Kuwait's Minister of Defence Takes Steps to Improve Military

KUWAIT CITY, February 17, 2011 - First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Sheikh Jaber
Al-Mubarak Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah
(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaber_Al-Mubarak_Al-Hamad_Al-Sabah) recently
advanced several key initiatives for the Kuwaiti military. He has issued
pardons to military service members who have been absent from duty up to 180
days, has spearheaded salary increases for military personnel and has raised
the age of non-Kuwaiti military personnel to the age of 65.

These actions are in advance of multiple celebrations in Kuwait in
February including the 20th anniversary of liberation from Iraq and the 5th
anniversary of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber
Al-Sabah's assumption to power. He said the pardons and salary increase are
part of an overall ambitious agenda for 2011.

"Kuwait's military is vital to our safety, strength and security," the
Defence Minister (www.flickr.com/photos/kuwait_ministry_of_defense/)
said. "When we have opportunities to encourage our service members, we must
do what we can. It is my hope that all absent service members take advantage
of this opportunity for amnesty by returning to duty."

The Higher Council of Defence approved the salary increase with the
urging of Sheikh Jaber. The council originally proposed an 80 percent
increase, but Sheikh Jaber advocated a 100 percent raise. The approved
increase varies according to rank, ranging between 72 percent and 115 percent
and will include all military personnel in the Army, Interior Ministry,
National Guard and Fire Department.

This has been issued by Al Madar. For more information, visit
www.almadar-kw.com/

Hani Megahed, +965-2266-6008