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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021 / JUMADA AL AWWAL 23, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17581 16 PAGES 150 FILS Broad praise for rekindled Gulf unity Kuwaiti role hailed Other Voices WASHINGTON, Jan 6, Japan (KUNA): US Secretary of The Japanese government on Wednes- State Mike Pompeo said day praised mediation efforts by Kuwait Long-awaited parliamentary intervention ... and the US for the successful reconcilia- Tuesday that the US thanks tion among the Kuwait “for its mediation ef- (GCC) states. “We welcome these positive develop- By Ali Ahmed Al-Baghli forts and support in resolv- ments and highly appreciate the media- Former Minister of Oil ing the Gulf dispute”. tion efforts by those countries including “We are encouraged by the break- Kuwait and the US for the settlement of BADER Al-Humaidi – a new through made with the Al-Ula Dec- the issue,” Foreign Ministry Press Sec- parliamentarian – calmed the laration at the GCC summit, which retary Tomoyuki Yoshida said in a state- conscience of many of the Ku- marks a positive step toward restor- ment. waitis who were murmuring ing Gulf and Arab unity,” Pompeo “The unity among the Gulf countries about a certain issue that they said in a statement. is important to ensure peace and stability were either afraid or shy to in- in the Middle East. The Japanese govern- He added “we welcome the pledge ment of Japan hopes that the agreement dulge in out of respect for the today to restore cooperation in military, head of one of the most top will lead to further improvement of the economic, health, counter-corruption, relations among the countries concerned sovereign bodies, the Amiri and cultural initiatives”. as well as to easing tensions and stabiliza- Diwan. “We hope the Gulf countries will con- tion in the region,” said Yoshida. People indulged in talking tinue to reconcile their differences,” he The spokesman also affirmed that among themselves about the noted. “Restoring full diplomatic rela- Japan will continue working to realize mindblowing cost of the pro- tions is imperative for all parties in the peace and stability in the Middle East in jects executed by the offi cials region to unite against common threats”. cooperation with the countries related. of the Amiri Diwan, and their “We are stronger when we stand to- The German Government on Wednes- failure to gether,” he stressed. day praised mediation efforts by the State comply ’s Foreign Minister Mohammad of Kuwait and the United States of Amer- Abdulrahman Al-Thani on Tuesday ap- ica that led to positive outcome at end of with the preciated Kuwait’s big efforts to iron out applicable the latest GCC summit. the rift and re-unify the Gulf States. The German Foreign Ministry said in a laws and Tweeting on his official account, the procedures statement that results of yesterday’s sum- minister hoped that Al-Ula agreement mit came due to the relentless mediation in this re- signed earlier in the day in efforts, exerted by the State of Kuwait gard. would help achieve further progress and and the US. It is prosperity for the Gulf countries. Germany and the European Union true that He stressed Qatar’s opening of a new have always supported a solution to this these pro- page in the Gulf ties. crisis, the statement said, applauding in He emphasized that his country is also Al-Baghli jects were particular the agreement on reopening amazing looking forward to bolster joint Arab and borders between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. and restored some joy on the Gulf action to achieve common interests, Reopening these borders will positive- overcome challenges and retain the re- ly impact on GCC countries’ solidarity, face of the country; for instance gion’s stability and security. projects like the Shaheed Park, it affirmed. Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Cent- NATO The Italian embassy in Kuwait ap- plauded on Wednesday adoption of er, Abdullah Al-Salem Center, NATO has praised Kuwait’s efforts to Jahra Hospital, and others. “Al-Ula communique” that capped yes- maintain peace and security in the region terday’s 41st GCC summit, held in the Those who are known to com- following the successful outcome of the northwestern Saudi city of Al-Ula. plain had put half the blame on six-member Gulf Cooperation Council Italy warmly welcomes the outcome of those who were entrusted by (GCC) summit held in the Saudi city of the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit on the law to establish and rebuild Al-Ula January 5, with the adoption of the “Al- those centers, namely the Minis- “We welcome Kuwait’s continued ef- Ula communique”, which marks the start try of Public Works, the Kuwait forts towards regional security, includ- of the normalization of relations within Municipality, and the Ministry ing within the Gulf Cooperation Council the Council, an embassy statement said. of Information. Their ministers framework,” a NATO official told the The Italian mission also welcomed the Kuwait news agency (KUNA) today. looked dumbfoundedly at these Amiri Diwan photo announcement of reopening Saudi air- “NATO engages in regular consulta- space with Qatar. mega projects, which were built Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad being presented with the Order by HH the Amir as HH the PM tions with all its’ Gulf partners, at all in the best way and image, and looks on. The settlement of the internal dispute levels, both in the region and at NATO in the Gulf Cooperation Council is a fun- stood powerlessly, which is Headquarters in Brussels,” said the offi- justifi able by the fear of their damental premise for increased stability cial speaking on condition of anonymity. and security in the region, it noted. chairs. Amir lauds Minister’s sacrifice “We have a solid record of mutually Those responsible for this in beneficial long term-relations and cooper- Mediation the Amiri Diwan and those who ation with the Gulf countries of , “We express our appreciation for Ku- carried out these projects with- Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emir- wait’s uninterrupted mediation efforts, out any legal basis and supervi- ates in the framework of our Istanbul Co- the impetus provided by the United States ‘Order of Kuwait’ to FM operation Initiative,” the official added. sion were hiding behind a legal and the constructive commitment of the UN Secretary-General Antonio text that did not apply at all to , Jan 6, (KUNA): parties to resolve the dispute, an objective what they did and continue to Guterres lauded the role played by the that Italy has always supported with con- His Highness the Amir Sheikh State of Kuwait in mending the Gulf rift, do. Moody’s negative on GCC outlook Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- viction,” it concluded. They were hiding behind the and also commended the final statement, Tunisia on Wednesday lauded the ef- Sabah presented at Bayan Palace which came out of the GCC summit held head of the state, the Amir, the Wednesday Foreign Minister forts that had been exterted by the State DUBAI, Jan 6: The negative in Al-Ula. of Kuwait for mending fences among the builder of its renascence, ac- 2021 outlook for sovereign Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al- Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for cording to article No. 54 of the Government ‘absentee’ Mohammad Al-Sabah with Or- GCC countries. creditworthiness in the Gulf the Secretary-General, said in a state- The foreign ministry said in a state- constitution to which everyone Cooperation Council (GCC) der of Kuwait of the First Class. ment Tuesday “The Secretary-General MP in scuttled session The honoring, at an Amiri re- ment that the Tunisian leadership had in this land resort. reflects the coronavirus-related expressed his gratitude to those from the followed up with interest on the GCC The article mentions explic- fall in oil revenue which is driv- ception, came in recognition of region and beyond, including the late By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh Sheikh Dr Ahmad’s services to summit, held in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia, itly and without multiple inter- ing this year’s deterioration in Amir of Kuwait and late Sultan of , praising its outcome namely the decisions pretations that, “The Amir is the fiscal strength, while constrain- Arab Times Staff and Agencies Kuwait and his efforts in bolster- who worked tirelessly towards resolving ing relations with brethren in the aimed at bolstering the inter-GCC ranks. Head of the State. His entity is ing government spending and the Gulf rift. It also acclaimed Kuwait’e efforts for slowing the economic recovery, KUWAIT CITY, Jan 6, (KUNA): Na- Gulf and Arab regions. “The Secretary-General welcomes the safeguarded and inviolable”. Present at the meeting were restoring the brotherly ties hoping the Also, article No. 55 stipulates Moody’s Investors Service said tional Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ula declaration on ‘solidarity and sta- summit resolutions would ultimately con- in a report today. Al-Ghanim said Wednesday’s session His Highness the Prime Minister bility’ announced at the Summit of the that, “The Amir shall exercise Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad tribute to bolstering inter-Arab solidarity. Moody’s expects that it will would not be held because the govern- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in the Russia welcomed Wednesday the out- his powers through his Minis- ment was not attending. Al-Sabah and head of the Amiri ters”. take 2-3 years for real GDP in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today. come of the Gulf Cooperation Council GCC sovereigns to return to “The government has officially noti- Diwan Sheikh Mubarak Faisal “The declaration recognizes the im- Violators of the state’s laws Saud Al-Sabah. (GCC) leaders summit, held Tuesday in pre-pandemic levels, with the fied me it will not attend today’s session portance of unity among the GCC states Al-Ula, kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and in effect were entrenched be- recovery most protracted in the therefore the sitting will be lifted in line His Highness the Amir in his and aims to strengthen regional security, remarks said that Foreign Minis- described decisions as important. hind the provision of the Amiri more economically diversified with Article 116 of the Constitution,” peace, stability and prosperity,” indicated In a statement, the Russian Ministry immunity, which the people sovereigns, where key sectors Al-Ghanim said in remarks at the ses- ter Sheikh Dr Ahmad was worthy the official, adding that “He (Guterres) of Foreign Affairs, said that Russia wel- respected, appreciated, and ap- such as transportation and tour- sion. of the Order also welcomes yesterday’s announce- comes the agreements reached during the plied with love and apprecia- ism will be slow to return to Article 116 states that prime minister Addressing the minister dur- ment on opening the airspace, land and Al-Ula summit, which reflect the good tion for their beloved late Amir. health. and ministers shall be given the floor ing the Amiri reception, His sea borders between the Kingdom of will of the GCC countries and Egypt, and However, article No. 55 of the “Our negative outlook for whenever they ask for it. They may call Highness the Amir commended Saudi Arabia, the , came due to mediation efforts of kuwait. constitution addressed that as- GCC sovereigns reflects the for assistance upon any senior officials Sheikh Dr Ahmad’s relentless ef- Bahrain, Egypt and the State of Qatar. Al-Ula summit is an evidence of GCC forts, which saw him “traveling pect. coronavirus pandemic’s impact or depute them to speak on their behalf. Spirit countries intent to put an end to the rift The Assembly may ask for a minister to from country to country, attend- and restore mutual trust and good-neigh- Therefore, distancing the on oil revenue and our expec- ing official functions” to repre- Amir from any accountability, tations for the erosion of fiscal be present whenever a matter relating “The trusts that all countries concerned borly relations, the statement added. to his ministry is under discussion. The sent KUWAIT. will continue to act in a positive spirit to The settlement of the situation of Qatar the article states that he executes strength experienced last year to He lauded the minister’s sac- his powers through his minis- extend throughout 2021,” said Cabinet shall be represented in the sit- strengthen their relations.” would contribute in addressing the situa- tings of the Assembly by the prime min- rifice, which earned him the be- Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Coun- tion in the Middle East and North Africa ters. Thaddeus Best, a Moody’s Ana- stowed Order of KUWAIT under lyst and the report’s co-author. ister or by some ministers. cil (GCC) pressed, during Al-Ula’s Gulf region, it added. This is what the violators of the guidance of the leadership summit Tuesday, for enhancing pan-GCC His Highness the Amir on Tuesday the state’s laws missed, and “The still elevated cost of fund- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on and instructions of His Highness cooperation to reach full integration and conducted a telephone call with Saudi they ramped up corruption ing for lower-rated sovereigns the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah in the region will amplify these Wednesday, received a cable from the unity among its six member states. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. through these laws, until one Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. GCC leaders also hailed Kuwait’s re- During the call, His Highness the Amir strains.” National Assembly Speaker Marzouq His Highness the Amir praised of the cleanest MPs who came The lingering economic ef- Al-Ghanim. lentless efforts over the past years to re- expressed his appreciation to the King for through December 5 elections Sheikh Dr Ahmad Al-Moham- slove the Gulf crisis and restore unity of his hospitality and hosting of the 41st fects of the pandemic also mean In the cable, the Speaker congratu- mad, remembering his efforts started to turn the pages of a fi le, that citizen employment rates lated, on behalf of the Parliament mem- the Gulf states. Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council which until now was closed, not also during the era of late Amir The European Union (EU) welcomed (GCC), lauding the good organization of are unlikely to recover soon bers, His Highness the Amir on the suc- Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Ja- because of the trust that those cess of the 41st GCC Summit, which on Wednesday the outcome of the Gulf the event. given high targets for citizen ber Al-Sabah. Cooperation Council (GCC) summit held in charge of the fi le enjoyed, employment in private sector was crowned by the signing of Al-Ula His Highness the Amir congratulated On his part, Sheikh Dr Ahmad in the Saudi city of Al-Ula yesterday, say- again the Saudi King on inking the Al- but out of respect for the one industries which have been hard Declaration and the summit’s final com- expressed gratitude towards His whom they were serving (May munique. ing it would strengthen regional stability. Ula statement and the final communique hit by the shock. Highness the Amir and his lead- EU High Representative Josep Borrell, Almighty Allah have mercy on Al-Ghanim praised his Highness the of the summit that represents a historic Moody’s forecasts that GCC ership, affirming that he was hon- in a statement this morning, noted that the achievement in enhancing solidarity, and his soul). government debt burdens will Amir and relentless diplomatic efforts of ored to serve Kuwait and its people members of the GCC reached an agree- the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad the unity of the Arab and GCC ranks. Nonetheless, now that the rise on average by around 21 His Highness the Prime Minis- ment on the full normalization of rela- It will push ahead the GCC path to ball is in the court of Anas Al- percentage points of GDP over Al-Sabah, and their keenness on bolster- ter received on Wednesday Sheikh tions among themselves at the summit. achieve the desired goals of the Gulf Saleh, the Deputy Prime Min- 2019-21, compared with 14 per- ing the unity and solidarity amongst the Dr Ahmad Nasser on the occasion It was preceded on Monday by the de- States and their peoples. ister and the State Minister for centage points on average for GCC peoples. of his being honored with the Or- cision of Saudi Arabia to reopen its bor- His Highness the Amir wished King Cabinet Affairs, we hope to hear advanced economies. However, According to reliable sources, the der of Kuwait of the First Class. ders with Qatar, he said. Salman everlasting good health to con- a response as soon as possible, sovereign wealth fund buffers government was absent because 36 MPs His Highness the prime minis- “The European Union welcomes these tinue progress and prosperity in the King- which is within a month as per will mitigate the impact of high- supported the grilling motion of MPs ter congratulated the minister for significant developments as they will dom of Saudi Arabia, under the King and the concerned laws. We also er gross debt burdens for most Badr Al-Dahoum, Thamer Al-Suwait the high esteem medal, granted to considerably strengthen regional stability the Crown Prince’s wise leadership. GCC sovereigns. and Khalid Al-Otaibi against HH the him in appreciation for his role at and restore GCC unity and cooperation in Meanwhile, King Salman thanked His hope that the response will in Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled detail answer the question of Despite a significant eas- the GCC summit. full. We commend in this respect the me- Highness the Amir for his sincere and ing in market conditions com- Al-Sabah which entails the government Deputy Prime Minister and diation role played by Kuwait all along, good sentiments, congratulating him on MP Al-Humaidi by clearing pared with the first half of 2020, must resign. those involved, and also make Minister of Defense Sheikh Ha- as well as by the US,” stated the EU for- signing the Al-Ula statement and the final Moody’s expects that borrow- In a press statement, MP Shuaib Al- mad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah on eign policy chief. statement of the event. us apologize to them for mis- ing costs will remain above Muwaizri urged HH the Prime Minister Wednesday addressed a cable of “The EU stands ready to support fur- The King commended His Highness trusting them - we thank Allah pre-coronavirus levels for less to decline in case he is assigned to form congratulations to Foreign Min- ther regional integration within the Gulf the Amir’s efforts aimed to re-unify the for the good relationship that creditworthy GCC sovereigns. the new government. He pointed out the ister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Cooperation Council and to strengthen its GCC states and boost the Arab solidarity unites us with them. For the region’s stronger gov- government has proven that it does not on his high esteem decoration long-standing partnership with the GCC,” that were complementary of His High- ❑ ❑ ❑ ernments, flight to quality has match the demands of citizens, indicat- of the first degree accorded upon he added. ness the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ah- lowered yields to levels that will ing the cooperation of the Assembly him by His Highness the Amir The six-member GCC includes Bah- mad Al-Sabah’s endeavors to maintain [email protected] continue to allow opportunistic with the next government depends on and Supreme Commander of the rain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia the GCC march, and enhance the Arab and long-dated borrowing. the latter’s attitude. Armed Forces and the UAE. and Gulf solidarity. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021 2

GCC leaders call for intensifying efforts to reach unity AL-ULA, Saudi Arabia, Jan 6, (KUNA): Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation that maintains the GCC interests and gains. The Gulf leaders approved the decisions of the Joint Defense Council in its Council (GCC) pressed Tuesday for enhancing pan-GCC cooperation to reach It called for removing all obstacles facing the creation of a GCC customs seventeenth session on areas of military integration and affirmed support for joint full integration and unity among its six member states. union and a common Gulf market as well as the execution of the Gulf railway military integration efforts to achieve collective security for the GCC states. In the final communique of their 41st summit, held today in the Saudi city project. They expressed satisfaction with the steps taken to resume work of the uni- of Al-Ula, the Gulf leaders instructed all GCC bodies to double their efforts It asserted the need to work on developing an integrated system to achieve fied military command. and to work according to a clear timetable to materialize the late Saudi king food, water and energy security. They voiced firm condemnation of terrorism and extremism, regardless of Abdullah bin Abdulaziz’s vision of full unity among GCC states. It urged all members to implement the GCC Supreme Council resolutions its source and called for drying up its financial resources. To reach this point, the GCC Supreme Council envisaged making major and agreements and to abide by their respective timetables and provisions. They expressed its strong condemnation of the publication of caricature strides towards economic integration and unifying security and military sys- The council approved the amendment of Article 6 of the Joint Defense depicting Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, considering it as an of- tems. Agreement to change the name of the Joint Peninsula Shield Forces command fense against all Muslims, a flagrant expression of hatred, and a form of racial The council also underlined the need for adopting a common foreign policy to the Unified Military Command of the Cooperation Council member states. discrimination.

