US embassy cable - 04KUWAIT3751

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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http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ 
 
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LeBaron