Kuwait- No Decree On Security Pact

(MENAFN- Arab Times) "We have to rally behind the political leadership because no State, organization or party is above the interests of Kuwait," says National Assembly Speaker Marzouk Al- Ghanim. In a press conference Wednesday, Al-Ghanim disclosed the Parliament will meet the government on Sunday to discuss issues related to the Abdally terrorist cell in the presence of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak.

He stressed the need to reveal facts regarding the case upon completion of investigations and to identify all those behind the cell, whether they are from Iran or the Hezbollah. He asserted statements regarding the case should be wise and reasonable rather than emotional and impulsive. He said the regional situation is complicated so the statements should be in line with that of the political leadership and the executive branch.

He strongly believes Kuwait will be more cohesive after overcoming this crisis and whoever wants to divide the nation will never succeed. He affirmed all the lawmakers are committed in implementing the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah whom he met in Britain recently, while stressing the need to impose the harshest punishment on anyone proven guilty. He also clarified there is no new development regarding the GCC security agreement which will not be issued through a decree of necessity.

He said, "We will not accept an agreement or bill that is unconstitutional." He added the parliamentary Legal and Legislative Committee is still studying the agreement.

On the claim of Iranian Shura Council Head Ali Larijani that some people and countries are harboring hatred toward the Hezbollah, Al-Ghanim said Kuwaitis have no grudges against Hezbollah or any person but if Hezbollah or any organization wants to hurt Kuwait, its people will not tolerate such acts. "We live in a State with a constitution and laws; hence, the judiciary will determine who will be held responsible for the Abdally terrorist cell," he added.

On the call for a Gulf confederation, Al-Ghanim argued there have been doubts regarding religious elements making such calls at a time they rejected the security agreement. He confirmed the Gulf countries are united through the Gulf Cooperation Council, "and I do not know why some religious figures keep calling for confederation, especially this time." On the alleged involvement of some lawmakers in the Abdally terrorist cell, Al-Ghanim disclosed he did not hear such allegation. He revealed the Parliament-government meeting slated for Sunday is aimed at clarifying issues. He asserted that he will inform the public if anyone in the National Assembly is involved in the terrorist cell and he will be transparent in responding to all questions regarding the case.

He went on to say, "We are against anyone who threatens national security and we will not allow anyone to make our nation a bridge for sedition." On the call for dissolution or suspension of the Parliament, Al-Ghanim pointed out they have been hearing this rumor since the beginning of the legislative term. He believes the current Assembly will complete its term so it will stay until 2017.