PM rejects interference in formation of Cabinet

KUWAIT: Prime Minister HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah (fourth right) meets editors of local dailies including Kuwait Times Editor-in-Chief Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan (second left) yesterday. – KUNA

KUWAIT: Prime Minister HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah told editors of local dailies yesterday that the new Cabinet will be announced this week and stressed that he will not accept any interference or veto against any of its members. New MP Safa Al-Hashem however said that lawmakers do not want to see the health, justice and electricity ministers back in the lineup.

During the meeting, Sheikh Jaber expressed optimism over the results of the recently-held National Assembly elections, describing the new parliament as “providing positive signs for cooperation with the government through laws and legislations that benefit the nation and the people”. He said that there were no excuses for any obstacles in the path of the country’s development, expressing hope the parliament would focus on “accomplishments” rather than “lectures” in the Abdullah Al-Salem Hall.

The prime minister was briefed on the visit of the Kuwaiti group of local editors-in-chief of print media – headed by President of Kuwait Journalists Association (KJA) Ahmad Behbehani – and their meetings with top Iraqi officials. Sheikh Jaber hailed the visit as “an initiative that supports enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries”, and stressed the role of the media in alleviating obstacles that could interfere with the future of the ever-growing and blossoming relationship between the neighbouring states.

On his own upcoming visit to Iraq, Sheikh Jaber expected it to be marked by “positive and tangible steps” on issues related to the economy as well as closing pending issues between the two countries. “Future generations should not be found guilty for the acts and crimes committed by the brutal former regime, during a period that has passed and one that we wish to leave behind,” he said.

He expressed the new Kuwaiti government’s keenness in cooperating on anything that could allow Iraq to remove itself off the UN charter’s article seven in accordance to diplomatic channels and international resolutions set forth by the United Nations. At the same time, he appreciated the Iraqi government’s efforts in cooperating on the matter. Sheikh Jaber also stressed the government’s support of the private sector in any attempts to invest in Iraq and opening up new channels for trade exchange with Iraqi companies for the greater benefit of both nations. – KUNA

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