Kuwait

Kuwait

Kuwait

De Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Saltar a navegacin, bsqueda Dawlat al-KuwaytEstado de Kuwait

BanderaEscudo

Lema: For KuwaitPor KuwaitHimno nacional: Al-Nasheed Al-Watani

Capital Poblacin CoordenadasKuwait32.403 hab. (2005)

HYPERLINK "http://tools.wikimedia.de/~magnus/geo/geohack.php?language=es&params=29_22_N_47_58_E" \o "http://tools.wikimedia.de/~magnus/geo/geohack.php?language=es&params=29_22_N_47_58_E" 2922'N 4758'ECiudad ms pobladaKuwaitIdiomas oficialesrabeForma de gobiernoMonarquaEmirHeredero de la coronaPrimer ministroSabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-SabahNawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-SabahNasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-SabahIndependencia- declarada

del Reino Unido19 de junio de 1961Superficie Total% aguaFronterasPuesto 15717.820 km2despreciable462 km

Poblacin Total DensidadPuesto 1372.335.648116 hab/km2PIB (nominal) Total PIB per cpita

n/dn/d

PIB (PPA) Total (2005) PIB per cpitaPuesto 78US$ 44.675.000.000US$ 16.297

IDH (2007)

0,891 (33)AltoMonedaDinar kuwait (KWD)

GentilicioKuwait

Huso horario en veranoUTC + 3=

Dominio Internet.kwPrefijo telefnico+965Prefijo radiofnico9KA-9KZCdigo ISO414 / KWT / KW

Miembro de: OPEP, ONU, LA

El Estado de Kuwait es una pequea monarqua en la costa del Golfo Prsico. Limita con Iraq al Norte y con Arabia Saudita al Sur.

Tabla de contenidos

[ocultar] 1 Historia

1.1 Invasin iraqu

2 Gobierno y poltica

2.1 Elecciones del 2008

3 Organizacin poltico-administrativa

4 Geografa

5 Ecologa

6 Economa

7 Demografa

8 Cultura

8.1 Hospitalidad

8.2 Diwaniah

8.3 Msica

8.3.1 Msica y baile tradicional

8.4 Deportes

8.5 Fiestas

9 Referencias

Historia [editar]Artculo principal: Historia de KuwaitEs posible rastrear la historia de Kuwait desde el 600 adC, cuando los griegos se instalaron en la isla Failaka, en la zona de Al-Khazna Hill, denominndola Icarus donde permanecieron hasta aproximadamente el 300 adC. En dicho periodo ciertos elementos de la mitologa griega se mezclaron con la cultura local, quienes habitaban la isla desde el 700 adC.

Tiempo despus, los persas conquistaron el actual territorio de Kuwait, hasta que en el 623 de nuestra era, los rabes derrotan a los persas en la batalla de Zat Al-Salassel, en la zona de Kazima, pasando a dominar el territorio de ah en adelante.

Kuwait naci en el siglo XVI, cuando varios clanes de la tribu Al Aniza migraron a la orilla norte del Golfo Prsico desde el Najd, su tierra natal afectada por las hambrunas, en la Arabia central. Se asentaron en lo que hoy es conocido como Qatar durante ms de sesenta aos y ms tarde viajaron a travs del mar para reasentarse en la isla De Chader, donde ya haba un pequeo fuerte kut. De acuerdo al Ministerio de Informacin kuwait, el pas fue fundado en 1672, durante el Emirato de Barrak Bin Ghurai en Bani Khalid. En 1716 se instala en Kuwait la familia Al-Sabah, y en 1752 un miembro de esa familia es nombrado como primer soberano de Kuwait, Sabah Bin Jader. Bajo su reinado, en 1760 se construye la primera muralla alrededor de la ciudad, de 750 metros de longitud.

