WEAK AMIR PRESIDES OVER OPENING OF PARLIAMENT;

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 003751

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARPI AND INR/B

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/01/2014
TAGS: PGOV KWMN PINR KU
SUBJECT: WEAK AMIR PRESIDES OVER OPENING OF PARLIAMENT;
FOCUS ON WOMEN'S RIGHTS, IRAQ, AND THE PALESTINIANS


Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4 (b)


1. (C) A frail Amir Shaykh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah opened the
National Assembly session on October 26, marking the start of
the second year of Kuwait's tenth National Assembly
legislative term. The Amiri address, traditionally delivered
by the Amir at the beginning of each session, was instead
read by Prime Minister Shaykh Sabah Al-Ahmad. (Note: The
Amir is required by the Constitution to open the Assembly,
and, with some coaching, he managed to whisper the necessary
phrases at the beginning of the session. End Note.) The
speech urged political and economic reform in the new year to
include granting women political rights and passing political
and economic reform legislation. He said Kuwait will
continue to pursue its development strategy and reduce
dependence on oil, and further remarked that the government
intends to make the country a commercial hub by developing
Kuwait's airports and harbors. The speech also addressed
Kuwait's intensified fight against terrorism and condemned
acts of terrorism perpetrated by "Israel against the
Palestinians" calling for a return of international observers
to the region. He also assured Iraqis that Kuwait will
continue to help Iraq through its current difficult stage.


2. (U) Speaker of Parliament, MP Jassem Al-Khorafi, also
spoke, saying that MP performance in the last session was
"below expectations" and that MPs and Ministers should ensure
development, stability, and peace for Kuwait. Al-Khorafi
added that the world should stop laying the blame for
terrorism on Islam and called on the international community
to act "immediately to protect Palestinians against Israel's
continuous aggression." After the ceremonial remarks,
elections were held for membership of the National Assembly's
ten permanent and eight ad hoc committees. Islamist MPs made
a strong showing, securing the chairmanship of four permanent
committees.

Comment
--------------


3. (C) After the ceremonial opening, Kuwait TV aired coverage
of the Amir greeting Cabinet Ministers and MPs. As each
Kuwaiti well-wisher approached, one of the Amir's aides could
be seen whispering into the Amir's ear. (Note: While it is
unknown what was said, in the past, aides have been known to
provide the Amir the name of those coming to greet him. End
Note.) Throughout this period, the Amir was standing on his
own limited strength, but in a permanent stoop. The very
weak Amir was even unable to readjust his "iqal"--the black
corded material that holds the white "ghutra" in place in the
Arab headdress--when it was inadvertently bumped during
opening ceremonies. An embarrassed silence pervaded the hall
as aides attempted to re-adjust the Amir's headgear.

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LeBaron