Wednesday,24 November 2010
By : Jameel W. Karaki Wafaa Qansour
KUWAIT: Minister of Oil & Information Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah praised the bilateral relationships between Kuwait and Lebanon, emphasizing the strengths built on that relationship especially in that it is known that many Kuwaitis travel to Lebanon, including himself, since he personally studied there. His statements were given to reporters during a celebration held at the Lebanese Embassy on Monday night to celebrate the 67th anniversary of Lebanon's independence.
The minister went on to say that he was honored to represent the Kuwaiti government for the second consecutive time in the Lebanese celebration.
Meanwhile, Arab World Department Manager at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Jassem Al-Mubarki announced that the Kuwaiti government vowed to build not more than 50 houses, hospitals, and schools for Iraqi farmers that currently live parallel to the Iraqi borders. This is in order to move them further into Iraq and leave at least 500 meters on both sides of the borders. He explained that the 500 meters distance on both sides of the borders would allow accurate monitoring of the borders, in addition to allocating an area for patrol cars for further control of this area.
It is worth noting that Kuwait had proposed to evacuate the area around the borders, but Iraq still has farmers living there, which prompted Kuwait to put forward the proposal, not to mention that the Iraqi houses block the international border signs. Al-Mubarki mentioned that that issue was raised in the past and will be discussed again in the future.
However, he stated that the most important issue now is the execution of this proposal especially as Iraqi political rivals have managed to agree on the formation of a government that will represent all Iraqi sects. He added that Kuwait looks forward to this government that should bring prosperity to its people and establish good relationships with all its neighbors, including Kuwait. He expressed hope that the coming government would work on solving pending issues, as they must be solved eventually, and revealed that Kuwait has fulfilled its commitment on border demarcation, which leaves Iraq to fulfill its commitment concerning that issue.
For his part, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr. Abdualaziz Al-Fayez stated that "the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques pays special attention to Lebanon, and seeks to overcome the difficulties facing Lebanon and achieve the ambitions of its people."
In his response to a question on complains issued by some Kuwaiti residents regarding preventing them from travelling to Saudi Arabia and the way they were treated after performing the Hajj he said, "Do you know why that happened? They obtained transit visa and stamped them, but they are not valid for the Hajj."
He added that a person who attempts to go on the Hajj without the appropriate Visa should not expect be treated like a regular pilgrim.
He further asserted that the Kingdom has a non-debatable right whether or not to allow anyone to enter its lands, noting that those who obtain a visa for any reason, should meet its conditions.
Al-Fayez also said "Such behavior causes problems for other pilgrims because the said person does have any accommodation, transportation or services, thus he become dependent on the organizers and supervisors that are responsible for the safety of the pilgrims."
He highlighted the fact that actions will be taken against these people, pointing out that they stayed in Saudi Arabia for a period of time longer than permitted.
Meanwhile, Ambassador of Lebanon to Kuwait Dr. Bassam Nomani thanked His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for their unconditional support of Lebanon and for the care that the Lebanese community receives in Kuwait.
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