Kuwait nunca form parte del emporio Abbasid (siglo VIII) ya que no exista como tal en esa poca. Kuwait fue incorporado al Imperio Otomano, prueba de ello es que Sheik Mubarak tena la bandera otomana sobre su palacio y ejerci plenamente la autoridad otomana en sus tierras. Los actuales dirigentes del pas son descendientes de Sabah I quien fue escogido por la comunidad formada principalmente por comerciantes. Les fueron encomendadas las tareas de administracin del Estado incluyendo los asuntos exteriores y la fiscalidad. Esto representa una particularidad frente al resto de emiratos rabes del Golfo Prsico donde los dirigentes tomaron y mantuvieron su autoridad por la fuerza.

El siglo XVII presenci tiempos tumultuosos en la Pennsula Arbiga. Lo que es conocido ahora como Kuwait fue tierra ocupada por tribus que era utilizada para el comercio de especias con la India. En el siglo XVIII, la mayora de la poblacin del lugar se mantuvo gracias a la venta de perlas. Sin embargo, en cuanto el cultivo de perlas se desarroll en Japn durante la dcada de 1930, Kuwait se empobreci. En 1899, la creciente influencia britnica llev a Kuwait a convertirse en un protectorado britnico.

En la primera mitad del siglo XX se llevaran a cabo en Kuwait una serie de reformas y construcciones de corte occidental. En 1914 se construye la primera planta de desalinizacin del pas, y 7 aos ms tarde se levanta la tercera muralla de la ciudad, con 6400 m de longitud. En 1922 se instala en el pas la primera biblioteca pblica, y en 1927 finalizaran las obras de construccin el primer aeropuerto de Kuwait, en el cual aterrizara el primer avin al ao siguiente. En 1928 Abdul Aziz-Al-Rasheed publica el Kuwait Magazine, el primer peridico del pas. En 1933 el municipio de Kuwai instala el alumbrado elctrico en el mercado de la ciudad. El ao 1938 marca el comienzo de una nueva era de prosperidad para Kuwait, en ese ao se descubre petrleo en el yacimiento de Burgan, tras lo cual en 1942 se funda el primer Banco de Kuwait. Cuatro aos ms tarde comienzan las exportaciones petrolferas del pas.

El petrleo convirti a Kuwait en uno de los ms ricos pases de la Pennsula Arbiga y en 1953 el pas se convirti en el mayor exportador de petrleo del Golfo Prsico, atrayendo a numerosos trabajadores inmigrantes a los que escasamente se les concedi la ciudadana. Kuwait, habiendo amasado una gran riqueza, fue el primero de los estados rabes del Golfo Prsico que declar su independencia. Lo hizo el 19 de junio de 1961. Esta declaracin fue combatida por Iraq hasta 1963.

Invasin iraqu [editar]Tras la alianza con Iraq durante la guerra irano-iraqu (1980-1988) (ampliamente debida al deseo de proteccin frente al islmico Irn), Kuwait fue invadido y anexionado por Iraq (bajo el rgimen de Saddam Hussein) en agosto de 1990. Las primeras justificaciones de Hussein incluyeron el argumento de que el territorio kuwaiti era en realidad una provincia iraqu, y que esa anexin era la represalia a la guerra econmica en la que Kuwait haba combatido perforando hacia las reservas de petrleo iraques.

Al amanecer del 2 de agosto de 1990, las tropas iraques cruzaron la frontera de Kuwait con vehculos armados e infantera, ocupando puestos estratgicos en todo el pas, incluyendo el Palacio del Emir. El ejrcito de Kuwait fue rpidamente aplastado, aunque lograron dar el tiempo necesario para que las fuerzas areas de aquel pas lograsen huir a Arabia Saudita. La lucha ms difcil se desarroll en el Palacio del Emir, donde los miembros de la guardia real lucharon a favor de que la familia real tuviera tiempo de escapar. Un primo del Emir, quien comandaba la guardia, estuvo en el grupo de aquellos que murieron. Las tropas saquearon reservas alimenticias y mdicas, detuvieron a miles de civiles y tomaron el control de los medios. Iraq detuvo a miles de turistas occidentales como rehenes para despus intentar usarlos como escudo para las negociaciones. Despus de que un breve gobierno ttere liderado por Alaa Hussein fuese instalado, Iraq anex Kuwait. Hussein instal entonces un nuevo gobernador provincial, describiendo lo acaecido como la "liberacin" del pueblo de las manos del Emir; esto fue usado principalmente como propaganda de guerra.

