‘KICRI in Kuwait big success’

‘Amir initiative bears fruition’

“THE KUWAIT International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq (KICRI) has achieved its objectives when it comes to success and prosperity,” columnist and well-known businessman

wrote for daily. “Thanks to Almighty God and with the confidence and determination of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, this gathering has achieved it objectives.

“The initiative of HH the Amir to hold the conference in the State of Kuwait soil was the fuel that mobilized this huge number of participants in the conference from countries, companies, organizations and individuals.

“In other words, the initiative of HH the Amir inspired all the participants to compete so that the Iraqis can reap the fruit of this conference because they had suffered for long due to the ordeals caused by war and madness of terrorism to such an extent some of them became homeless, and others suffered due to lack of medicine and food.

“The invitation of His Highness to hold the conference was a clear proof that he is indeed the leader of humanitarian action and the leader keen for his nation and the veteran politician who knows the most accurate details of the issues at heart.

“He also showed his keenness and determination to see this region basking in stability and prosperity after years of chaos and violence. This initiative actually completes the other honorable initiatives of His Highness for the sake of the prosperity, freedom and dignity of the human being in this part of the world as well as in all of the areas where struggles are rampant.

“Such being the case, history shall proudly mention this honorable initiative of the Leader of the Humanity and the Wiseman of the Nation who is always keen to heal the wounds of the peoples and work to put the State of Kuwait in the forefront as the country of charity and humanity.

“Hence, the effective participation of the governments, organizations and the private sector firms, actually constituted another evidence embodying the keenness of all countries of the world for the security, stability and prosperity of Iraq — the country that is of most importance in the region and as such its security and stability is a security and stability of all countries surrounding it.

“Meanwhile, we say all those who have followed the outcome of the conference have actually seen the huge volume of investment opportunities that can be made available in Iraq and this has resulted in the arguments during the conference rich in dialogues and inquiries and this something that bodes well as the work will begin to build a new Iraq and help it reconcile with itself as well as with its neighbors keen for its Arabism and religion — sincere towards its obligations and committed to the international systems and laws that govern the relations among various states.

“Consequently, we would like to seize this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed for the success of the conference — organizers, participants and media — given the fact that by the virtue and grace of Almighty God, this meeting has realized abundant success.

“Likewise, we would like to thank the Iraqi Prime Minister Dr Haider Al-Abadi and all Iraqi officials for their participation and contribution for the success of the conference.

“In the meantime, we would like to seize this opportunity and congratulate the brotherly Iraqi people who are still committed to steadfastness and struggle although they have suffered from bitter experiences over many decades.

“Therefore, we hope the outcome of the conference will put the smile back on the faces of the Iraqis as we look forward to a bright future for their children and our children.

“In the meantime we would like to inform our Iraqi brothers that the State of Kuwait — leadership and people — have put the wounds at the back of their minds and shall always remain supporters of Iraq and other Arab and Muslim countries.

“We hope the implementation process of all decisions that were adopted by the conference will be accurately followed to see Iraq being transformed into a workshop for work and building for the sake of its people, the interests of the nation and the region and the world.”

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Bu Khamseen

“The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Feb 4, 2018 quoting the secretary-general of the Iraqi Cabinet said ‘what was offered by the State of Kuwait to Iraq under the current circumstances has exceeded all Arab countries’,” columnist

wrote for daily. “The State of Kuwait based on its genuine habit has put its wounds behind and dressed in a robe of purity and real Arabism has applied the principles of Islam — forgiveness, tolerance, communication and sorted out boycott and enmity in dealing with the Republic of Iraq.

“By doing so, the State of Kuwait will shift from the phase of resumption in relations with Baghdad into the phase of contribution towards building and reconstructing of Iraq despite the ‘crime of the age’ — the heathenish Iraqi betrayal and invasion of the State of Kuwait in 1990.

“However, while the conference for the reconstruction of Iraq which lasted for many days was taking place in the State of Kuwait, many Iraqi brothers were wondering, where the Iraqi money from the sale of oil has gone, particularly since we know that Iraq is one of the biggest oil producing and exporting countries.

“The conference took place in the State of Kuwait, while many Kuwaitis were wondering what Kuwait will benefit from this conference, particularly in terms of the bilateral relations between the State of Kuwait and Iraq.

“The State of Kuwait has contributed in boosting the situations in Iraq and rescued it from the clutches of the United Nations Chapter VII. Not just that it is the State of Kuwait which cooperated with Iraq in the demarcation of international borders between the two countries.

“Apart from the above, it is the State of Kuwait which had surrendered some of its land in favor of Iraq during the implementation of the Kuwaiti Mubarak Port Project.

