Kuwait Condemns BBC Report on Anniversary of Iraqi Invasion

Coalition forces enter Kuwait in March 1991. Asharq Al-Awsat
Coalition forces enter Kuwait in March 1991. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Kuwait Condemns BBC Report on Anniversary of Iraqi Invasion

Coalition forces enter Kuwait in March 1991. Asharq Al-Awsat
Coalition forces enter Kuwait in March 1991. Asharq Al-Awsat

Kuwait has expressed condemnation of what it called “historical fabrications” made by the British Broadcasting Corporation in an Arabic program broadcast on the anniversary of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990.

In the program, BBC alleged that up until 1920, Kuwait was part of Iraq.

But the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information issued a statement on Thursday, rebuffing BBC’s “fabrications and allegations” on the country’s sovereignty.

The ministry “regretted” that BBC presenter Rania Al-Attar’s program “Trending” had fabricated allegations about Kuwait’s historic sovereignty, and “violated professional rules, distorting historic facts.”

“Such false claims and serious mistakes are utterly unacceptable, especially when this comes from an international media outlet, which is supposed to observe professional criteria, and to clarify, not distort, facts,” said the statement.

It drew question marks on the timing of such claims, which coincided with the 28th anniversary of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.

The ministry said it “has the right to pursue any entity or institution that deliberately commits this historic distortion” of facts.



Saudi Foreign Minister Receives UNRWA Commissioner-General

Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)
Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Receives UNRWA Commissioner-General

Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)
Saudi FM receives UNRWA Commissioner-General. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Wednesday the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the strong partnership between the Kingdom and UNRWA. They also reviewed recent regional developments and the ongoing efforts to address key challenges related to these issues.
In a related context, Arab reactions continue after Israel’s publications of maps annexing parts of Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs slammed Israel’s “extremist” acts that reflect Israel’s “intentions to consolidate its occupation and continue its flagrant violation of the sovereignty of those nations.”
Saudi Arabia reiterated its call for the international community to fulfill its role in halting Israel’s violations against the countries and peoples of the region.
The Kingdom emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and borders of nations to prevent further escalation of regional crises and to support efforts aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace.

The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, also issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s maps publications, saying it “reflects a state of right-wing extremism and religious obsession prevailing within the Israeli government”.