(MENAFN- Arab Times) Kuwait's Constitution is a red line that nobody should cross; hence, the Parliament will not approve anything which violates the Constitution, says Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim referring to the Gulf Security Agreement. Speaking to the press Sunday, Al- Ghanim asserted, "We are not supposed to abandon our brothers in the Gulf, considering they supported us during the Iraqi invasion. However, diplomatic rejections based on the laws and constitution of a country must be respected." The speaker affirmed majority of the MPs have agreed to slow down and study the agreement thoroughly, hoping the government cooperates with the Assembly in this decision. He disclosed the agreement will not be discussed in the current parliamentary term, indicating he has instructed a number of MPs to prepare a memorandum clarifying certain points in the agreement to be distributed to all MPs. "Our decision will be based on our conviction and beliefs, even if the government is determined to pass the agreement. It is not an embarrassment for Kuwait to reject the agreement," he added
On the other hand, MPs Adnan Abdulsamad and Khaleel Abdullah presented their own memorandum on the agreement in their capacity as members of the National Islamic Alliance. Abdulsamad revealed the memorandum contains a detailed explanation on the points of the agreement and the reasons why these points are considered violations against the Constitution. He also praised the speaker's decision to postpone discussion and voting on the agreement until the next parliamentary term in order to give the Assembly more time to review the document carefully. He then advised the ministers to read and review the agreement like students to comprehend the contents with an open mind. According to the MP, the problem lies in the 16 members of the government and a few MPs who want to approve the agreement. He appealed to them to review the agreement, warning that its approval will tarnish our democracy. Corroborating the statement of his colleague, Abdullah reiterated that everyone must review the agreement while forgetting about their political alliances to approach it with an open mind. He stressed the need to put the interests of Kuwait on top of the priority list. Addressing the Cabinet, the MP pointed out there is a lesson for ministers amidst the disorder. He asserted, "You cannot sign any kind of agreement with another country without referring it to the constitutional experts for revision. Whoever signed an agreement before taking this step does not know anything about our Constitution.
Violat
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee MP Ali Al-Rashed disclosed the agreement contains 20 articles and most of which violate the Constitution. He said Article Two of the agreement that stipulates about those who violate the law contradicts articles 31, 32, 33 and 34 of the Constitution. He added he cannot even imagine how to amend this particular article. Al-Rashed also cited Article Three of the agreement as it contradicts the freedom of expression stipulated in Article 36 of the Constitution. He said the next article in the agreement regarding personal information violates Article 30 of the constitution which safeguards personal life. Article 10 which is linked to requesting support from Gulf security forces in times of security disorder directly violates the sovereignty of the country stipulated in Article 159 of the Constitution. Article 14 of the agreement diminishes our country's sovereignty and violates articles 28 and 46 of the Constitution, he added. He disclosed the agreement contains another 'terrifying' article - number 14 - on the extradition of suspects and convicts as it violates articles 7, 8, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, 166 and 167 of the Constitution. He added Article 18 of the agreement on revealing confidential information about citizens to a third party violates Article 30 of the Constitution which guarantees personal liberty. In another development, MP Abdullah Al-Tamimi congratulated Bedouns - sons of Kuwaiti women married to non- Kuwaitis - for being accepted into the military through a decree issued by the Ministry of Defense. The MP said he received a phone call from Defense Minister Sheikh Kaled Al- Jarrah, affirming these youths will be summoned within the week to finalize their application and enlist them into the academy. He urged the other ministers to follow in the footsteps of Sheikh Khaled and allow Bedouns, particularly the sons of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis, to serve their country in all governmental sectors, especially since a number of them hold high academic degrees in different fields needed by the government sector
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