Kuwait marks 64th Independence Day
KUWAIT: Kuwait on Thursday celebrated its 64th independence anniversary, a joyous occasion that marked a new chapter in the northern Gulf state, which took its first steps in the journey of development. The late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah signed the Declaration of Independence with the British Chief Political Resident in the Arabian Gulf Sir George Middleton, ending the protectorate agreement and paving the way for a journey of development.
Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem said: 'On this day of our beloved nation ... On this day we move from one stage to another stage of history, and we fold a page from the past ... and open a new page through this agreement through which Kuwait earned its complete independence and full sovereignty.' Three years after the declaration, a decree was signed on May 18, 1964 merging the national day with the day in which Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem assumed office, making it February 25. Celebrations have been held on that day since 1965.
Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem took carefully measured steps for this day since assuming office in 1950, securing independence and paving the way for adopting a constitution. He signed a decree on August 26, 1961 to hold elections of the Constituent Assembly, mandated with writing the constitution. The 183-article constitution was completed in nine months, and it laid the foundations for a sturdy democratic regime, putting the Kuwaiti people on a path of progress and prosperity. On Sept 7, 1961, an Amiri decree was signed specifying the shape and colors of the Kuwaiti flag, the very first flag to be flown following independence.
Kuwait has made many accomplishments at many levels over the past 64 years, meeting the aspirations of citizens, playing a major role in regional and international issues, and becoming a global humanitarian center. Kuwait became member of the Arab League on July 20, 1961. The UN Security Council began considering on Nov 30, 1961 Kuwait's application to join the United Nations, and on May 14, 1963, the application was approved and Kuwait became the UN's 111th member.
The 15-year reign of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem, who was dubbed the 'Father of Independence' and 'Father of the Constitution', was peppered with achievements. At that time, Kuwait accomplished 43 laws and legislation, including the nationality law, monetary law, passports law and the organization of government departments. New departments were established to cope with the development of the nation, like public works, health, publication, knowledge, municipality, post and telephone, electricity and water, social affairs, awqaf and radio and television. Kuwait remains on a steady path of preventative diplomacy, crisis mediation and efforts contributing to solving outstanding regional and international issues. — KUNA
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