All options open to preserve stability
Amir vows all measures to protect security
KUWAIT CITY, Nov 7: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has stressed the need to maintain national unity and avoid uttering statements that could divide the people of Kuwait, says National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim.
Al-Ghanim made the statement in Tuesday’s parliamentary consultation meeting. He disclosed that 42 MPs attended the meeting while five MPs failed to attend due to circumstances beyond their control.
He conveyed HH the Amir’s message to the MPs verbatim in order to prevent ambiguities and misinterpretation. He said the Amir emphasized the need to avoid being dragged into the Gulf crisis, stressing Kuwait’s position is a real mediator, not a third party.
He added His Highness underscored the importance of the role of MPs as well as the need for political maturity and qualities of statesmen, not unjustified political escalation.
He revealed His Highness wished that the MPs work towards national stability and support the political leadership. He said His Highness stressed that he will not hesitate in taking any decision in case he is forced to maintain national security and stability, pointing out that the current MPs affirmed their support for the Amir and that they are fully aware of the delicate regional situation.
He confirmed the MPs received the Amir’s message with wisdom and understanding, while the MPs asserted that the government formation is everyone’s responsibility.
The speaker also conveyed to the MPs the greetings of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah through telephone conversation on Monday, wishing that His Highness the Crown returns to his homeland safely after completing his medical checkup.
He said, “We are established at home and abroad. We will foil any attempt to destabilize the country.”
He disclosed the Amir told him he will meet the MPs in the near future, clarifying his meeting with the Amir did not address the issue of interpellation motions because the country is witnessing exceptional circumstances. He is confident that the Kuwaiti ship will pass through these storms with the wisdom of His Highness the Amir.
Furthermore, MP Mohammed Al-Dalal pointed out the message of HH the Amir to the MPs is about the current situation in the Gulf and Arab region and its impact on Kuwait.
He said they, as MPs, appreciate the Amir’s message and support his steps towards bringing closer the views of Gulf countries, affirming there will be a meeting next week with HH the Amir and the MPs at the request of His Highness.
MP Khalil Al-Saleh asserted the current situation requires them, as MPs, to ensure that the legislative and executive authorities are united, adding the Amir’s message includes a request not to publish false news.
He said the way of cooperating with the government depends on the selection of its members, stressing the message of the Amir is a document to be remembered in history.
MP Saleh Ashour added the Amir emphasized the need to maintain national unity, reject differences and hate speech, and avoid being dragged into Gulf disputes, indicating the MPs must bear their political responsibilities and prevent tension between the two authorities.
On the other hand, Chairman of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee MP Humaidi Al-Subaie said the committee rejected during its previous meeting a proposal on requiring all foreigners to undergo medical examination at the ports upon entering the country.
He argued, “It is unreasonable to require all foreigners to undergo medical tests at the ports of entry because some of them are students, investors, traders or diplomats and this will undoubtedly affect the status of Kuwait.”
He also explained that they rejected the proposal to ban those proven to have offended God, the Amir or the companions and wives of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from entering the country because the Prophets — Peace Be Upon Them — are not included.