Filipino FM’s remark infringes on Kuwait’s security, judiciary
Filipino FM remark infringement on jurisdictions of Kuwait security, judiciary
KUWAIT: Kuwait’s deputy foreign minister said Iran’s ambassador has vowed that a position will be taken on a senior Iranian Air Force officer’s repeated remarks that a Kuwaiti military base was, alongside other bases, involved in a recent operation in Baghdad. Kuwait has “not yet received a response from the Iranian foreign ministry,” Deputy Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah said and noted that his talks with the Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Irani were “positive.”
“We sensed the Iranian ambassador’s acknowledgement of Kuwait’s concern over the news, and the ambassador promised us that this would be reported to Tehran,” Jarallah said. “We also requested for there to be a position (on the matter) and the ambassador promised this would be the case - we are currently awaiting this position.”
Jarallah also highlighted that talks remain ongoing between Kuwait’s Charge d’Affaires in Tehran and Iranian officials. Kuwait’s foreign ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador last Friday over the matter, during which the deputy foreign minister expressed “dismay and puzzlement” at the repetition of the remarks, categorically rejecting any notions that any aircraft had flown from Ali Al-Salem Airbase to take part in the operation. Kuwait’s Armed Forces, in an earlier statement, also denied the involvement of any Kuwaiti bases in the said operation.
Philippines’ remarks Meanwhile, Jarallah has dismissed the Filipino foreign secretary’s recent remark about the case of the Filipino national in Kuwait as an infringement on the jurisdictions of the Kuwaiti security and judicial authorities. “We really
Economic cooperation with India promising
regret the statements of the Philippines’ foreign secretary and we believe that they constitute a major transgression on the jurisdictions of the security and judicial authorities of the State of Kuwait,” Jarallah told reporters on the sidelines of his participation in the Indian Embassy’s celebration of Republic Day. He stressed that Kuwait is a country that is committed to upholding the rule of law and pursuing justice for all.The senior diplomat stated the Filipino top diplomat’s statement runs counter to the simplest rule of international relations. “We see this statement as a threat from an official figure,” Jarallah said, asking the Filipino secretary to reconsider his remark. He pointed out that Kuwait’s ambassador in Manila is contacting the Filipino side on the matter. According to reports circulated by media and social networking sites, the Filipino secretary has recently said he would not accept anything other than the lives of those who committed the crime against the demised Filipino national in Kuwait. On Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced Kuwait’s dismay and condemnation of the Filipino foreign secretary’s remarks about the case of a Filipino national. The remarks contained an unacceptable transgression against jurisdictions of Kuwaiti security and judicial authorities, the official source said, describing the statement as an unusual approach in dealing with countries. It runs counter to the simplest rules of international relations, the source lamented. The source also noted the Filipino secretary’s remark represents an attempt to influence the ongoing investigations.
Kuwait is known for its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all who live on its soil and punishing law violators in accordance with the provisions of the country’s laws and in a manner that guarantees the rule of law and justice for all, added the foreign ministry source. The source also lauded the measures taken by Kuwaiti relevant bodies on this case. They have quickly arrested those who committed the crime and referred them to a fair judiciary, the source clarified. Kuwait has also informed the Philippines authorities of its readiness to receive a Filipino security team to get acquainted with the measures taken on the case and the latest updates of the investigations.
Economic cooperation
In the meantime, Jarallah said that there are promising potentials for investments and oil and economic cooperation with India. Jarallah added that there are constant contacts between Kuwait and India, and mutual visits between the two countries’ officials. He expressed his pride for taking part in the festival, in light of the distinguished and historical relations between the two friendly countries and their nations. “We always look forward to promoting ties with great countries which have major capabilities on all levels,” he said. He commended, at the same time, India’s supportive stance with Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion. — KUNA