Question on ‘Metro Project' deferred at Municipal Council panel meet
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: The Technical Committee at the Municipal Council, led by Munira Al-Amir, convened Tuesday during which it deliberated on eight items in its agenda. The committee requested detailed studies from the executive body on two matters: amending the Municipal Council's decision on the Egaila Beach development project (No. 7) and adding a fast food restaurant activity to the main roads. Three requests were returned to the executive body for updates as follows: allocating land for a stray dog shelter, amending the requirements for residential complex buildings, and addressing the residential construction percentages issue in Abu Al-Hasaniya. The committee deferred the vice-chairman's question about the Metro Project, the Real Estate Union's observations on building work regulations, and a soft drink company's request to allocate sidewalk space for coolers.
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Arab Times
13-05-2025
- Arab Times
Judicial reform under the guidance of the highest leadership
Preserving human dignity and protecting human rights is the mission of the political leadership. Classifying bounced checks as a payment instrument is inconsistent with reality. Credit cards and gold should not be considered criminalized payment methods. Certain violations are being described in a manner that does not reflect their legal reality. The burden of reform is heavy and requires effort, perseverance, and careful deliberation to avoid mistakes that could create loopholes criminals might exploit to evade punishment. In light of this, the highest authorities have stressed the importance of completing the process quickly, but without haste. Informed sources highlighted the current focus of the judiciary and the Minister of Justice on amending laws related to the judicial system, the Penal Code, and penalties. The sources said, 'Amir's speeches have urged updating these laws to keep pace with global developments,' as there are over 900 outdated laws requiring revision. Higher instructions have been given to the Minister of Justice and his carefully selected team to update approximately 46 laws related to the Ministry of Justice, ensuring that the amendments take into consideration humanitarian aspects. Around 15 laws have already been amended, while others are still under study and development or have been referred to the Fatwa and Legislation Department. In addition, 12 laws are now being implemented following the ratification of their amendments. The ultimate goal of the political leadership is to create a society with modern legislation that preserves human dignity, prevents injustice, and limits inconsistencies in judicial rulings. All of this is being carried out under the close supervision and follow-up of the highest leadership, especially regarding amendments related to human rights, to align with Kuwait's global image.' These sources further revealed that international conferences, including one in Geneva next month, will hold discussions on issues related to terrorism, money laundering, and national rights. They said the conference will provide an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of the Ministry of Justice and its Minister Nasser Al-Sumait. The sources indicated that Kuwait has unfortunately fallen behind in amending these laws, and that Minister of Justice Nasser Al- Sumait, along with some of his advisors, will participate in two international forums scheduled for June. They said the Ministry of Justice has completed the required task after a long struggle to meet the international community's demands regarding human rights issues, adding that the strictness of certain laws concerning financial and civil matters, under the guise of protecting rights, has placed Kuwait under increased international scrutiny. The judicial sources explained that there is a misunderstanding regarding the term 'payment tool,' which has been used as a justification for harsh treatment and imprisonment of individuals who issue checks without sufficient funds. This misunderstanding extends to credit cards, gold cards, and other similar instruments, which, despite being 'payment tools,' are not subject to legal punishment. Certain violations, such as exam leaks, lack a clear legal definition, leading to judicial rulings that contradict the reality of the situation. The sources emphasized the importance of some ministries, such as the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Justice, in distancing themselves from the responsibility of collecting debts on behalf of usurers and moneylenders who charge exorbitant interest rates. They confirmed that the primary mission of these ministries is to ensure public security and administer justice. They said creditors are responsible for safeguarding their assets by thoroughly investigating a borrower's financial situation, to prevent individuals from facing imprisonment for issuing bounced checks. In confirmation of a report published by the daily a few days ago about the unjustified harshness faced by debtors, judicial sources stated, 'The primary mission of the Council of Ministers, in its legislative capacity, is to work towards achieving justice for all, particularly for insolvent debtors who are being unjustly treated.' They highlighted the importance of the first step in this direction: the cancellation of salary garnishments for debtors, adding that further actions are required to ensure Kuwait does not become the subject of international criticism during the conferences scheduled in June. In conclusion, the sources emphasized that no loopholes will be left that could harm Kuwait's reputation internationally, adding, 'The orders from the highest leadership are clear regarding preserving human dignity and providing a suitable environment for citizens to work without undue stress or disruption'.
