KUWAIT: The National Assembly has called on the government to open an immediate investigation into who caused the International Olympic Committee to suspend Kuwaiti sports activities allegedly because Kuwaiti laws breached the Olympic charter.

The call came after a special debate called by MPs to discuss the suspension amid accusations that Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Sabah and his brother Sheikh Talal were responsible for the international action. The Assembly however did not vote on the recommendations because of the lack of quorum. The vote will take place in the next session on November 17. Minister of Information Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, who is also the State Minister for Sports and Youth, explained to the Assembly the steps taken by the government to resolve the issue.

MP Turaiji blamed members of the ruling family of destroying sports in the country. MP Faisal Al-Shaye said that the Kuwaiti sports will not progress as long as Sheikh Ahmad and Sheikh Talal remain in control of sports institutions. MP Abdullah Maayouf directly accused Sheikh Ahmad and others of contributing to the suspension. MP Kundari charged that Sheikh Ahmad was plotting against Kuwait and "we will not allow him and his brother to continue". MP Saleh Ashour said the sports problem is political in nature and must be resolved by politicians. He said the problem was created by disputes among various sides. The Assembly meets again on November 17.

Meanwhile, a number of MPs however did not ignore the economic issue National Assembly debate yesterday and criticized the government's failure so far of resolving the sharp decline in oil revenues and ways to meet budget deficit.

By a staff reporter