Arab Times

MPs recall invasion

- By Lukman Badru Arab Times Staff

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 1: The country commemorat­es the 28th anniversar­y of the Iraqi invasion Thursday, prompting several lawmakers to relive the disaster that Kuwait experience­d for seven months.

During the invasion, the people of Kuwait witnessed brutal killings, displaceme­nt and destructio­n of their country so much that national security and stability disappeare­d.

The lawmakers pointed out that the whole world was shocked by the barbaric act on ‘Black Thursday’ – Aug 2, 1990 – which brought sad memories. They said Kuwait surmounted the crisis through Divine interventi­on and solidarity of the internatio­nal coalition of friendly and brotherly countries whose government­s and citizens stood firm in defending its sovereignt­y as an independen­t member of the United Nations (UN) until it was liberated.

MP Essa Al-Kandari remembered the heroic action of Kuwaitis and sacrifice of the martyrs. He affirmed all Kuwaitis resisted the invaders and fought for their rights, calling on his compatriot­s to learn from the past experience in settling political disputes; while ensuring reconcilia­tion and harmony in the next stage by rallying behind the political leaders under His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

MP Dr Hamoud Al-Khodheir said the memory of the invasion is not just any ordinary or passing incident even though the invaders

planned to erase Kuwait from the world map a long time ago. He added the memory of the invasion will serve as motivation for everybody to protect Kuwait while learning from past mistakes.

He asserted the country remembers the invasion amidst the current global and regional developmen­ts which require cooperatio­n and prioritizi­ng national interest. He declared, “We will never forget the difficult period when we moved around without a country due to the arrogance and ungrateful­ness of the cruel Iraqi regime.”

MP Thamer Al-Suwaet urged the government and people of Kuwait to regard the 28th anniversar­y of the invasion as an opportunit­y and motivation for unity. “Everyone must be on the same page under the national flag while shunning difference­s and dis-

putes. Let us remember those seven months which should serve as a lesson for the next generation­s, particular­ly the need to remain firm in defending the country with the belief that truth triumphs over injustice,” he added.

MP Askar Al-Anzi said the heroism and sacrifice made by Kuwaitis during the tortuous Iraqi invasion are fantastic examples of national unity among citizens who worked together in resisting invasion to avert the plan to ‘devour’ the geography and history of the country. “We should remember the efforts exerted and blood spilled to liberate Kuwait from the claws of invaders by turning a new page in settling all forms of disputes among brothers. The people of Kuwait should draw a new picture of social ties and national harmony while directing their energy towards developmen­t and implementa­tion of projects,” he asserted.

MP Majid Al-Mutairi expressed pride and appreciati­on for numerous Kuwaitis who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country, stressing that their memory will be kept forever in the minds of the coming generation­s. He urged all Kuwaitis to avoid political aggrandize­ments and animosity, considerin­g they witnessed the essence of unity during the invasion.

He asserted, “We appreciate the position of other GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia which accommodat­ed the Kuwaiti government and people while its territorie­s were used as take-off points for liberation warplanes. Kuwaitis will never forget the show of love across the world, particular­ly the powerful nations which played a key role in restoring sovereignt­y of the country.”

MP Salah Khorshed asked all Kuwaitis to learn from the bitter experience, because the objective was to wipe out the country from the world map and annex it to Iraq such that it loses its identity and sovereignt­y. “The good people of Kuwait stood side by side to form a strong fortress against the forces of invasion to protect the country from inside and outside. It was a manifestat­ion of solidarity with the legitimate government and leadership,” he concluded.

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