Kuwait Times
11-05-2025
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait, Lebanon enjoy deeply rooted and multifaceted ties
Amir welcomes Lebanese President KUWAIT: Relations between Kuwait and Lebanon are deeply rooted and span decades of political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation. From early diplomatic outreach to enduring mutual support during times of crisis, the two Arab nations have cultivated a partnership built on shared values and regional solidarity. Historical ties date back to the 1920s and 1940s, with formal diplomatic engagements beginning in the 1960s. Lebanon appointed a non-resident ambassador to Kuwait in December 1962, later inaugurating its embassy in 1964. In the same year, Kuwait opened its own embassy in Beirut, appointing Mohammad Al-Ghanim as its first ambassador to oversee bilateral relations. Lebanon's firm stance against the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait remains a pivotal moment in the countries' relationship. Beirut unequivocally condemned the aggression and called for the immediate withdrawal of Iraqi forces. Years earlier, Kuwait had expressed similar solidarity with Lebanon during its civil war, playing a prominent role in mediating peace efforts. In 1988, Kuwait led a six-member Arab League committee, laying the groundwork for the Taif Agreement, which ultimately ended the conflict. High-level visits further underscore the strength of ties. In August 1993, the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah became the first GCC leader to visit Lebanon since the outbreak of the civil war in 1975. His visit symbolized Kuwait's appreciation for Lebanon's support during the invasion. In 1996, then-Crown Prince Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah reaffirmed those sentiments during his official visit. Amir welcomes Lebanese President KUWAIT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and his accompanying delegation arrived in Kuwait on Monday afternoon on an official visit. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah were at the airport to receive the President. Aoun was also received by Chief of the National Guard Sheikh Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sharida Abdullah Al-Maousherji, Acting Minister of Defense and Interior Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and senior state officials. The president is accompanied by an official delegation that includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Youssef Raji and a number of senior officials in the government of the sisterly Lebanese Republic. In May 2010, the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah visited Lebanon, during which six cooperation agreements were signed across multiple sectors. Lebanese President Michel Aoun's 2018 visit to Kuwait further highlighted the sustained diplomatic engagement between the two countries, with discussions held alongside His Highness the Amir and other senior officials. Economic cooperation has also been a defining feature of Kuwaiti-Lebanese relations. A number of agreements have been signed over the decades to bolster trade and investment. In 2018, the Kuwaiti-Lebanese Economic Committee and the Lebanese Business Council in Kuwait were established to enhance private sector collaboration, hosting numerous investors and entrepreneurs from both countries. The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has played a vital role in Lebanon's development, extending financial support for agricultural and infrastructure projects. Kuwait's assistance was also evident during international donor gatherings, including the 2018 CEDRE conference in Paris, where it pledged $500 million to aid Lebanon's economic recovery. That same year, Kuwait reaffirmed its backing of Lebanon's security forces during the Rome II conference. Kuwait's humanitarian support has been consistent and swift in times of crisis. During the 2006 Zionist aggression, Kuwait extended aid to the Lebanese people. It also responded promptly to the 2020 Beirut Port explosion and has continuously supported Syrian refugees residing in Lebanon. Most recently, in November 2024, Kuwait launched an air bridge to deliver urgent humanitarian aid amid Zionist intensified military campaign against Lebanon. In the healthcare sector, the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) provided over $500,000 in May 2021 to support Lebanon's COVID-19 vaccination efforts for both citizens and refugee communities. While the depth of Kuwaiti-Lebanese ties could fill volumes, one constant remains: both nations continue to seek avenues to strengthen their partnership and stand by each other in pursuit of regional stability, prosperity, and mutual growth. — KUNA
Arab Times
28-04-2025
- Arab Times
‘Fast-track Metro Project to realize Kuwait Vision 35'
KUWAIT CITY, April 28: The Municipal Council, headed by Abdullah Al-Mahri, held its 17 regular session for the third legislative round on Monday. During the session, the council approved the following: Request of the Ministry of Public Works to allocate a reservoir and a track, add the use of Unitized Distribution System (UDS) transformer and cancel the previous allocation of reservoirs in South Sabahiya; Request of the Ministry of Electricity to allocate overhead lines to connect Wafra Z2 main transformer station to the overhead lines Request of the Ministry of Interior to create additional parking spaces next to Qurain Health Center in Qurain, Block Two; Amendments to Table No. Six stating the requirements and specifications for agricultural and livestock areas in the new building regulations; Building requirements for areas affiliated with the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR), Public Authority for Sports (PAS), Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) or any other government agency. These areas are used for the cultivation of agricultural products, fish farming, poultry, livestock, cattle, horse and camel breeding; beekeeping, honey production and services; breeding and training of racehorses and camels by hunting and equestrian clubs and camel clubs; in addition to certain plots in Abdally and Wafra. The important amendments include specifying the building percentages in the agricultural areas in Wafra, Abdally and Sulaibiya. The permitted building percentage is 10 percent of the plot size with a maximum of 10,000 square meters. Dairy farms are permitted to have varying building percentages distributed as follows: five percent for feed stores, one percent for repair shops, three percent for milking facilities and 10 percent for residential buildings, not exceeding 1,000 square meters. Horse breeding plots should not exceed 10,000 square meters, with building percentages not exceeding 15 percent of the plot size. Five percent of broiler and layer chicken plots should be allocated for workers' housing and five percent for feed and machinery storage. Areas designated for light pens for poultry production and breeding should also be included. Areas for raising horses and racing camels should not exceed 50 percent of the plot size. Plots located in Block 10 in Wafra Agricultural Area should measure at least 500 square meters and not exceed 5,000 square meters, which will be distributed to unions, associations,and companies. Moreover, the council presented three recommendations as per the reply of the Kuwait Municipality to the question of Deputy Chairman Khaled Al-Mutairi about the Kuwait Metro Project as follows: 1. Identify the government entity responsible for designing and implementing the Metro Project. 2. Re-evaluate the metro lines and stations stated in the previous decision of the Municipal Council. 3. Expedite the implementation of the Metro Project to realize the New Kuwait Vision and the development plan of the country.
