MEDIA REACTION: FULL POLITICAL RIGHTS FOR KUWAITI

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 002094

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARPI, NEA/PPD, NEA/P, PA, INR/R/MR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OIIP PGOV KMDR XF KU WOMEN POLITICAL RIGHTS
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: FULL POLITICAL RIGHTS FOR KUWAITI
WOMEN



1. Summary: Kuwaiti media hailed the granting of full
political rights for women by the National Assembly on the
evening of May 16, 2005, as a "historic" moment. Initial
reaction in all papers was positive and they are calling
the granting to Kuwaiti women full political rights as the
first step toward more economic and political reforms. End
summary.

"A historic day"
--------------


2. Al-Anba front-page editorial on May 17, 2005 (Arabic
language daily, circ. 40,000):

When History Speaks Out: The least that could be said
about yesterday is that it was a historic day. The period
between May 16, 1999 and May 16, 2005 was one of a
political struggle for the Government of Kuwait under the
leadership of Shaykh Sabah Al Ahmed. Yesterday's move by
the government was the biggest step towards reforms since
drafting the constitution in Kuwait. Political reform must
be accompanied by equal economic reform and development
plans for the achievement to be complete.

"Our congratulations and gratitude"
--------------


3. Al-Watan front-page editorial on May 17, 2005 (Arabic-
language daily, circ. 65,000):

Congratulations to Women and Men: All those who
participated in the process of reaching a verdict on
women's political rights, whether they were with or against
the issue, deserve our congratulation and gratitude.
However, two parties should take most of the credit. First
is H.H. Shaykh Ahmed Al Sabah who proved that if the
government wanted to do something, it is capable of doing
it through the cooperation among its various members and
under the leadership of his Highness. Second, we must
express our gratitude to the Speaker of the National
Assembly, Mr. Jassem Al Khorafi, who managed to lead one of
the most difficult sessions in the history of the National
Assembly. . At the end, it must be said that yesterday's
session was a historic moment that brought joy to the
hearts of the people of Kuwait. The leader of this nation
encouraged women to work with men on the development of
this country.

"Women's rights should be only the beginning"
--------------


4. Al-Rai Al-Aam front-page editorial on May 17, 2005
(Arabic-language daily, circ. 70,000):

This Is Kuwait, and this is its Emir: May 16, 2005 was a
national day of victory for the Kuwaiti women. It remains
to be said that women's rights should only be the beginning
of developing our political system, and not the end. We do
not want to go backwards, rather, we must look ahead.
Women's rights are just the first step towards expanding
public participation in the decision-making process, and a
step towards reforming the mechanisms of work in the
parliament and in the government, and also towards a new
contemporary democratic system that avoids all loopholes.

"On the path of political-economic reform"
--------------


5. Al-Qabas front-page editorial on May 17, 2005 (Arabic-
language daily, circ. 65,000):

Their Rights is a National Day: Yesterday was the end of
the 20% democracy, and we moved to a democracy where at
least half the nation participates. This is the minimum
acceptable level of participation internationally. This is
an opportunity to repeat our opinion that expanding the
electors' base would not be effective unless we have full
participation, and this would lead to the proper reform of
the political system. The achievement of May 16th is an
incentive to go forward, and here we mean on the path of
political-economic reforms, because these are the only
things that would guarantee that our great nation catches
up with the rest of the world and preserves its position
among the developed nations.

Islamists: Our women will vote and "we will win"
-------------- --------------


6. Additional front-page headlines from some of the major
papers on the passage of full political rights for Kuwaiti
women:

- Al-Anba (Arabic, circ. 40,000): NA approves women's
political rights, increase in pay in Monday's session,
municipality elections to be discussed today;
Congratulations ... To Kuwait; Sabah Al-Ahmad asserts
government keenness to assign a female minister,
international welcoming of the voting with 35 in support,
23 against and Al-Khorafi abstained.
- Al-Qabas (Arabic, circ. 65,000): Democracy flies with
two wings. Full women's rights a historic accomplishment
for Shaykh Sabah's government; Prime Minister: Women in
government soon; Women voters 20-25 percent more than men;
Jaber Al-Mubarak: Amir's wish achieved with efforts of
Sabah Al-Ahmad; Washington: A step that endorses
effectiveness of democracy.

- Al-Rai Al-Aam (Arabic, circ. 70,000): Kuwaiti women ...
with full rights. MP's Saadoun and Barad vote in favor of
bill. 35 in favor and 23 against, Al-Khorafi abstained as
he is keen to remain "unbiased"; Govt. sets aside
postponing municipal elections and will only appoint women
in Municipal Council for this time; Sabah Al-Ahmad promises
a female will be named minister soon; Islamists expects to
have majority in 2007: We will register our women and will
let them participate and we'll win; Step welcomed
internationally.

- Al-Seyassah (Arabic, circ. 45,000): Sabah Al-Ahmad: We
congratulate Kuwaiti women ... Now we can name a female for
minister; Kuwait's democracy complete with this justice, 50
KD increase in retirement pay and those receiving social
aid; Those opposing women's rights tried to delay the
voting with "confused talk"; Dr. Awwad Barad, Ali Al-Hajeri
and Salem Al-Hammad surprised all by taking a supporting
stand for women's rights.

- Al-Watan (Arabic, circ. 65,000): H.H. Amir's dream comes
true ... Kuwaiti women elect and be elected in 2007; US: A
Kuwaiti step that would have positive outcomes for the
region; Municipal elections on time ... Possibility of
naming two women to the Government.

- Arab Times (English, circ. 40,000): Legislative blitz
amends election law, Women win political rights; Kuwaiti
women made history Monday when they were given full
political rights paving the way for them to participate in
the country's political life; Streets celebrate historic
win as "A great day for Kuwait"

- Kuwait Times (English, circ. 35,000): Women get the vote
at last, have to "abide by Shari'a"; A Red-letter day for
Kuwaiti women!

LEBARON