Photo courtesy of GCC Summit 41 Press Center From left to right: His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, HH Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, H.R.H. Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, H.R.H. Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, HE GCC Secretary General Dr Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf pose for a group photo during the 41st GCC Summit held in the city of Al-Ula, Northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Jan 5. GCC 41st fi nal statement on regional, int’l issues Council voices total rejection of Iran interference

AL-ULA, Saudi Arabia, Jan 6, (KUNA): The recently concluded GCC 41st The Supreme Council hailed the achievements of King Salman Humanitar- national peace and security. Summit for leaders has covered a wide spectrum of regional and international ian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) through its field branches in the Yemeni The Supreme Council hoped the Constitutional Committee in Syria would issues that were included in its final statement issued late Tuesday. governorates as well as the humanitarian support provided by the GCC Relief be enhancing to the efforts made to reach a political solution to the Syrian cri- On Iran, the Supreme Council affirmed its consistent positions and deci- and Humanitarian Aid Coordination Office (GAFC). sis that would fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, reiterating sions regarding relations with the Islamic Republic, stressing the need for The Supreme Council affirmed that the Iranian-backed Houthi militias’ its support for the United Nations envoy to Syria. Iran to adhere to the basic principles based on the Charter of the United Na- terrorist hostilities and operations in targeting civilians and civil objects in It also reaffirmed support for the efforts of the United Nations to work to tions and the charters of international law, principles of good-neighborliness, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represent a violation of the international and return Syrian refugees and displaced persons to their cities and villages under respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in internal affairs, and humanitarian law. the international supervision in accordance with the international standards, resolving disputes by peaceful means, not to use force or threaten to resort to The Council added that the Houthi violations represent war crimes and a and to provide them with the support in the countries of asylum, and rejected force, and reject sectarianism. real threat to the regional and international security. any attempts to bring about demographic changes in Syria. The Supreme Council expressed its total rejection of the continuation of The council emphasizes the legitimate right of the Arab Coalition to take It also reiterated its condemnation of the Iranian existence in the Syrian Iranian interference in the internal affairs of the GCC states and the region, and implement the necessary measures to deal with these hostile and terrorist territories and Iran’s interference in the Syrian affairs, demanding to expel all its condemnation of all terrorist acts carried out by Iran, and fueling sectarian acts in accordance with the rules of the international and humanitarian law, Iranian forces, Hezbollah militias, and all sectarian militias that Iran recruited and sectional conflicts, stressing the need to desist and refrain from support- asserting the need to prevent arms smuggling to Houthi-backed militias from to work in Syria. ing groups that fuel these conflicts, and stop supporting, financing and arming Iran that threaten freedom of maritime navigation and global trade in the Bab On Lebanon, the Supreme Council followed the latest developments there, militias and terrorist organizations, in clear violation of international norms al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea. affirming the GCC firm stances and decisions regarding the Arab country as and values and threatening regional and international security. On Iraq, the Supreme Council affirmed consistent positions and decisions well as its keenness for its security, stability, and territorial integrity, express- The Supreme Council expressed its condemnation of Iran’s continued regarding the Arabic country, stressing the importance of preserving its ing hope that the Lebanese components will respond to the call of the supreme failure to fulfill its obligations to the International Atomic Energy Agency, integrity, territorial integrity, full sovereignty, Arab identity, social fabric, interest and wise dealing with the challenges facing the Lebanese state in stopping the implementation of its obligations, and its delay in providing the and national unity. The Council asserted its support for confronting terror- order to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Lebanese people. required information about its nuclear program, and stressed the need to de- ist groups and armed militias and strengthening state sovereignty and law On Libya, the Council reaffirmed firm stances and decisions regarding the mand full cooperation and respect for the immunities and privileges of IAEA enforcement. It also welcomed the assignment of Mustafa Al-Kathemi as Libyan crisis and supported efforts of the United Nations to reach a political inspectors. prime minister. solution based on the Skhirat Agreement signed between the Libyan parties in It also stressed the importance of a comprehensive international agreement It also renewed its support for Security Council Resolution No. 2107 December 2015, reiterating the GCC keenness to preserve the interests of the that guarantees preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons in any way (2013), which decided unanimously