Speaker delivers Amiri message to lawmakers

KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem speaks during a press conference yesterday. — KUNA

KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah informed MPs in a message conveyed by National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem yesterday that he will not hesitate to take any decision deemed necessary to safeguard Kuwait's security and stability. Opposition MP Mohammad Al-Dallal meanwhile said HH the Amir will meet lawmakers next week to discuss the prevailing regional tensions.

Ghanem conveyed the written Amiri message at an informal meeting attended by 42 lawmakers. The speaker said that in his message, the Amir emphasized the need not to get involved in the Gulf crisis, insisting that Kuwait is a true mediator and not a party in the dispute between Qatar and a Saudi-led alliance. The Amir also called for preserving national unity, adding he will not allow any calls that may promote divisions and disunity, the speaker said.

Sheikh Sabah underscored the important role of lawmakers and the need to behave as matured statesmen and to refrain from escalating tensions, adding that they should work towards the stability of the country and assist the political leadership in this endeavor. The Amir added MPs will have to be more concerned about the "urgent economic and security files". Ghanem said that he told MPs that the Amir knows a lot more than they know about the situation and that the lawmakers expressed their total support for the relentless efforts of the Amir.

The speaker said that there are enemies inside and outside the country, but insisted that "we will foil any plot to destabilize Kuwait". Ghanem said the meeting did not discuss the issue of grillings, "because we are experiencing extraordinary conditions", adding that he is confident that Kuwait will sail through the troubles and crises like it did in the past.

MP Saleh Ashour said the message of HH the Amir is very clear on safeguarding national unity, adding "all of us are with the leadership in this situation". Dallal said the Amir will address a similar message to the government. MP Jamaan Al-Harbash described the situation as "delicate", and called on lawmakers to be true statesmen, but insisted the Assembly will not succeed if the government doesn't comprise of statesmen.

By B Izzak