Kuwait Prime Minister Urges Respect for Democracy, Denounces Corruption

KUWAIT CITY, October 5, 2010 - His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah
(www.pm.gov.kw/cv.asp) set forth a vision to combat wide-scale
corruption in Kuwait, in an effort to preserve democracy and put development
goals in motion. Seeking progress in Kuwait to move toward a new era of
change, His Highness noted that there must be a stronger adherence to the
Kuwaiti Constitution to preserve democracy. He also called for purposeful
discourse, not just criticism that hampers change.

In an interview
(www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?Language=en&id=2115042)
by Al-Seyassah (www.al-seyassah.com), Sheikh Nasser expressed that
his comprehensive plan, founded on the regulation of political discussions in
line with Kuwaiti values, will be a fruitful step toward achieving a working
democracy free of corruption. Sheikh Nasser noted, "There is no one above the
law in terms of corruption. Nobody should avoid questioning or punishment if
proven guilty…. I am very concerned about this issue and I will not neglect
it."

The Premier's forward thinking supports His Highness the Amir Sheikh
Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's (www.da.gov.kw/eng/amir) goal of
making Kuwait a hub of global commerce. Looking ahead to the next
Parliamentary term, Sheikh Nasser affirmed that this new approach to good
government will be implemented throughout all political activities.

"We have been laying down new mechanisms to create refined political
activities, which match the real democracy known throughout the world. We
reject vulgar political remarks, devoid of real meaning of freedom, with
international ethics as obtainable in all democracies," Sheikh Nasser noted.

The Premier also urged Kuwaitis to treat national symbols with respect.
These symbols include the Amir, regarded as the most significant icon. Sheikh
Nasser noted that wrongly invoking these symbols to spark disagreement
further undermines state authority. "Citizens are equal before the law. We
value people according to their loyalty to the country, its progress and
plans," Sheikh Nasser stated.

Sheik Nasser's approach to democratic change is internal as much as it is
external, and work is underway to make appropriate changes to government
processes. "We have commenced serious efforts to improve the performance of
people in the administration and we will continue working on it," he said.

Source: www.almadar-kw.com/

Hani Megahed, +965-2266-6008