to refer the file of prisoners, missing per- Libyan people as well as the Libyan security, stability and territorial integrity. and its breaches of its nuclear obligations, and preventing all threats posed sons, Kuwaiti property and the national archive to the United Nations Mission The Council also supported efforts to counter the so-called terrorist organiza- by Iran and exploiting the economic returns from the nuclear agreement to (UNAMI), to follow up on this file, and regretted that no progress was made tion ISIS. finance its hostile and terrorist activities in the region. in any of the outstanding issues. The aforementioned, and the Council calls on On Sudan, the Council welcomed the historic agreement inked by the Su- It further welcomed the United States designation of the Islamic Revolu- the Iraqi government and the United Nations to make every effort to find a so- danese parties which aims at achieving the interest of Sudan, preserving its tionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization. lution to this humanitarian issue and other related issues, especially the com- security, safety and stability and achieving the aspirations of the Sudanese On Yemen, Council affirmed the GCC firm stances and decisions regarding pletion of the demarcation of the maritime borders, beyond the 162nd mark. people. The Council reaffirmed the need to ensure the security and stability the crisis in the Republic of Yemen and the need to reach a political solution On Jordan, the Council reiterated its commitment to strategic partnership of Sudan based on the historical and fraternal relations that link the GCC to the crisis in accordance with the references represented by the Gulf initia- with the Hashemite Kingdom. countries with Sudan. tive and its implementation mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive On Egypt, the Supreme Council affirmed support for the security and sta- It also welcomed and congratulated it for being lifted off the US terrorism national dialogue conference, and the Security Council resolution No. 2216, bility of the Arab Republic of Egypt, appreciating its efforts in strengthening sponsors’ list. expressing its support for the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary Arab national security and peace in the region, combating extremism and ter- On Afghanistan, the Council appreciated efforts of the GCC states and the General of the United Nations to reach a political solution to the crisis in rorism, promoting development, prosperity, and advancement for the broth- international community to achieve peace, security and stability in the Repub- Yemen according to these references. erly Egyptian people, and rejecting interference in the internal affairs of Arab lic of Afghanistan, calling for the continuation of these efforts in the interests The Council commended efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia countries. of the Afghan people. through its sponsorship of the Jeddah Dialogue to mend fences among the The Council expressed its support for the existing efforts to solve the Re- On Morocco, the Council reiterated its support to the Kingdom; either brothers in the Yemeni Republic, which culminated in the signing of Riyadh naissance Dam’s issue and in a way that meets economic interests of the coun- through strategic partnership, or through the Kingdom’s procedures to ensure Agreement between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional tries concerned, appreciating the international efforts made in this regard. its integrity and overnight in term of the Western Sahara issue. Council in the interest of the Yemeni people. The Council hailed the efforts of On Syria, the Council affirmed its firm positions and decisions regarding As for The crisis of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, the Council ex- the United Arab Emirates for the agreement’s success. the Syrian crisis, a political solution based on the principles of (Geneva 1), pressed its condemnation of the brutal attacks and systematic displacement The Council welcomed the legitimate Yemeni government’s step to begin and Security Council Resolution No. 2254, which provides for the formation of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State and other minorities in Kachin Shan its work from the provisional capital of Aden in implementation of Riyadh of a transitional governing body to manage the affairs of the country, draft a State and other regions in Myanmar, rejecting ethnic discrimination or clas- agreement in order to activate all state institutions in all liberated governorates new constitution for Syria, and prepare for elections to chart a future of the sification. The Council called for facilitating the return of displaced persons to serve the Yemeni citizen. Yet it also condemned the attack that took place new Syria, fulfills the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people. and refugees to their cities and villages. upon the arrival of the government at the airport, which resulted in a number The Supreme Council affirmed its stances by preserving the territorial in- It also noted the humanitarian assistance provided by the GCC countries to of casualties and injuries on December 30, 2020. tegrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, respecting its independence and sover- the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and the refugees in Bangladesh, and the The Supreme Council affirmed that it will continue to support the develop- eignty over its territory, and rejecting regional interferences in its internal United Nations organization’s provision in this regard, calling on all countries ment projects in the Republic of Yemen. affairs, and everything that affects Arab national security and threatens inter- to do more to help them.

