Amir of Kuwait Issues Stern Warning Against Political Strife

KUWAIT CITY, June 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

In an address to the nation, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber issued a stern warning this week about internal political strife.

"Dear brothers, sisters and sons, you may have followed the practices which took place at the National Assembly (parliament)," the Amir said. "These are very serious and harmful practices that went beyond the parameters of the constitution and the national interests; they are after mere personal political gains. Some (MPs) overshot the controls, set by the constitution to protect democracy and freedom, and deviated from the genuine values of Kuwait society, such as respect for the law and constitution and commitment to decency."

The Amir reiterated his support for the constitution of Kuwait and its democratic structure. He cautioned against "destructive ideas" and those who "jeopardize our unity and security." On a positive note, the Amir discussed his keen interest in building a better future for Kuwait.

"When we talk about Kuwait's security and future, we should stress that our youth are the real guarantee of security and guardians of its future," the Amir said. "Youth represent the renewable resource and the generating power for Kuwait at present and in the future."

Reaction to the speech from around Kuwait was quite positive. Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ali Al-Rashed told news agency KUNA that the Amir understands what is on the minds of the people. "It was a parental and comprehensive speech that revealed the concerns of the people of Kuwait from the deviant acts taking place on the political arena," Al-Rashed said.

"All should shoulder the responsibility of translating HH the Amir's calls and advices into real actions to protect Kuwait's security and stability through focusing on building and serving our country and refraining from doing any fruitless and harmful action," said Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Ahmad Al-Mulaifi.  

Across the government, several other ministers expressed agreement with the Amir's statements. One example was Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Dr. Fahdel Safar who told KUNA that the speech reflected honest pronouncements about the protection of Kuwait and its people.

Throughout parliament, a wide variety of MPs echoed the sentiments of the Amir and praised him for the straightforward assessment of Kuwait. The speaker of parliament, Jassem Al-Khorafi, thanked the Amir for the speech and said the Kuwaiti leader's words were useful during turbulent times. MP Abdulrahman Al-Anjari, who has been critical of the government, said the MPs empathize with the Amir and understand the complexities presented in the speech. He thanked the Amir for protecting the constitution.

Similar messages were conveyed earlier this week by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who spoke of the need for Kuwaitis to be faithful to the nation's constitution. The prime minister noted how prosperous Kuwait has been since independence.