La monarqua fue depuesta tras la anexin y se nombr a un gobernador iraqu.

Aunque inicialmente ambiguo frente a la anexin de Kuwait por parte de Iraq, el presidente norteamericano George H. W. Bush conden definitivamente las acciones de Hussein y decidi expulsar a las fuerzas iraques. Autorizada por el Consejo de Seguridad de las Naciones Unidas, una coalicin de 34 naciones dirigidas por Estados Unidos luch en la Guerra del Golfo Prsico para reinstaurar el Emirato Kuwait desde el 15 de enero al 27 de febrero de 1991.

Kuwait es hoy un pas independiente de importancia estratgica tanto desde una perspectiva militar (proximidad a Iraq) como econmica (reservas de petrleo).

Gobierno y poltica [editar]Artculo principal: Gobierno y poltica de KuwaitElecciones del 2008 [editar]El sbado 17 de mayo de 2008 se celebraron elecciones, en las que las mujeres, que, participaban por primera vez, se han quedado sin representacin. Los que han conseguido representacin han sido: Movimiento Constitucional Islmico (28), chies(5), liberales(7) e independientes(el resto) sobre 50 escaos[1] .

Organizacin poltico-administrativa [editar]

Mapa de Kuwait

Artculo principal: Organizacin territorial de KuwaitKuwait est dividida en 6 provincias (rabe: muhafazat, singular - muhafadhah). El gobierno kuwait prefiere el nombre de governoratos al de provincias.

Al Ahmadi

Al Farwaniyah

Al Asimah

Al Jahra

Hawalli

Mubarak Al-Kabeer

Las mayores ciudades son la capital Kuwait y Jahrah (a unos 30 minutos en coche al noroeste de la capital). Las principales reas residenciales y administrativas son Salmiya y Hawalli. La principal rea industrial es Shuwaikh, que se encuentra dentro de la provincia de Al Asimah.

Geografa [editar]Artculo principal: Geografa de Kuwait

Kuwait desde el espacio

Kuwait consiste principalmente en desiertos, con pequeas diferencias de altitud. Es el nico pas del mundo sin lagos o reservas de agua naturales.

Posee nueve islas, siendo la mayor Bubiyan, que est unida al continente por un puente de cemento. Tras la liberacin en 1991, la isla se convirti en una base militar y actualmente no se permite la entrada de civiles. Las islas son Auhah, Bubiyan, Failaka, Kubbar, Miskan, Qaruh, Umm al Maradim, Umm an Namil y Warbah.

El clima es continental variable. Los veranos (de abril a octubre) son extremadamente calientes y secos, con temperaturas superiores a los 51C en la ciudad de Kuwait. Los inviernos (de noviembre a febrero) son frescos, con precipitaciones escasas y temperaturas por debajo de los 21C. La primavera es fresca y agradable.

Ecologa [editar]Dentro del bioma de desierto que ocupa todo el territorio de Kuwait, WWF distingue dos ecorregiones: el desierto y monte xerfilo de Arabia y el Sina en el extremo oeste, y el desierto y semidesierto del golfo Prsico en todo el resto del pas.

Economa [editar]Artculo principal: Economa de Kuwait

La ciudad de Kuwait es uno de los centros financieros y de negocio ms activos de Oriente MedioKuwait es una economa pequea, rica y relativamente abierta, con reservas de crudo seguras de 94 mil millones de barriles (15 km) - 10% de las reservas mundiales. El petrleo representa casi la mitad del PIB, 90% de las exportaciones y 75% de los ingresos del gobierno. Sin embargo, en 1990 el pas gan ms dinero de las inversiones extranjeras que de la exportacin de petrleo.