editor’s choice ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021 LOCAL 3

Other Voices ‘Right man in right job can only pull out the nation from crisis’ “WHAT is happening to the Kuwaiti economy, es- Sovereign Fund is known to the supervisory authori- pecially after Kuwait was liberated from the Iraqi in- ties, and thus the account of budget surplus and defi cit vasion is a systematic policy aimed at government’s into which the tax money will go is real, accurate and failure economically. Of course, theoretically and integrated. logically, successive governments cannot adopt all “The tax on individuals should not be the fi rst or measures, decisions, or laws that gradually paralyze only option to cover the government’s inability to the state’s economic arms until they turn into heavy manage state resources and diversify sources of in- burdens on the state’s fi nances,” columnist Dr Anwar come. He must also feel confi dent that whoever wins Al-Shrai’an wrote for Al-Shahed daily. government bids in millions pay taxes to the state, pro- “All companies owned by the government or gov- portional to the size of the tenders. ernment agencies, as well as the government economic “If the Kuwaiti feels the above will materialize, then institutions were making profi t and were considered I am certain the citizen will step forward to pay the tax a tributary to the state’s fi nances, however instead of because it will be a success story and not a failure or supporting and developing the capabilities of these defi cit tax, more like a ‘levy’ rather than a tax within companies to expand and achieve greater profi ts, the an integrated economic, political and social system.” hidden plan was to convert all these economic units ❑ ❑ ❑ into loss and slack institutions until they became a big burden “Kuwait’s endeavors have succeeded in pushing for The Indian Ambassador to Kuwait HE Sibi George called on His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ah- Gulf reconciliation since the reign of the humanitarian mad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, former prime minister of Kuwait. During the meeting both sides discussed bilateral issues on the state budget, so we heard and other matters of mutual interest. voices shouting for the privatiza- leader, His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- tion of these companies and sec- Ahmad – may God have mercy on him. This mediation tors in the name of reducing the came with a sincere heart and good intention to main- burden on the state. tain the Gulf entity generation after generation, such “Since the liberation, the deci- that there is no place for political differences or dip- DGCA to equip weather dept sions and laws that have trans- lomatic disputes,” columnist Dali Al-Khamsan wrote formed these companies into for Al-Anba daily. restricted hybrid institutions contin- “His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad, ued but the most important question may God protect him, has completed the march of remains: Who is behind this? Dr Al-Shrai’an goodness in achieving this reconciliation. He suc- with state-of-the-art systems ceeded in containing the dispute, thanks to God and “It seems there are several factors, including the government’s preoccupation in the post-liberation pe- the efforts exerted by the benevolent leaders of reason riod in confl ict with the government of Saddam Hus- and wisdom in the Gulf Cooperation Council states. ‘16 monitoring stations in country’ sein and the demand for return of prisoners or war “The Saudi city of Al-Ula is witnessing a historic and missing persons and compensation for the losses Gulf reconciliation between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, resulting from the Iraqi invasion, and there are also United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Differences be- KUWAIT CITY, Jan 6: According to in- provide accurate and reliable information infl uential people, traders of public money who do not tween them have been removed due to great souls, sin- know a way to achieve wealth except through direct cere wisdom and good opinion. formed sources, the Directorate General on weather conditions and temperatures, and indirect benefi t from public money and govern- “In his message to King Salman bin Abdulaziz, of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has prepared as well as warnings about rising dust and ment projects. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad ex- an integrated strategic plan to provide sandstorms, and early warnings about “Government merchants succeeded in penetrating pressed thanks and appreciation for the Kingdom’s ef- Kuwait Meteorological Department with winds, by means of internationally accred- the state economically until they were able to control forts towards such a historic achievement. many centers of economic decisions by ensuring peo- “He said: ‘The agreement between brothers is an highly advanced systems and devices to ited scientific measuring devices, reports ple who they favor represented them or their approach achievement that will restore our Gulf entity and our Al-Anba daily. in government or the boards of directors of companies joint Arab action, its unity and cohesion in facing chal- and government institutions, so they began a process lenges affl icting the entire world. This will enable us They explained that either to achieve the largest possible benefi t from these to work together to realize the legitimate hopes and DGCA has finished ob- companies or to empty them and disrupt their work. aspirations of our people in terms of security, stability, taining the necessary ap- “On the other hand, some groups of opponents and prosperity and well-being.’ provals to offer contracts some loyalists sought to try to cut off the road, so laws “We are very happy with this historic achievement. for developmental op- and decisions were issued aimed at protecting public We commend all the efforts that have been exerted. erations of Kuwait Me- money, but it did not work that way. These companies We proudly recall the efforts of HH the late Amir teorological Department. ran at a turtle’s pace in the world of economy that de- Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, may God forgive him and These projects will be as velops and progresses with each new day. make him auspicious in paradise. He succeeded in his “Before talking about privatization of these compa- endeavor towards reconciliation. It is a success for the follows - leadership and people of Kuwait.” 1. Designing, manufactur- nies and institutions, why do we not benefi t from the ing, supplying, installing and experience of the Chinese giant in transforming gov- ❑ ❑ ❑ operating training, warranty, ernment companies into economic giants which can “Great organization ... the cleanliness is impressive ... maintenance and technical compete with companies or institutions that are de- endless respect ... smiles and warm welcome ... from the support services for auto- cades old, or at least return to the right path and assign beginning to the end ... with a gentle and moving farewell, matic weather monitoring the management of these institutions to specialists, Dr Naji each according to his fi eld and manage these compa- the process only took seven minutes,” columnist systems (AWOS) at Kuwait Saoud Al-Zaid wrote for Al-Jarida daily. International Airport. nies with a competitive economic mentality to become a new source of income.” “Indeed, my wife and I felt that Kuwait is a distinct The project will be of- civilized country, at least in this aspect. fered in the form of a lim- Also: “That was our experience with our appointment to ited practice to a number of “Article 24 of the Constitution states: ‘Social jus- receive the fi rst dose of the vaccine. We saw many old specialized companies. people