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Kuwait urges UN role as Iraq backs bilateral talks on missing persons

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‘The families of the missing and victims deserve justice and answers,’ says Kuwait’s Al-Bannai

NEW YORK: Kuwait and Iraq have reaffirmed this week their commitment to resolving the long-standing humanitarian issues stemming from the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait—specifically the cases of missing persons and lost national archives—while expressing differing views on the best path forward. In a meeting with ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and the European Union, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani said his government “places great importance on Iraq’s relations with Kuwait” and is working to address “the file of missing Kuwaiti persons and lost Kuwaiti property, including the national archives.” The Prime Minister emphasized Baghdad’s approach to resolving the issue “in the framework of bilateral cooperation,” according to a statement from his office.

His remarks followed a Security Council session in New York, during which Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Tareq Al-Bannai, called for continued UN engagement on the file. “These issues are not political disputes or bilateral disagreements, but humanitarian matters,” Al-Bannai said. “The families of the missing and victims deserve justice and answers regarding the fate of their loved ones.”

Al-Bannai added: “An entire nation is awaiting the return of its national archives, which are integral to restoring Kuwait’s historical memory. This is not just symbolic—it is a cornerstone for preserving Kuwait’s collective memory. Any delay in this matter undermines the historical justice we are seeking.”

The council session also featured a briefing by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Iraq, Mohamed Al-Hassan, who welcomed “the increase in field operations and the use of advanced technology to locate possible burial sites of missing Kuwaitis,” and called for “intensified efforts and enhanced coordination—including the search for witnesses to help locate the remains of 315 individuals still missing.”

Al-Hassan also noted the importance of accelerating the return of missing Kuwaiti property, including the archives, in light of “the recently welcomed decision to reactivate the joint Kuwait-Iraq committee on missing Kuwaiti property.”

In his remarks to the council, Al-Bannai underlined that the matter requires continued international attention. “These are inalienable rights that do not expire with time and should not be subject to political calculations or procedural delays,” he said. “Ending this suffering requires genuine will—turning words into tangible actions, free from procrastination and stalling.”

Al-Bannai also reiterated Kuwait’s support for the Secretary-General’s recommendation to appoint a senior UN official to follow up on these files after the UNAMI mandate ends in December 2025. He stated that such a mechanism “would yield more effective and concrete results, maintain momentum, and ensure sustained efforts toward the desired outcomes.” “Kuwait believes bilateral cooperation with Iraq remains essential,” Al-Bannai said, “but UN follow-up through the Security Council is indispensable.” As of now, both Iraq and Kuwait have expressed their commitment to resolving the files, but continue to differ on the appropriate mechanism. Iraq has favored bilateral arrangements, while Kuwait has stressed the role of the UN and the Security Council in ensuring progress on what it describes as a humanitarian matter. — Agencies

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Governors explore ways to enhance coordination and development

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KUWAIT: Governors of Kuwait’s six governorates convened Thursday to explore ways to enhance coordination and joint efforts in key areas related to business development, public service upgrades and the responsibilities of governorate councils. The discussions were held at the office of Farwaniya Governor Sheikh Athbi Nasser Al-Athbi Al-Sabah, according to a press statement issued by the Farwaniya Governorate.

The meeting was attended by Capital Governor Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governor and Acting Hawally Governor Sheikh Sabah Bader Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Jahra Governor Hamad Al-Habshi, Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Humoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and Director General of the General Department of Administrative Affairs at the Ministry of Interior Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah.

According to the statement, the gathering reflected a continued commitment to strengthening cooperation among governorates and relevant government bodies. The governors affirmed that such coordination aims to unify efforts, promote a spirit of teamwork, and support the wise leadership’s vision to elevate the quality of services provided to citizens and residents.

Farwaniya Governor Sheikh Athbi emphasized that these meetings serve as a vital platform to enhance inter-governorate collaboration, align development strategies, and adapt to ongoing urban and demographic changes. He noted that the integration of efforts contributes to refining administrative mechanisms in line with the state’s general policy and the aspirations of the public.— KUNA

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Health Minister: Graduates are vital to Kuwait’s national health renaissance

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KUWAIT: Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed on Tuesday that Kuwait’s new health projects are being developed by capable professionals and led by minds committed to hard work and integration. His remarks came in a speech delivered on his behalf by Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs Dr Munther Al-Hasawi during a ceremony honoring Kuwaiti medical graduates from the University of Jordan.

Dr Al-Hasawi congratulated the graduates on their achievement, noting that their success was the result of perseverance, dedication and long nights of study. “This moment is a tribute to those who remained patient and committed to their goals,” he said. In his address to the honorees, Dr Al-Awadhi said, “You are called upon to actively contribute to the renaissance of your nation, particularly through participation in new national health projects — projects that are founded on competence and driven by minds that believe in collaboration and hard work.”

He stressed that the involvement of young medical professionals is not a luxury, but a national necessity and a trust that carries historical significance. Highlighting the importance of unity within the health sector, Dr Al-Awadhi said, “The success of a doctor is incomplete without a nurse. Laboratory work thrives only with accurate diagnoses, and quality healthcare requires the cooperation of all — administrators, technicians, doctors, pharmacists and support staff.”

He acknowledged the challenges facing the medical profession globally, but praised those who choose the path of medicine for their unwavering dedication. “Those who take up this profession carry a noble mission. Their resolve exceeds obstacles, and their spirits are prepared to serve with sincerity and steadfastness,” he said. Concluding his message, the minister reminded the graduates of the core values of their chosen path: “You belong to a profession whose essence is humanity and whose purpose is mercy — live up to the honor of this mission.” — KUNA

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Kuwait toughens weapons law | Kuwait Times Newspaper

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KUWAIT: The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft decree-law amending key provisions of the 1991 weapons and ammunition law, introducing penalties for carrying bladed or air weapons in public without valid justification, in a move aimed at reinforcing public order and addressing growing security concerns.

Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait said the new amendment criminalizes the possession or carrying of bladed weapons or air guns (with a caliber of 6 mm or more) in public spaces such as schools, mosques and markets without a legitimate reason. Offenders will face imprisonment ranging from six months to one year and/or a fine of KD 500 to KD 1,000.

The amendment also targets acts of public intimidation, stipulating harsher penalties for those who deliberately frighten others using such weapons, with prison terms of one to two years and fines of KD 1,000 to KD 2,000. Additionally, the sale, import, or marketing of these weapons without official licensing is now prohibited.

The minister noted that the law empowers the minister of interior to define which weapons fall under the ban and specify the areas where the restrictions apply. “These amendments fill a previous legal gap by criminalizing actions that disturb public safety,” Al-Sumait said. “They reinforce the rule of law and reflect legislative awareness of emerging behaviors that threaten social peace.”

The Cabinet also approved a draft decree-law renaming the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the Public Authority for Civil Aviation. The move reflects the Kuwaiti government’s realization of the dire need for a modern and integrated piece of legislation to regulate the country’s civil aviation, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shereeda Al-Maousherji said in a press statement following the meeting.

This fresh legislation, the minister maintained, would ensure this vital sector’s required resilience to cope with global advancements in this domain. It is also deemed one of the main requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and a prime determinant for licensing airports and air navigation facilities, he explained. The Cabinet decided to refer the draft decree-law to HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for final approval. — KUNA

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