Los gastos generados por la invasin de Iraq y la reconstruccin de la posguerra fueron una carga econmica importante para el pas. Sin embargo, hacia mitad de los aos 1990 Kuwait haba recuperado su prosperidad.

Los precios del petrleo han producido un supervit de 1,7 miles de millones de (2 mil millones de $) para el ao fiscal 99/00. El ao fiscal 00/01 slo tuvo 9 meses por una modificacin en el ao fiscal. El presupuesto para el ao fiscal 01/02 prevea mayores gastos en salarios, construccin y otras categoras. El PNB en el 2003 era de 4,6 miles de millones de (41.7 miles de millones de $), con un PNB per cpita de 14.166 ($17.420).

la Kuwait Petroleum Corporation KPC es la compaa nacional envargada de todo lo concerniente con la produccin de crudo, gas y productos refinados.

La fuerza laboral es de 1.073.115 personas, de los que slo un cuarto son ciudadanos kuwaites.

El clima limita el desarrollo de la agricultura. Como consecuencia, con la excepcin del pescado, depende casi por completo de las importaciones para la comida. El 75% del agua tiene que ser destilada o importada.

El Banco Central de Kuwait en la capital, emite el dinar kuwait, la moneda local. El dinar tiene un valor de 0.351676 KWD por 1 EUR y 0.292010 KWD por 1 USD, lo que la convierte en la moneda de curso ms alto del mundo.

Demografa [editar]Artculo principal: Demografa de KuwaitAlrededor del 80% de la poblacin kuwait es rabe; los kuwaites no rabes incluyen un gran nmero de egipcios y tambin a rabes sin Estado llamados Bidn (palabra rabe que significa distinto de beduino). Muchos rabes de los estados contiguos tomaron residencia en Kuwait a partir de la prosperidad que el petrleo trajo al pas en la dcada de 1940. Sin embargo, tras la ocupacin iraqu el gobierno tuvo que hacer grandes esfuerzos para reducir el nmero de poblacin expatriada. Otros grandes grupos de inmigrantes incluyen a indios, bengales, pakistanes y filipinos. Kuwait tuvo anteriormente una gran poblacin palestina. La mayor parte de los mismos fueron forzados a salir del pas tras el respaldo del lder de la OLP, Yasser Arafat, a Iraq durante la ocupacin de Kuwait por parte del rgimen de Hussein.

La lengua oficial es el rabe aunque el ingls es generalmente entendido. Algunos inmigrantes tambin hablan sus propias lenguas locales. Cerca del 85% de la poblacin de Kuwait es musulmana. De entre los musulmanes kuwaites se estima que entre el 70% y el 75% de los mismos es sunn y que alrededor del 25% a 30% es chi. Una gran parte del chiismo kuwait se debe a la proximidad de Kuwait con Irn e Iraq. Muy pocos kuwaites son cristianos.

El grado de alfabetizacin de Kuwait es el ms elevado de entre los pases rabes. Esto se debe al amplsimo apoyo gubernamental al sistema educativo. La escuela pblica, incluyendo a la Universidad de Kuwait, es gratuita pero los estudiantes extranjeros tienen restringido su acceso a las mismas. El gobierno enva a estudiantes cualificados al extranjero para alcanzar ttulos que no se imparten en la Universidad de Kuwait, ejemplo de ello son los aproximadamente 1000 kuwaites que estudian en los Estados Unidos.

Poblacin: 2.335.648 (julio 2005)

Cultura [editar]Artculo principal: Cultura de KuwaitHospitalidad [editar]La cultura de Kuwait, al igual que muchas otras culturas rabes, dan mucha importancia a la hospitalidad.

El saludo: los kuwaits tradicionalmente se saludan dndose la mano y besndose en las mejillas. Tradicionalmente los hombres y las mujeres no intercambian ms que unas palabras y quizs se den la mano como saludo para respetar la privacidad de la mujer. Sin embargo, es comn que mujeres y hombres se besen en la mejilla si estn emparentados. Tambin es costumbre en el saludo hacer largas series de preguntas sobre la salud, la de los parientes, sus trabajos, etc.

