Not a done deal ... Amir conditions amnesty push
Tolerance ... but not a give-away Regulations solicited
KUWAIT CITY, Oct 20, (Agencies): His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah assigned Parliament Speaker, the Prime Minister and Head of the Judicial Council to propose regulations and conditions of amnesty on some Kuwaiti convicts to pave way for an amnesty decree, Amiri Diwan Minister announced Wednesday.
Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah said a national dialogue between the legislative and executive authorities began upon instructions of His Highness the Amir in a drive to achieve political stability and cooperation between the two authorities in line with Article 50 of the Constitution, which separates, but urged cooperation among, authorities.
The legislative and executive authorities, said Sheikh Mohammad, appreciated His Highness the Amir’s call and expressed hope dialogue end political standoff in a drive to achieve the principle of cooperation.
His Highness the Amir, he asserted, was very much keen on traditions of tolerance and forgiveness and to preserve national unity for the best interest of Kuwait.
Stability
He said His Highness the Amir took note of the appeal by around 40 parliament members who reaffirmed keenness on cooperation and political stability, and in line with what His Highness the Amir’s advisors conveyed to him, His Highness the Amir decided to use this constitutional right in line with Article 75.
Therefore, His Highness the Amir assigned the speaker, Prime Minister and Judicial council chief to propose regulations, conditions of amnesty on some Kuwaiti convicts to pave way for the amnesty decree.
National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for the latter’s generous call to hold a national dialogue.
In his post on Twitter, AlGhanim said the Amiri support for the national dialogue is highly appreciated. He affirmed the dialogue resulted in the Amiri directive to activate Article 75 of the Constitution which states: “The Amir may, by Decree, grant pardon or attenuate punishment. Amnesty, however, may not be granted save by Law and only in respect of offenses committed prior to the proposal of a law granting amnesty.”
He said HH the Amir also instructed the heads of the three authorities -- executive, legislative and judicial -- to recommend regulations and conditions for granting amnesty to some of those convicted in certain cases as a prelude to the issuance of an Amiri Decree on the amnesty.
Reaffirms
He added this Amiri initiative reaffirms the fact that the successive rulers of Kuwait adopted a tolerant and wise attitude, marking the policy of the political leadership. He then prayed to Allah Almighty to protect Kuwait and its people from all forms of evil under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mesha’al Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
In another development, MP Abdullah Al-Turaiji submitted a proposal for the Ministry of Interior to issue a new category of temporary visa for professional athletes, coaches, sports doctors and sports natural therapy specialists who enter the country to work in sports clubs and sport associations.
According to Al-Turaiji, the temporary visa should be valid for six months. If the two concerned parties agree and sign the contract, the temporary visa will be turned into ordinary visa without the need to leave Kuwait, he explained.
He pointed out that the sports clubs and associations are suffering due to the complicated procedures in obtaining commercial visas, while the sports contract stipulates a probationary period ranging from three to six months.
Meanwhile, a number of political blocs forwarded bills on combating corruption to the Assembly. These blocs include the Islamic Salafi Bloc, Islamic Constitutional Movement and Kuwait Democratic Forum.