KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Cabinet on Tuesday recalled “with pain and bitterness” the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990, calling it a “crime of treachery” and paying tribute to the country’s leadership, fallen martyrs, and the resilience of the Kuwaiti people. In a statement issued after its weekly meeting at Bayan Palace, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Cabinet commemorated the 35th anniversary of the invasion, which falls this coming Saturday.

“On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion of the State of Kuwait, which took place at dawn on August 2, 1990, the State of Kuwait recalls with all pain and bitterness the crime of treachery committed by the Iraqi regime,” the Cabinet said. The statement went on to express deep appreciation for the leadership role played by Kuwait’s late rulers in securing the country’s liberation. “The Cabinet pays great tribute to the prominent role played by the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the late Father Amir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah — may God rest their souls — in working to liberate the State of Kuwait from the clutches of occupation.”

The Cabinet also highlighted the people’s strength in the face of aggression. “The Cabinet proudly recalls the resilience and heroic sacrifices of the Kuwaiti people in confronting the treacherous aggression, which stands as a model of national unity,” the statement said.

Special tribute was paid to those who gave their lives. “We recognize the great sacrifices of the noble Kuwaiti martyrs who shed their pure blood in defense of our beloved homeland. May God have mercy on them,” the Cabinet added.

Finally, the government expressed gratitude to the nations that supported Kuwait during the crisis. “The Cabinet renews its sincere appreciation to all the brotherly and friendly countries that contributed to the liberation of Kuwait and the return of justice,” it said, while praying that “our beloved homeland may continue to enjoy security and stability under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect him, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, may God protect him.” — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Expo 965 team for Kuwaiti heritage, crafts, and creatives held its fifth annual exhibition marking the anniversary of the Iraqi invasion and honoring Kuwait’s martyrs under the patronage and attendance of Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem. The event commemorates the 35th anniversary of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.

Mohammad Kamal, the team’s founder and lead researcher, told reporters during the event at the Ministry of Electricity building that the exhibition shines a light on a significant and painful chapter of Kuwait’s history, aiming to educate younger generations who did not live through the tragic period.

“The exhibition includes rare possessions and photographs that show the crimes, atrocities, and destruction inflicted on the Kuwaiti people,” Kamal said. “This includes images of burning oil wells, leaflets distributed to Kuwaiti resistance fighters, and documents revealing the occupiers’ attempts to erase Kuwait’s identity.”

He added that the exhibition also displays photos of Kuwaiti prisoners and martyrs, revealing signs of torture they endured. Additionally, there are paintings of cars and a map illustrating changes made to some Kuwaiti area names during the invasion that began on August 2, 1990. Kamal emphasized the team’s commitment to holding the exhibition annually to ensure the painful memory is not forgotten and to highlight Kuwait’s determination to reclaim its land and sovereignty. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti government is intensifying efforts to tackle illegal encroachments on state-owned land, directing nearly two dozens of ministries and agencies to swiftly remove unauthorized developments and report violations. During its weekly meeting on Tuesday, the Cabinet reviewed a report submitted by the Ministry of Finance detailing instances of illegal use and encroachments on state property throughout 2024. In response, the Cabinet instructed multiple government bodies to coordinate with relevant authorities and take urgent steps to remove all violations on state-designated plots.

Among the entities tasked with immediate action are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, the Kuwait Fire Force, the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, the Public Authority for Industry, the Public Authority for Youth, Kuwait Ports Authority, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries, and the General Administration of Customs. These bodies are expected to “take the necessary measures to remove all encroachments on land allocated to them, as quickly as possible.”

A second group of institutions — including Kuwait Municipality and the ministries of Education, Social Affairs, Commerce and Industry, and Justice — were ordered to report any encroachments on their allocated land to the Ministry of Finance within two weeks. They are also expected to take appropriate action if violations are found.

Fact-finding committee

The Cabinet’s move comes as the issue of illegal land use, particularly for commercial gain, continues to raise concern in Kuwait. On Wednesday, the Municipal Council’s Legal and Financial Committee recommended the formation of a fact-finding subcommittee to investigate the misuse of state-owned land and property. According to committee chairman Fahad Al-Abd Al-Jader, the panel will look into cases where government land has been used for private business activities without proper licenses or legal grounds.

The subcommittee’s core responsibilities include identifying the locations of commercial violations on state land, evaluating the effectiveness of relevant authorities in addressing them, and investigating unauthorized commercial activity conducted outside designated zones. It will also summon officials from the Ministry of Finance, Kuwait Municipality, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and any other necessary entities to obtain documentation, licenses and data. In addition, the panel will determine the causes behind the violations, examine whether commercial use of state land was deliberate or due to negligence, and assess any lapses in government oversight. A detailed report with findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Legal and Financial Committee. — Agencies