Kuwait vows war against ‘e-flies’ sowing discord in GCC countries

03/09/2024

Kuwait vows war against ‘e-flies’ sowing discord in GCC countries

Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya (left) and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed during the signing of MoUs with the UAE.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 3: Sheikh Abdullah Al- Hamed, Chairman of the UAE’s National Media Office, launched a robust initiative to counter the growing threat of ‘electronic flies’ – fake accounts spreading discord and hatred online. Through the hashtag ‘Report Without Comment’, the campaign aims to tackle the rise of verbal wars, sectarianism, and insults targeting leaders and symbols.

Sheikh Al-Hamed emphasized, “We will ban anyone who offends; responding to a fool is not polite, and there’s no place for flies.” Sheikh Al-Hamed emphasized the importance of unity and authenticity in combating the spread of discord by “electronic flies” on social media. He stated, “Belief in our Arabism gives us motivation. These accounts exist only to gossip and divide, an idle pastime for some.”

He urged continued support for the initiative, highlighting the need to counter those seeking to sow discord among Gulf nations. In Kuwait, the initiative received widespread support, with calls for strict legislation to combat these divisive online activities. Former Housing Minister Yahya Al-Sumait praised the initiative, noting that it serves the Gulf states’ interests by countering foreign funded mercenaries aiming to disrupt regional harmony. The Director of Public Relations at the Media Association, Jarrah Al- Qazza, praised the initiative as a critical and timely measure to combat the spread of discord and rumors among Gulf nations. He highlighted the increasing number of paid accounts sowing division and emphasized the importance of rejecting insults that undermine Gulf unity. Security expert Hamad Al-Suraye echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for joint coordination among Gulf countries to combat the unrest stirred by deviant groups. He called for blocking fake accounts that threaten to fragment regional relations.

Abdullah Al Gharib, Vice President of the Electronic Media Union, lauded the initiative as a significant step against “electronic barbarism” on social media, affirming the authenticity of the leaders and people of the UAE. He noted that Saudi Arabia’s support underscores the deep historical ties between the Kingdom and the UAE, and warned of the severe impact of electronic wars, which may surpass that of traditional weapons. Meanwhile, the State of Kuwait and United Arab Emirates held on Monday the fifth session of the joint supreme committee between the two countries in the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, reports KUNA.

In a statement, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Kuwaiti delegation was headed by Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, while the UAE delegation was headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed. The statement noted that during the meeting, joint official talks were held and aspects of bilateral cooperation between all sectors in the two countries were reviewed, including areas of development and growth were discussed in various fields that serve the two countries and their peoples. It stated that the work of the joint committee culminated in the signing of several agreements within the framework of memoranda of understanding and executive programs that reflect the determination of the two brotherly countries to strengthen the close bond between them in various vital fields.

By Najeh Bilal
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies

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Kuwait vows war against ‘e-flies’ sowing discord in GCC countries

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