(MENAFN- Arab Times) Kuwait is not completely safe from terrorism but the unity of its people will defy the malicious goals of terrorists, says National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim. Al-Ghanim made the statement Tuesday when the Assembly allotted one hour of its session to eulogize the martyrs of Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque suicide bombing.
Abdullah Al-Salem Hall was adorned with Kuwait flags while the MPs and ministers wore Kuwait flag scarves as an expression of solidarity with the families of the victims. In his eulogy, Al-Ghanim lamented, "Terror struck Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque which was full of worshippers on Friday. This resulted in the death of 27 people and injuries to several others. A few minutes after the incident, HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the government and people of Kuwait condemned the criminal act which was aimed at instigating conflict between two sects € Sunni and Shia. However, both sects are of one religion, one Prophet (PBUH), one book and one face." He thanked the ministries of Interior and Health, as well as the Kuwaitis, for their quick response; particularly the tremendous efforts they exerted in dealing with the victims and the injured.
On the other hand, Minister of Interior Sheikh Mohammed Al- Khalid Al-Sabah disclosed the terrorists were actually targeting two mosques, not only Al-Sadiq; but the security measures taken earlier thwarted their plan.
He said the Amir's presence was a unique and unprecedented step considering the dangerous situation. "When we were inside the mosque, I asked HH the Amir to leave because it was risky but he refused and he shed tears upon seeing the bodies lying on the floor," he narrated.
He went on to say, "We are at war and there are other cells but we will not wait for them to try their luck with us." He asserted the people of Kuwait wrote a poignant, patriotic and heroic poem while the retirees offered help; describing such moves as an awe-inspiring expression of solidarity. He pointed out the fact that a young man, in his 20s, flew in from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain and then to Kuwait to blow himself up is insignificant, "as we want to hit those behind him and brainwashed him to carry out a horrible act." Minister of Oil and State Minister for National Assembly Affairs Ali Al-Omair asserted HH the Amir wrote an unprecedented history for being the first official in the crime scene. He said this is a clear indication of the Amir's unity with the people. He affirmed all official bodies rushed to the mosque to deal with the crisis, stressing the Cabinet did everything to handle the crisis efficiently and the security authorities have arrested the perpetrators.
Health Minister Ali Al-Obeidi disclosed the first ambulance arrived at the mosque just eight minutes after the bombing. He said the Amiri, Sabah, Adan and Mubarak Al-Kabeer hospitals provided treatment to more than 200 people who were injured in the incident.
He thanked all the doctors and medical staff for their hard work, confirming a medical team from abroad will arrive soon to assist in treating the injured. Information Minister Sheikh Salman Al-Hamoud affirmed the ministry is keen on fighting against deviant ideologies and the Kuwaiti media effectively plays its role in this regard. Minister of Justice, Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Yacoub Al-Sane disclosed the Supreme Judicial Council head told him about a plan to establish a fast-track court to handle the suicide bombing case. He explained this will speed up procedures in handling the case.
Education and Higher Education Minister Bader Al-Essa promised to the curricula not only in schools and universities to prevent the spread of deviant ideologies among the youths. In another development, the government and Parliament also eulogized former MP and former Head of State Audit Bureau Abdul-Aziz Al-Adsani who passed away last Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Parliament discussed draft bills on the establishment of a public authority for sports and another for youth affairs. Both bills were referred to the government. State Minister for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Hamoud stressed the need to develop the creative minds of the youths through the establishment of an authority in charge of their affairs. He added the formation of a separate authority for sports will restore Kuwait's leading role in this field.
Moreover, the Parliament approved the proposal to amend the Telecommunications Law and the request to refer MPs elected from 1992 to 2013 to the Public Authority for Anti-Corruption. Also, the Parliament agreed to refer the report of the committee tasked to investigate the alleged violations in the distribution of agricultural land to the government.
By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff
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