“And it is the State of Kuwait which showed leniency towards Iraq in terms of compensations payable by Baghdad to Kuwait due to the crime of invasion, to such an extent it is the State of Kuwait which waived some of the compensation in addition to waiving the compensations payable by Iraq to Kuwait Airways Corporation.”

“Ministry of Interior announced amnesty for all expatriates who are in violation of the residency law, giving them the opportunity to either rectify their legal status or leave the country without paying any fines. Statistics so far reveal that about 5,000 expatriates took advantage of this decision and left the country. Majority of them are absconding domestic workers, beggars on visit visas and others who have been waiting for such an opportunity very patiently,”

wrote for daily. “However, the strange aspect in this regard is that a Kuwaiti citizen is banned from traveling because of unpaid fees of KD 2 or KD 10 owed to a telecom company. A Kuwaiti citizen is prevented from renewing his car license because of accumulating violations. Strangely, we do not hear of any amnesty from the same ministry for citizens! Is the humanitarian grounds basis exclusively for expatriates?

“We do not know why amnesty is “haram” for citizens and “halal” for expatriates. This amnesty period coincides with National and Liberation days, with which expatriates are not associated from near and far. We demand equal rights as our expatriate brothers in our country. The way you have wiped out fines for them, wipe out our fines and violations too so that we feel there are initiatives from which citizens can benefit just like the expatriates who leave the country honorably even though they violated the law and have accumulated citations.”

“Kuwait has currently been celebrating the National Days, which are the country’s Independence Day and Liberation Day. Everybody — the young and the old, men, women and children — are happy. They raise the flag of Kuwait and put up decorations of the colors of the flag — red, white, green and black,” wrote for daily.

“On this occasion, we remember the blessings of God including the blessing of safety and security, and we ask Him to continue blessing us in this way. However, patriotism is not limited to raising flags, chanting national songs and repeating patriotic slogans. Patriotism is fulfilled when the legislative authority represented by the MPs issue laws that are required for maintaining security and development, monitor the performance of the government, and work on bringing an end to the phenomenon of squandering public money.

“Patriotism is achieved when the government uses latest technologies to carry out the transactions of citizens easily and quickly. Patriotism requires the government to take relevant steps towards varying the sources of income, supporting industrial sector and depending on renewable sources of energy. Patriotism involves creating job opportunities for citizens and preserving the prosperity of citizens.

“A patriot employee goes to his work at the right time, leaves at the right time and does his work properly. Patriotism means abiding by the traffic rules including putting on the seatbelt while driving, following the speed limits and respecting the traffic signals.

“Patriotism is achieved when senior officials does not use favoritism or wasta as an employment criteria.

“A patriot teacher is the one who teaches students honestly and in a clear manner. A patriot doctor is the one who diagnoses diseases and prescribes proper therapy to his patients.

“Granting the freedom of expression and respecting varied opinions is part of patriotism.”

“During the International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq, the media broadcasted the offensive and irresponsible statements issued by a female Iraqi MP whose name I forgot. Such dissonant voices do not represent the driving force behind the formation of countries’ policies and its features and directions,” wrote for

daily. “With the successful completion of its work, the conference achieved a very important qualitative leap towards building strong and brotherly relations between Iraq and Kuwait based on basic concepts of understanding and coordination.

“After the massive findings of the conference, Kuwait will prepare for being a headquarter and a passage for major companies to undertake the reconstruction process, particularly reconstruction of South Iraq for ensuring greater economic prosperity and creating opportunities for Kuwaiti companies to participate in the process, as well as for improving the standard of living of Iraqi people and alleviate the suffering they experienced during Saddam’s era.”

“President of the Philippines recently banned the deployment of workers to Kuwait after the death of two domestic workers amid claims about many others facing various forms of abuse,” wrote for daily.

“Those claims, in my personal opinion, were not enough for the president to take such a drastic decision. Filipinas are welcome with open arms due to their competency in commercial establishments, hospitals, restaurants and homes, aside from those who were brought in by some offices without vocational experience and need training. With this category, a great deal of patience was required in dealing with them due to dire need for their service, and their employers tolerated their mistakes within a few months.

“As there is always an exception in every rule, some workers commit crimes and errors in certain instances, the same way some citizens and expatriates are cruel to their domestic workers. This is where the role of the Filipino Embassy staff becomes handy by keeping in contact with members of their community to know their situation.

“It is not enough to collect huge fees borne by the sponsors. The embassy may have not verified the validity of some domestic workers recruitment offices that capitalize the need of Filipinos for jobs to trade them illegitimately.”

— Compiled by Zaki Taleb