ShareKuwait honors pledges to rebuilding Gaza: Jarallah
KUWAIT: Kuwait's Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah (center right) attends a ceremony organized by the Palestinian Embassy to mark Palatine's Declaration of Independence anniversary. - KUNA
KUWAIT: Kuwait Foreign Ministry asked Iranian Embassy to abide by local laws regarding collection of donation, which should happen via the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, a senior diplomat said Monday. The Iranian embassy responded in a positive way and explained that it "was not aware of these measures, and affirmed respect to Kuwaiti laws and said they will abide by them," Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah said. He was speaking to reporters on sidelines of a reception held by the Palestinian Embassy to mark the independence declaration. The Iranian embassy sent invitations to some media outlets for a fund-raising campaign via a local bank to help victims of the recent devastating earthquake that hit Iran killing more than 600 people.
In consensus
Meanwhile, Jarallah reiterated that Iraqi President Fuad Masum and Kuwaiti leaders were in consensus regarding a host of important files. Kuwait succeeded in settling outstanding files with Iraq, and few issues remain to be addressed, "and Kuwait and Iraq are capable of overcoming and settle them," Al-Jarallah told reporters.
Asked about Kuwait's agenda during its membership in the UN Security Council, to starts next January, Jarallah said Kuwait was representing the Arab countries and "will be keen on highlighting Arab countries' issues." He said that on top of these issues would be terrorism, humanitarian action of Kuwait and how to solve conflicts via peaceful means. Jarallah noted that Arab foreign ministers, meeting in Cairo yesterday, condemned Hezbollah's interference in Arab countries. He said the Arab world was suffering from attempts undermining its security and stability.
Rebuilding Gaza
The State of Kuwait is the only Arab country that has fulfilled its commitments to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, Jarallah indicated, adding that the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has been taking part in financing the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
He expressed his hope that the war-torn Strip would return to its previous state. He indicated that the history of the Kuwaiti-Palestinian relations is full of honorable stances, reiterating Kuwait's continued support for the Palestinian people's rights. Jarallah voiced his hope for the resumption of the peace process in order to find a comprehensive solution based on the Arab peace initiative and relevant international resolutions. He emphasized the international community should push forward this process, warning that the stalemate in the process will contribute to further tensions in the Middle East region.
On the US decision not to renew license of the Palestine Liberation Authority's (PLO) office in Washington over claims that it does not find seriousness on Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations, Al-Jarallah said the decision has a negative development on the march of the Palestinian cause and peace. He stated that that the Arab ministerial meeting held in Cairo on Sunday emphasized its keenness on the peace process and called on the United States to reconsider the decision. In case of shutting down the PLO's office, communication with the US administration would be difficult, he made clear.
