KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah delivers his annual address marking the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramadan yesterday.-KUNA

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in his annual address marking the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramadan, emphasized necessity of safeguarding national unity, urging the media to check authenticity of reports intended to foment hatred and sensation on electronic social media.

His Highness the Amir began his speech by renewing congratulations to the people on the holy month of Ramadan and advent of its last blessed days. He stated, "In this critical period of time in the region, where states witness hazards, catastrophes and conflicts, we badly need to unite and adhere to our national unity .. for it is the strong fence to fend off dangers threatening the homeland and its safety.

"We ought to deduce lessons from outcomes of the wars and conflicts in these states; the sensible ones are those who take lessons from the others and appreciate the bounties, security, safety, stability and prosperity at home."

HH the Amir turned to the issue of rumors on social media means, saying, "We regret misuse of social media devices, for some people have been using them for entertainment or for desecrating values of our society such as piety, ideal values and pious morals which we have inherited from our ancestors."

HH the Amir denounced misusing e-media for promoting articles and tweets that negatively target the homeland, doubt peoples' intentions and honesty; such reports are full of baseless accusations." Such online inaccurate and distorted rhetoric, His Highness added, has fomented hatred where "the courts have become preoccupied with libel suits. "Such a manner is denounced for it is sinful and rejected by our heavenly religion, which stipulates sincerity and safeguarding peoples' honor."

Addressing the various national media networks and the press, HH the Amir called for checking authenticity of reports picked up from online means before publishing, "to avert boosting this strange phenomenon."

Youth empowerment

His Highness the Amir renewed the call for helping the youth in sharpening their skills and attaining highest levels of education, "so they may become more mature and conscious, immunized against drifting thoughts and deviating behaviors." In this respect, he expressed satisfaction over launching the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise. "We hope that the paper work concerning it be facilitated," he said.

He recalled bombing of Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque, during Ramadan last year, which left scores of people martyred and wounded. "Culprits (of the blast) intended with their satanic act to drive a wedge among Kuwaitis, who reacted by showing sympathy to each other and adhering to their national unity."

His Highness the Amir prayed for heavenly guidance so that the Kuwaiti people would remain committed to sincerely serving Kuwait, so the homeland may be protected and remain safe and secure. He also prayed to His Almighty so "the Muslims may be united, their ranks closed, their blood spared and their countries safeguarded."

HH the Amir concluded by recalling the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the late Father Amir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. He also remembered the martyrs who scarified their souls for the sake of the dear homeland. -KUNA