minister’s decision to step down is “respected and appreciated,” said Kuwait’s top lawmaker, even after an Amiri order was issued to reinstate him. “I totally respect His Highness Sheikh Jaber’s refusal to take up the task of putting together a new government,”

Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim told reporters on Monday. Describing the turn of events as “unprecedented,” he went on to thank His Highness Sheikh Jaber for his contributions and accomplishments during his tenure as prime minister.

An Amiri order was issued Monday to relieve First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lt Gen Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah from their positions.

The order assigned Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Sabah to run the affairs of the Defense Ministry, while Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh was assigned to the run the affairs of the Interior Ministry.

The Prime Minister will be tasked with executing the decree and notifying the National Assembly of the decisions. The order will take effect on the date of issue and will be announced in the official newspaper of the state.