Kuwaiti MP Wasmi: Fighting Corruption Is a Top Priority

An aerial view shows Kuwait City. (Reuters)
An aerial view shows Kuwait City. (Reuters)
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Kuwaiti MP Wasmi: Fighting Corruption Is a Top Priority

An aerial view shows Kuwait City. (Reuters)
An aerial view shows Kuwait City. (Reuters)

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al Sabah launched the first steps of comprehensive national reconciliation and began a new era of dialogue based on tolerance, cooperation and construction, announced lawmaker Obaid al-Wasmi.

In a televised speech, Wasmi said the National Dialogue Committee has drawn up a roadmap, noting that corruption and recovering state funds are at the top of its priorities for the next stage.

In September, the Emir launched a national dialogue to resolve the growing differences between the government and the National Assembly that had led to a political stalemate.

He also tasked a committee of the heads of the country’s top three authorities to propose the terms and conditions for pardoning some Kuwaitis who have been convicted during past periods, ahead of issuing a pardon decree.

About 40 members of the parliament appealed to the Emir to pardon convicts in various cases. The government said the Emir wanted to resolve all outstanding issues, achieve political stability and cooperate with all parties.

The pardon decrees were issued on Monday after the cabinet approved them during a special session.

Wasmi said in his speech that the deputies were tasked with one of the most complex missions, noting that regional and international developments require putting Kuwait’s interest above all.

The regional security and economic challenges and the political transformations in the world necessitate directing efforts to achieving the interests of the state and the sustainability of its resources, continued the MP.

Wasmi stressed that “the three authorities are one body based on cooperation and distributing tasks, not competition.”

He explained that the committee has drawn up a roadmap with specific goals, asserting that it will preserve the constitution.

The committee will not waive any of the state’s right to oversight and legislation, he said, adding that issues of corruption and the recovery of looted funds will be a top priority.



Saudi Arabia Calls for Halting Violations Committed Against Palestinians

Head of the Human Rights Section at the Saudi Arabia Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Asya Baakdah. Photo: Saudi Mission
Head of the Human Rights Section at the Saudi Arabia Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Asya Baakdah. Photo: Saudi Mission
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Saudi Arabia Calls for Halting Violations Committed Against Palestinians

Head of the Human Rights Section at the Saudi Arabia Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Asya Baakdah. Photo: Saudi Mission
Head of the Human Rights Section at the Saudi Arabia Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Asya Baakdah. Photo: Saudi Mission

Saudi Arabia has denounced all violations committed against the Palestinian people, with the killing of tens of thousands of civilians, predominantly women and children, in the Gaza Strip.

Head of the Human Rights Section at the Saudi Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Asya Baakdah, delivered on Wednesday the Kingdom’s statement during a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council, reiterating Saudi Arabia's firm rejection of the tragic situation and stressing the urgent need to put an end to it.

Baakdah highlighted the Kingdom’s hosting of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit, which adopted resolutions showing the unified will of Arab and Islamic nations.

She underscored the summit’s plea for an end to bloodshed, unrestricted access to humanitarian aid, and the fulfillment of the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to reclaim their occupied territories and establish their independent state.

The diplomat said the Kingdom lauded the UN General Assembly resolution adopted on May 10, backing the eligibility of the Palestinian state for full membership in the United Nations.

Baakdah emphasized Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for actions taken by Norway, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Armenia in acknowledging the Palestinian state, while urging other nations to follow suit with bilateral recognition.

Recognizing the collective duty to actively support the realization of an independent Palestinian state, Saudi Arabia -- in collaboration with its partners in the Ministerial Committee appointed by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Gaza Strip developments, as well as Norway and the European Union -- initiated a global alliance to push for the implementation of a two-state solution. The Kingdom calls upon all parties to join the initiative.