Latest news with #Kuwait-Iraq
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait urges UN role as Iraq backs bilateral talks on missing persons
'The families of the missing and victims deserve justice and answers,' says Kuwait's Al-Bannai NEW YORK: Kuwait and Iraq have reaffirmed this week their commitment to resolving the long-standing humanitarian issues stemming from the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait—specifically the cases of missing persons and lost national archives—while expressing differing views on the best path forward. In a meeting with ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and the European Union, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani said his government 'places great importance on Iraq's relations with Kuwait' and is working to address 'the file of missing Kuwaiti persons and lost Kuwaiti property, including the national archives.' The Prime Minister emphasized Baghdad's approach to resolving the issue 'in the framework of bilateral cooperation,' according to a statement from his office. His remarks followed a Security Council session in New York, during which Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Tareq Al-Bannai, called for continued UN engagement on the file. 'These issues are not political disputes or bilateral disagreements, but humanitarian matters,' Al-Bannai said. 'The families of the missing and victims deserve justice and answers regarding the fate of their loved ones.' Al-Bannai added: 'An entire nation is awaiting the return of its national archives, which are integral to restoring Kuwait's historical memory. This is not just symbolic—it is a cornerstone for preserving Kuwait's collective memory. Any delay in this matter undermines the historical justice we are seeking.' The council session also featured a briefing by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Iraq, Mohamed Al-Hassan, who welcomed 'the increase in field operations and the use of advanced technology to locate possible burial sites of missing Kuwaitis,' and called for 'intensified efforts and enhanced coordination—including the search for witnesses to help locate the remains of 315 individuals still missing.' Al-Hassan also noted the importance of accelerating the return of missing Kuwaiti property, including the archives, in light of 'the recently welcomed decision to reactivate the joint Kuwait-Iraq committee on missing Kuwaiti property.' In his remarks to the council, Al-Bannai underlined that the matter requires continued international attention. 'These are inalienable rights that do not expire with time and should not be subject to political calculations or procedural delays,' he said. 'Ending this suffering requires genuine will—turning words into tangible actions, free from procrastination and stalling.' Al-Bannai also reiterated Kuwait's support for the Secretary-General's recommendation to appoint a senior UN official to follow up on these files after the UNAMI mandate ends in December 2025. He stated that such a mechanism 'would yield more effective and concrete results, maintain momentum, and ensure sustained efforts toward the desired outcomes.' 'Kuwait believes bilateral cooperation with Iraq remains essential,' Al-Bannai said, 'but UN follow-up through the Security Council is indispensable.' As of now, both Iraq and Kuwait have expressed their commitment to resolving the files, but continue to differ on the appropriate mechanism. Iraq has favored bilateral arrangements, while Kuwait has stressed the role of the UN and the Security Council in ensuring progress on what it describes as a humanitarian matter. — Agencies
Arab Times
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
‘Visa waiver for Kuwaiti fans positive step'
KUWAIT CITY, March 20: Iraqi Ambassador to Kuwait Al-Munhal Al-Safi said the Iraqi Embassy hosted a reception at its diwaniya for well-wishers celebrating the holy month of Ramadan. In a press statement following the reception that took place recently in the presence of several royal family members, officials, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, prominent figures, business leaders and representatives from all segments of the Kuwaiti society Al-Safi expressed his gratitude to all those who attended the event. Meanwhile, in response to a question about the recent visit of Assistant Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mohammad Bahr Al-Uloom Al-Safi described the visit as 'brotherly' and expressed optimism that such visits will continue in the near future. On the other hand, Advisor to the Amiri Diwan Sheikh Faisal Al-Humoud Al-Malik shared his happiness over attending the reception. He prayed for the enduring brotherhood, friendship and love between the two nations. 'Kuwait and Iraq are brothers and neighbors with a long-standing relationship. Inshallah, this bond will remain strong forever,' he said. He emphasized that the two countries' relationship is both geographically and brotherly rooted, likening it to that of 'uncle and nephew,' stressing it is built on mutual respect. On the upcoming Kuwait-Iraq football match Sheikh Faisal wished success to both teams indicating 'there are no losers in such a match. However, I do hope for a victory for Kuwait.' Sheikh Khaled Al-Bader Al-Mohammad also spoke at the event, affirming it is an honor to attend the reception at the invitation of the Iraqi Ambassador. 'We are delighted to meet and connect with our diplomatic and Kuwaiti brothers,' he said. He then expressed his Ramadan greetings to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah. He praised Iraq's initiative to waive visa requirements for Kuwaiti football fans, calling it a positive step. 'Had we been hosting the tournament, we would have taken the same approach to ensure its success. Kuwait will always welcome them as they would in their second home,' he asserted. Describing the match between the Iraqi and Kuwaiti national teams as a 'meeting of brothers;' he added 'this is a victory regardless of which team wins. Any country that advances to the finals represents the other, as we share the same hopes and aspirations.'
Arab Times
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Appeal Court upholds acquittal of Football Association officials in state security case
KUWAIT CITY, March 3: The Court of Appeal has upheld the acquittal of the former President of the Football Association, his deputy, and the Secretary-General in a case involving charges of false state security broadcasting and harming the country's national interests. The charges were related to the events surrounding the Kuwait-Iraq match at Jaber Stadium. Earlier, the Criminal Court had acquitted Haif Al-Daihani, the former President of the Football Association, his deputy Ahmed Aqla, and the Secretary-General Salah Al-Qanaei of all charges in connection with the state security case. The case stemmed from the incidents that occurred during the Kuwait-Iraq match.