T y caf: la hospitalidad es mostrada a menudo por el ofrecimiento de t y caf. Es raro que el husped que entra una casa, oficina o incluso en algunas tiendas, no le sea ofrecido t o caf. Los beduinos kuwaits tienen por costumbre interpretar como un insulto que el husped rechace el ofrecimiento.

Comida: la comida tiene un papel importante en la cultura Kuwait. La comida tradicional de Kuwait es conocida como Machboos y consiste en cordero, pollo o pescado sobre o mezclado con una gran cantidad de arroz cocido preparado, similar al biryani indio. Salsas con curry y pequeos platos adicionales complementan el plato principal. Tradicionalmente se come con las manos, aunque actualmente muchos prefieren comerlos con cubiertos occidentales. Habitualmente la comida es preparada y servida en grandes cantidades y es muy habitual invitar a comensales para compartir la comida.

Diwaniah [editar]El diwaniah es una institucin exclusiva de la cultura de Kuwait, que no se conoce en otros pases del Golfo Prsico. Los diwaniah son reuniones de hombres que normalmente tienen lugar por las tardes, uno, dos, tres veces por semana o incluso todos los das. Habitualmente, los hombres se renen en sillones confortables y discuten cualquier tema, tanto poltico, social, econmico, local o internacional, sin miedo a ser perseguidos. Los diwanahs se pueden considerar como un smbolo y prueba del talante democrtico y la libertad de expresin del pas. Normalmente el husped sirve t o algn tentempi. Algunos comerciantes y miembros del parlamento anuncian sus diwaniah en los peridicos para que miembros del pblico puedan visitarlos.

Las mujeres a veces tambin tienen sus diwaniah, aunque no son tan extendidos y no se mezclan con los Diwaniah de hombres.

Msica [editar]

Msico tocando la tabla en el VIII Festival Internacional de Msica de KuwaitLa tradicin musical de Kuwait estuvo bien documentada hasta la Guerra del Golfo, cuando el ejrcito de Iraq destruy el archivo. Sin embargo, Kuwait ha mantenido una industria musical activa, tanto antes como despus de la invasin. La msica refleja las diversas influencias de la cultura kuwait en general, incluyendo msica del frica oriental y de la India.

Kuwait es, junto a Bahrein, el centro del sawt, un tipo de msica popular con aires de blues. Fue popularizada en los aos 1970 por Shadi al Khaleej (el Canto de pjaro del Golfo). Nabil Shaeil y Abdullah El Rowaished son los artistas de sawt ms populares en la actualidad. Ambos incluyen influencias de la msica techno y del pop europeo.

Otros grupos populares incluyen a la Al-Budoor Band.

Msica y baile tradicional [editar]La msica tradicional kuwait es realizada principalmente por mujeres en privado, con algunas bandas de msica exclusivamente de mujeres haciendo conciertos en celebraciones pblicas. Instrumentos de percusin simples, como pequeos tambores (mirwas) y palmas son los nicos instrumentos utilizados habitualmente. Canciones de boda incluyen los al-Fann, durante las que tambin se baila individualmente el al-Khamary y tambin el al-Sameri.

La cancin de marineros Al Arda Al Bahariya es ampliamente conocida en Kuwait, tal como lo son las canciones del tipo al-Nahma que acompaaban las labores de navegacin.

Los mawled son recitaciones del secciones de la biografa de Mahoma, cantadas en fiestas religiosas.

Los beduinos son conocidos por el uso de un instrumento llamado rubabah, aunque tambin emplean el oud, el tanbarah (instrumento de cuerda) y el habban (gaita).

El al-Fareesa era una danza realizada por mujeres disfrazadas de hombres en determinadas fiestas nacionales y religiosas. La danza se realiza como una batalla entre un caballero y dos atacantes. Otros bailes tradicionales incluyen una danza de sables llamada ardah (acompaada de tambores y panderetas) y las danzas de mujeres llamadas khamari, tanboura, fraisah, zifan y samiri.

