Kuwait Govt Submits Resignation to Emir

The Emir of Kuwait receives the government's resignation from the premier. (KUNA)
The Emir of Kuwait receives the government's resignation from the premier. (KUNA)
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Kuwait Govt Submits Resignation to Emir

The Emir of Kuwait receives the government's resignation from the premier. (KUNA)
The Emir of Kuwait receives the government's resignation from the premier. (KUNA)

Kuwait's government on Monday submitted its resignation to the ruling emir in an effort to resolve disputes with the parliamentary opposition.

It was the second time a government headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid al-Sabah has resigned this year. It was formed in March after the previous cabinet stepped down.

State news agency KUNA said Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah received the PM who handed him the written resignation of his cabinet.

The resignation helps the government evade eleven debriefings submitted against the prime minister and eight ministers.

It is also an attempt to ease political disputes in the Gulf nation at a time when the government was hoping that reconciliation efforts with the opposition would pave the way for the approval of a number of economic reforms.

Moreover, the resignation also happened shortly after the Emir had issued amnesty to indicted Kuwaitis. The cabinet approved the drafts of the amnesty bills on Sunday.

National Assembly Speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim said the government’s resignation would open a new chapter in Kuwait so that it can focus on major pending affairs.

He highlighted the Emir’s amnesty, saying it will help achieve the nation’s aspirations and resolve problems.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nasser al-Sabah said the PM’s resignation reflects his recognition of the Emir’s efforts in easing tensions and establishing the current positive political circumstances in the country.

The government started a dialogue with MPs to break the impasse, with the opposition demanding an amnesty and to be able to question Sheikh Sabah, who has been premier since late 2019.



Oman's Sultan to Meet Putin in Moscow on Monday

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said gives a speech after being sworn in before the royal family council in Muscat, Oman January 11, 2020. REUTERS/Sultan Al Hasani/File Photo
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said gives a speech after being sworn in before the royal family council in Muscat, Oman January 11, 2020. REUTERS/Sultan Al Hasani/File Photo
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Oman's Sultan to Meet Putin in Moscow on Monday

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said gives a speech after being sworn in before the royal family council in Muscat, Oman January 11, 2020. REUTERS/Sultan Al Hasani/File Photo
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said gives a speech after being sworn in before the royal family council in Muscat, Oman January 11, 2020. REUTERS/Sultan Al Hasani/File Photo

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said is set to visit Moscow on Monday, days after the start of a round of Muscat-mediated nuclear talks between the US and Iran.

The sultan will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, the Kremlin said, Reuters reported.

Iran and the US started a new round of nuclear talks in Rome on Saturday to resolve their decades-long standoff over Tehran's atomic aims, under the shadow of President Donald Trump's threat to unleash military action if diplomacy fails.

Ahead of Saturday's talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. Following the meeting, Lavrov said Russia was "ready to assist, mediate and play any role that will be beneficial to Iran and the U.S.A."

The sultan's meetings in Moscow visit will focus on cooperation on regional and global issues, the Omani state news agency and the Kremlin said, without providing further detail.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss trade and economic ties, the Kremlin added.