(MENAFN - Arab Times) Kuwait should strengthen economic and security ties with Iran and Iraq, says parliamentary elections candidate from the First Constituency Abdul Hameed Dashti.
Asserting Kuwait should not listen to those who spread terrifying rumors about the two countries, Dashti said, "We should protect Kuwait by balancing relations with neighboring nations. Some people seem bent on spreading scary stories about Iran and Iraq. Over the last 400 years, we have not seen anything from Iran. We have excellent relations with Saudi Arabia. We should sign a treaty of good neighborhood, as well as economic and security cooperation with Iraq and Iran. They have excellent markets for our products." He also emphasized the need to open communication lines with the two countries.
Criticizing the difficulties faced by Kuwaiti Shiites who want to visit the holy sites, Dashti lamented, "They stand for hours in long queues to get out of Kuwait." He called on the Kuwaiti government to ease procedures for these people.
Support
On the call for a con-federalism state, Dashti affirmed his support for any union that respects the Kuwaiti privacy, including the state institutions and Constitution, in addition to the development efforts and non-discrimination based on origin, race and religion. He revealed one of the laws he will adopt, if given a chance to join the Parliament, is criminalizing all forms of discrimination. "All Kuwaitis have the right to be ambassadors and ministers, so no one feels like a lump in the throat," he added.
On dual citizenship, Dashti clarified this is against the law, while stressing the importance of addressing the issue. He also called for finding lasting solutions to a number of problems related to women, health, education and autonomy of the judiciary.
Asked about rumors on the cancellation of his candidacy, Dashti explained everything that happened had no legal basis and unconstitutional. He described the government's efforts in this regard as "unsuccessful".
Dashti said Kuwait is currently going through a critical and historic phase, pointing out the Kuwaitis have expressed concern on the recent events because they feel there is something serious happening around them.
He said a strange culture is being imposed on the people to undermine national unity. He added everyone thinks the Constitution is a target and he compared the latest incidents in the local arena to a 'soft invasion'. "We want to avoid the worst but some people want to impose a culture totally different from that of Kuwait. All Kuwaitis know their history, starting from the 17th century when Al-Riqqa battle took place, during which both Mohammed Al-Shamali and Najim Al-Wazzan died," he said.
Affirming that Kuwaitis have been united since the inception of the country 300 years ago, Dashti asserted the Kuwaitis fought side by side during the Al-Safir and Al-Jahra wars to defend their homeland. He warned some people wrongly believe the current conditions are conducive for attacking the legitimacy of Kuwaitis.
In another development, Attorney Abdullah Al-Ahmed, who will contest the elections from the Second Constituency, surprised everyone when he announced that he will handle the corruption case of former prime minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah.
Al-Ahmed also tackled a number of cases that led to extensive disputes in previous days, including the decision of the Interior Ministry to disqualify former MP Dr Faisal Al-Muslim from the legislative election.
