Kuwait’s Long-Time Parliament Speaker Bows Out of Sept. Elections

Kuwait's parliament speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim. (KUNA)
Kuwait's parliament speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim. (KUNA)
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Kuwait’s Long-Time Parliament Speaker Bows Out of Sept. Elections

Kuwait's parliament speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim. (KUNA)
Kuwait's parliament speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim. (KUNA)

Kuwait's parliament speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim said he would not run in legislative polls this month, a day before the deadline for submission ends.

Kuwait will hold early elections on Sept. 29 after the crown prince appointed a new prime minister and dissolved parliament in a bid to resolve the feud between the Gulf OPEC oil producing country's government and assembly.

Years of political infighting have stalled investment and reform in the country.

Ghanim late on Tuesday announced he would not run in the elections based on "the circumstances and requirements of each phase" and that he planned "a stronger return" in the future.

Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who took over most of the ruling emir's duties, said when dissolving parliament last month that bickering undermined national unity.

He appointed the emir's son as new prime minister in July after the previous government resigned ahead of a non-cooperation motion in parliament against the former premier.



Bahrain’s King Discusses with Sharaa Ways to Support Syria’s Security, Stability

Bahrain’s King Discusses with Sharaa Ways to Support Syria’s Security, Stability
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Bahrain’s King Discusses with Sharaa Ways to Support Syria’s Security, Stability

Bahrain’s King Discusses with Sharaa Ways to Support Syria’s Security, Stability

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Saturday discussed with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa regional developments, the situation in Syria and ways to support the country’s security and stability.

At the Sakhir Palace, the king and Sharaa tackled relations and opportunities to strengthen cooperation across various domains, according to Bahrain’s news agency, BNA.

Sharaa arrived in Manama on Saturday, heading an official delegation. He was received at the airport by Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs.

Later, King Hamad held talks with Sharaa in the presence of Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The two men addressed regional developments, BNA said in a statement.

They also discussed the latest developments in Syria and ways to support the country’s security and stability.

Sharaa’s visit to Bahrain is part of Syria’s diplomatic efforts to secure Arab support for the lifting of sanctions and the funding of the country’s reconstruction, Syrian officials say.

“The visit to Bahrain is part of the new Syrian government’s efforts to build bridges through communications with the Arabian Peninsula,” Noureddine Ismail, editor-in chief of Al Thawra, the official Syrian newspaper, told Asharq Al-Awsat.

He said Al Sharaa’s trips abroad reinforce statements about Syria’s need to rely on Arab countries to regain the country’s pivotal role in the region.