Emir of Kuwait Outlines Features of New Phase, Focuses on Fight against Corruption

The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, receives Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah (KUNA)
The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, receives Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah (KUNA)
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Emir of Kuwait Outlines Features of New Phase, Focuses on Fight against Corruption

The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, receives Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah (KUNA)
The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, receives Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah (KUNA)

The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, called on the new government, headed by Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, to fight corruption in the country and diversify sources of income, stressing that the government should develop “a targeted action plan with a specific timetable.”
Addressing the newly-formed government on Wednesday, Sheikh Meshal stressed the importance of adhering to the constitution, enforcing the law, combating corruption and nepotism, and promoting justice and equality across all ministries and institutions.
The Emir also urged the government to work on other files, including strengthening the country’s economy and investments, diversifying sources of income, enhancing financial sustainability and the role of the private sector, protecting public funds, and accelerating the implementation of vital and development projects.
Pointing that the slogan of the new phase is “reform and development,” he said that the new government’s work must be focused on “supervision, control, and accountability,” within the framework of safeguarding national duties and rights.
Addressing the ministers, he said: “Set the priorities, unify efforts according to an action plan with specific objectives and committed to a timetable, and seek the help of thinkers and opinion-makers to reach the right decisions that lead to achieving the desired goals.”
He also encouraged the ministers to adopt an “open door” policy, actively engage with the public, utilize media tools effectively, and address citizens’ needs within legal and regulatory frameworks, which he said would enhance public services in education, health, and housing.
The Emir also called on the government to consolidate “cooperation with the legislative authority in order to approve and implement legislation and laws,” and emphasized that the two legislative and executive authorities must “adhere to the provisions of the Constitution that govern the relationship between them.”
Sheikh Meshal pointed to a number of pressing issues that require careful attention and planning by the government. Those include appointing skilled top officials, focusing on youth and women, ensuring equal appointment opportunities, diversifying income resources, seeking to achieve financial sustainability and enhancing the private sector’s role, as well as safeguarding public funds, expediting vital and developmental projects, promoting digital transformation.
The new government is headed by Prime Minister Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and includes 13 ministers holding key ministerial positions.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Qatari Mission Searches for Bodies of Americans Killed by ISIS in Syria

A photograph of US journalist James Foley taken on November 5, 2012, in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. (AFP)
A photograph of US journalist James Foley taken on November 5, 2012, in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. (AFP)
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Qatari Mission Searches for Bodies of Americans Killed by ISIS in Syria

A photograph of US journalist James Foley taken on November 5, 2012, in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. (AFP)
A photograph of US journalist James Foley taken on November 5, 2012, in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. (AFP)

A Qatari mission has begun searching for the remains of US hostages killed by ISIS in Syria a decade ago, two sources briefed on the mission told Reuters, reviving a longstanding effort to recover their bodies.

ISIS, which controlled swathes of Syria and Iraq at the peak of its power from 2014-2017, beheaded numerous people in captivity, including Western hostages, and released videos of the killings.

Qatar's international search and rescue group began the search on Wednesday, accompanied by several Americans, the sources said. The group, deployed by Doha to earthquake zones in Morocco and Türkiye in recent years, had so far found the remains of three bodies, the sources said.

One of the sources - a Syrian security source - said the remains had yet to be identified. The second source said it was unclear how long the mission would last.

The US State Department had no immediate comment.

The Qatari mission gets under way as US President Donald Trump prepares to visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar next week and as Syria's new rulers seek relief from US sanctions.

The Syrian source said the mission's initial focus was on looking for the body of aid worker Peter Kassig, who was beheaded by ISIS in 2014 in Dabiq in northern Syria. The second source said Kassig's remains were among those they hoped to find.

US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff were among other Western hostages killed by ISIS. Their deaths were confirmed in 2014.

US aid worker Kayla Mueller was also killed in ISIS captivity. Her death was confirmed in 2015.

"We’re grateful for anyone taking on this task and risking their lives in some circumstances to try and find the bodies of Jim and the other hostages," said Diane Foley, James Foley's mother. "We thank all those involved in this effort."

Two ISIS members, both former British citizens who were part of a cell that beheaded American hostages, are serving life prison sentences in the United States.