KUWAIT: Chosen as temporary parliament speaker as he is the oldest MP, Marzouq Al- Hubaini said Tuesday HH the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's speech while opening the first session of the new National Assembly has raised the Kuwaiti people's hopes. "The speech was very exceptional and all-out that diagnosed Kuwait's actual reality," Hubaini told the newly-elected Assembly's maiden session.

Hubaini added the country now is in dire need of political stability that could only be ensured by taking precautions and learning lessons amid the surrounding crises, challenges and risks. He hoped that the new Assembly will be up to the expectations of the Kuwaiti people under the wise direction of HH the Deputy Amir and with the sincere help of the government. "This is the only way and safe track for fulfilling the Kuwaiti people's expectations, including structural reforms and future accomplishments," he stressed.

Hubaini noted that continued political stability should be based on an independent and balanced foreign policy that puts Kuwaiti interests into account and safeguards Kuwait's independence and sovereignty amid the current regional and world challenges, changes and chaos. He added that HH the Deputy Amir's speech reflected his keenness on closely monitoring the political scene in the country, which has been marred by differences at the expense of national stability, development and public welfare.

Hubaini added national stability should be based on independent decision-making and complete and close cooperation with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, together with development of foreign relations with other countries on the basis of mutual respect. The Kuwaiti people pin much hope on this new Assembly whose members have been elected in a completely fair and transparent manner, he said, urging them to work in tandem with the government in order to ensure national interests and goals and provide a decent life to people.

Furthermore, the Assembly's oldest MP emphasized that it is necessary to fight corruption amid the country's current financial and economic circumstances. Economically, Hubaini pointed out that with the new parliament, the country is hoped to usher in a fresh economic development stage based on the reactivation of the national economy and diversification of sources of the national income as well as resolution of economic problems, mainly unemployment and housing. - KUNA