and others who were terrifi ed, afraid and some- 2. Presenting a project tice shall be the basis of taxes and public imposts’. So, for National Sand and Dust does a Kuwaiti refuse to pay the tax just for the sake what anxious. Nevertheless, their fears dissipated. KFSD photo Storm Warning and Advi- of refusal? I am almost certain that the answer will Any fear and hesitation disappeared as they were reas- Damage caused by the fire. sory System (N-SDSWAS) be that the Kuwaiti who lived before the discovery of sured from the reception until they fi nished. at Kuwait International oil and faced all diffi culties, lived independent facing “We observed the facilities, workers and visitors as Fire destroys Rumaithiya house Airport inclusive of design, all challenges, and lived through the invasion with its we passed by. We did not see any irregularity or lack manufacturing, delivery, tragedies, and in all of this placed the nation’s interest of commitment on the part of the workers and even the visitors, because a sense of normalcy and smiles Fire-fighters rushed to a house in Ru- pants of the house were evacuated and installation, commission- above everything, will not hesitate to pay taxes here or maithiya and put out fire on Tuesday, the firemen cut off the power supply be- ing, training, maintenance, there,” columnist Hamad Sadiq Behbehani wrote for greeted the latter, instead of the fear of coronavirus reports Al-Rai daily. fore putting out the fire. technical support and war- Al-Rai daily. infection. After the Directorate-General of Fire No human injuries have been record- ranty, and also the Meteo- “Nevertheless, the citizen will do that only when he “Thank you everyone – Kuwaitis and expatriates Department (DGFD) received a report ed. The damage was limited to materi- rological Data Processing fi nds himself in front of a state and government ap- – for sacrifi cing on the frontlines. The prayers of the on the fire, fire-fighting engines rushed als. System Second Generation proach that protects the prosperity of the oil era, the visitors were never interrupted until we got into the to the spot and put out the fire. The fire sources said, the cause of the (MDP-2G). pride of independence and the lessons of the invasion. car and left. You deserve such prayer that comes from As a precautionary measure all occu- fire is being investigated. 3. Low Level Wind Shear “The Kuwaiti will accept to pay the tax willingly the heart.” Alert System (LLWAS), a when certain conditions and circumstances are met, ❑ ❑ ❑ Runway Oriented turbulence and have answers to all the following. FM urged to open direct flights from Detection and Advisory Sys- “Who will control and dispose of the tax money and “The Union of Cooperative Societies has retracted tem (ROTDAS/LIDAR), in what manner. Who will make decisions about the its unjust and unfair decision to boycott French prod- Egypt, allow students return home Composite Doppler Weather sources of spending these funds and that tax will be ucts. The question is who will pay for the damage that Radar Network (CDWRN) ... spent to improve conditions in the country, such as has been done? And what is the guilt of the farmer, inclusive of design, manufac- the cattle breeder, and the French factory, who may be KUWAIT CITY, Jan 6: Head of the virus or conduct medical checkups for health, education, infrastructure and services, and that turing, delivery, installation, Muslims, for what the cartoonist, has done through his National Union of Kuwaiti Students them at Kuwait International Airport he has the ability to hold the government accountable commissioning, training, if it fails to do so and squanders the taxpayers’ money. stupidity, columnist Sami Abdul Latif Al-Nisf wrote for (NUKS)-Egypt branch Ahmad Al- before they enter the country. He af- maintenance, technical sup- Annahar daily. Maadadi has appealed to the Ministry fi rmed such measures are very appropri- “The citizen will pay tax if he feels that by paying port and warranty. this tax he will enjoy services and goods at reasonable “These hardliners, who are driven by countries and of Foreign Affairs to open airspace for ate during this period. 4. An Airport Surface Ob- parties, owe their loyalty to individuals at the expense direct travel from Egypt to Kuwait to al- He added the cancellation of fl ights prices and not at infl ated rates and that his salary is servation System (ASOS), barely suffi cient for him for a few days of the month. of their loyalty to their homelands. They do not care low Kuwaitis who are studying in Egypt for Kuwaiti students coming from and AMS Aviation Meteo- about the interests of Islam, or the interests of the to return home, especially since these Egypt with transit in the United Arab He must feel that public funds are protected and not rological system, which are embezzled at will and that those who are accused of homelands. students are on school break until Feb Emirates due to rescheduling of fl ights inclusive of design, manu- “We can imagine if the secular and liberal countries 20, reports Al-Anba daily. at Kuwait International Airport led to plundering the state wealth and brought to book and facturing, delivery, installa- the stolen money recovered and ensuring that no mon- of the East and West treated us likewise, what if they In an exclusive statement to the daily, a remarkable increase in plane ticket tion, commissioning, train- stop importing our oil and stop exporting their agri- Al-Maadadi disclosed the closure of air- prices; thereby, adding to the burdens of ing, maintenance, technical ey will be squandered or looted in future. “The citizen must feel the government waste has cultural and industrial products, and vaccinations for space between the two countries had a the students and their parents. support and warranty, in ad- polio, smallpox, and now the corona vaccines ... etc? negative impact on the students due to Meanwhile, the Public Prosecution dition to the contract for the reached the zero level, no oil is being leaked, that overlap of competencies in government agencies has “If this were to happen in the absence of a single ‘Is- high prices of plane tickets and the suf- has asked the Central Bank of Kuwait design and operation of the lamic’ vaccine, we would have become extinct within fering they could experience while in to lift the banking confi dentiality code Integrated Ground Based ceased, that the formation of random and unproduc- tive committees has ended, and that government proj- a few years. We praise God that these people are gov- transit in other countries. He is surprised for 13 persons based on the request Remote Sensing Station erned by secular and liberal regimes that believe in hu- that both the transit and direct fl ights of Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority (IGBRSS). ects are completed within the budget, quality and tim- ing set for them without the need for variation orders man rights, not by strict religious currents. have been suspended. (Nazaha), considering that the son of It should be noted that “Our country has become one of the rare countries He then argued that it is possible to a former senior offi cial and four for- the Kuwait Meteorological which cost the state in millions. “He must also feel what the State property is and on the globe, where the voice of extremism is still open the way for direct fl ight by requir- mer undersecretaries of the Ministry of Department of DGCA has heard loud and clear.” ing the students to present a PCR certifi - Health are among the names on the list, about 16 monitoring sta- the fees are commensurate with the type of work, its cate proving they are free from corona- reports Al-Qabas daily. tions distributed in various revenues and profi ts and that the information about the — Compiled by Ahmad Al-Shazli regions of Kuwait.

Complaints received PAM eyes new strategy KUWAIT CITY, Jan 6: The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), in coordination with the Min- istry of Interior is developing a new mechanism to receive absenteeism reports, which will come into effect during the fi rst quarter of 2021, says Al- Seyassah . Informed sources told the daily that the new mechanism aims to reduce the number of reports, especially those which are malicious, and said dur- ing the recent period the authority has received about 20,000 reports, but blamed the COVID-19 pandemic for the increase in the number of absen- teeism notes. In other news, PAM said the total number of do- mestic workers actual recruitment offi ces registered during December was 464, while the number of reg- istered workers was about 1,533 workers. The sources added 933 applications for licenses were received by the authority, while the number of licenses that were renewed and issued was 23. The sources also said 6,782 were registered with PAM out of which 185 have been resolved. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information issued a decision to extend the validity of the employee identifi cation cards of workers whose identifi cation cards expired on Dec 31, 2020 for a period of three months, reports Al-Jarida daily quoting reliable sources. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021 LOCAL 4 New ‘phenomenon’ arises after launch of some e-govt services Domestic labor recruitment offices ring alarm bell

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 6: ue working without renewing their the COVID-19 virus and the direc- not coerced to agree to the renewal. contracts, after making it possible tion of state agencies to automate This cannot be achieved unless he is One of the positive reper- for sponsors to renew their domes- their systems. However, the renew- physically present at the relevant cussions of the COVID-19 tic workers’ residency online. al process does not differentiate government agency. pandemic was the acti- Although the government proce- between those holding residency for Al-Shammari affirmed, “The dures and controls in place in this domestic workers (Article 20) resi- failure of the domestic worker to vation of e-government regard stipulate that the residency dency, those working in the position attend to agree or disagree to the services and completion of the domestic worker should not of domestic workers, and other renewal process in front of the con- of online transactions to be renewed except in his presence types of residencies. cerned authorities was previously facilitate procedures for and with his approval, the proce- The distinction in the type of overlooked prior to the COVID-19 dure prior to COVID-19 crisis residence visa is a fundamental crisis. This is contrary to the circu- both clients and employ- neglected that part. After the “auto- matter, especially since the work lars and laws regulating work in this ees in a bid to contain the mation” of the residency renewal contract of domestic workers is a regard, but with the application of spread of COVID-19 vi- systems was implemented, the fixed-term contract and can only be the online renewal process, this idea rus, reports Al-Rai daily. sponsor is able to renew his domes- renewed with the consent of the has been inscribed.” tic worker domestic worker himself, and in his Guarantee However, the steps taken to without the presence before the concerned KUNA photo combat the spread of COVID-19 latter’s authorities to acknowledge approv- He explained that the matter has HH the Amir receives HH the Crown Prince. crisis resulted in the perpetuation approval, al and renewal of the residency. other repercussions, as online and exacerbation of a violation which has The variables imposed by the renewal by the sponsor makes him Audiences of HH the Amir opened the COVID-19 crisis – from restricting have absolute power without over- that existed before the crisis. It sight, especially since there is no is related to the exploitation of door wide for air traffic to suspending issuance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf ceived National Assembly Speaker “forced entry visas – have prompted more guarantee that he will fulfill the domestic workers, as the spon- dues of the domestic worker for the Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Marzouq Al-Ghanim, His Highness labor.” than half of the total domestic work- in Bayan Palace Wednesday, His Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad sors end up having full control of This auto- period of work that ended before the fate of their domestic work- ers in the country (estimated at 745 Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime mation pro- thousand) to face the problem of the renewal, as well as provide his ers and turning the situation into agreed leave. Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- cess has gen- forced renewal of their work con- His Highness the Amir also re- Hamad Al-Sabah. (KUNA) something similar to “house ar- Al-Shammari erated three tracts, especially with the cessation This problem arose as a result of rest” for them. problems – of recruitment for new workers, and two main reasons – first, the trans- A number of domestic labor not requiring the existence of a the inability to travel or leave the fer of supervisory authority and the mp profile getting to know you recruitment offices rang the alarm contract to renew residency (since country when they wish to. overlapping of specializations, as bell about this new threat to the powers and authority to super- before COVID-19), failure to Recruitiment Kuwait’s reputation in front of the ensure the worker’s presence dur- vise this sector were transferred international community. A new ing the renewal or transfer process, In other words, the cessation of from the Ministry of Interior to the Voting Record phenomenon began to surface, and consecrate the violation by not recruitment pushed the sponsors to Public Authority for Manpower. which is domestic workers being having to electronically take the restrict the freedom of domestic Second, legal adaptation of elec- forced to work in homes by their worker’s approval during the workers to choose, and instead tronic transformation, as the elec- ■ Disqualifying candidates con- sponsors and prevented from leav- renewal process. continue working after the end of tronic transformation process is a victed of offending crimes in 2016 – their work contracts, due to the good step that enriches the life of approved ing, or transferring to another spon- The solutions to the aforemen- Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim ■ DNA Law in 2015 – approved sor, in light of the great shortage tioned problems are – attaching lack of an alternative, so that the Kuwaiti society as a whole, but is (National Assembly Speaker) ■ Cybercrimes Law in 2015 – ap- that the local market suffers from the work contract signed by the weaker party would bear the result not being associated with legal con- proved due to the suspended air travel. worker when renewing the resi- of renewing the work period with- trols that pertain to each sector sep- Second Constituency ■ Partnership Enterprises Law in From the beginning of last dency, comparing his signature on out his consent through online resi- arately, which is a legal loophole 2014 – approved ■ November, the daily ha