Deportes [editar]

HYPERLINK "http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuwait_en_los_Juegos_Ol%C3%ADmpicos" \o "Kuwait en los Juegos Olmpicos" Kuwait en los Juegos Olmpicos

HYPERLINK "http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selecci%C3%B3n_de_f%C3%BAtbol_de_Kuwait" \o "Seleccin de ftbol de Kuwait" Seleccin de Ftbol

Fiestas [editar]Fiestas

FechaNombre en castellanoNombre localNotas

Referencias [editar]1. Las mujeres, fuera de la poltica kuwait.

"Kuwait, hechos y personajes", Ministerio de Informacin del Estado de Kuwait, 1992.

Obtenido de "http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuwait"

Kuwait

Map of Kuwait

State of Kuwait

National name: Dawlat al-Kuwayt

Emir: Sheik Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah (2006)

Prime Minister: Sheik Nasser Muhammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah (2006)

Current government officials Total area: 6,880 sq mi (17,819 sq km)

Population (2007 est.): 2,505,559 (growth rate: 3.6%); birth rate: 22.0/1000; infant mortality rate: 9.5/1000; life expectancy: 77.4; density per sq mi: 364

Capital (2003 est.): Kuwait, 1,709,800 (metro. area), 32,600 (city proper)

Largest city: as-Salimiyah, 146,900

Monetary unit: Kuwaiti dinar (KD)

Languages: Arabic (official), English

Ethnicity/race: Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%

Religions: Islam 85% (Sunni 70%, Shiite 30%); Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and other 15%

Literacy rate: 93.3% (2005 census)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2007 est.): $138.6 billion; per capita $55,300. Real growth rate: 5.6%. Inflation: 3.9%. Unemployment: 2.2% (2004 est.). Arable land: 1%. Agriculture: practically no crops; fish. Labor force: 1.167 million; note: non-Kuwaitis represent about 80% of the labor force; agriculture n.a., industry n.a., services n.a. Industries: petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair, desalination, food processing, construction materials. Natural resources: petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas. Exports: $59.57 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.): oil and refined products, fertilizers. Imports: $17.74 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.): food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing. Major trading partners: Japan, South Korea, U.S., Singapore, Taiwan, Germany, UK, Saudi Arabia, Italy, France, China (2004).

Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 510,300 (2005); mobile cellular: 2.536 (2006). Radio broadcast stations: AM 6, FM 11, shortwave 1 (1998). Radios: 1.175 million (1997). Television broadcast stations: 13 (plus several satellite channels) (1997). Televisions: 875,000 (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 2,013 (2007). Internet users: 816,700 (2006).

Transportation: Railways: 0 km. Highways: total: 5,749 km; paved: 4,887 km; unpaved: 862 km (2004). Waterways: none. Ports and harbors: Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Kuwait, Mina' 'Abd Allah, Mina' al Ahmadi, Mina' Su'ud. Airports: 7 (2007).

International disputes: the Kuwait 1994 land and Khawr 'Abd Allah channel boundary demarcation ended Iraqi claims to Kuwait and Bubiyan and Warbah islands; Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are negotiating maritime boundary with Iran.

Major sources and definitions

GeographyKuwait is situated northeast of Saudi Arabia at the northern end of the Persian Gulf, south of Iraq. It is slightly larger than Hawaii. The low-lying desert land is mainly sandy and barren.

GovernmentKuwait is a constitutional monarchy, governed by the al-Sabah family.

HistoryKuwait is believed to have been part of an early civilization in the 3rd millennium B.C. and to have traded with Mesopotamian cities. Archeological and historical traces disappeared around the first millennium B.C. At the beginning of the 18th century A.D., the 'Anizah tribe of central Arabia founded Kuwait City, which became an autonomous sheikdom by 1756. 'Abd Rahim of the al-Sabah became the first sheik, and his descendants continue to rule Kuwait today. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the sheikdom belonged to the fringes of the Ottoman Empire. Kuwait obtained British protection in 1897 when the sheik feared that the Turks would expand their hold over the area. In 1961, Britain ended the protectorate, giving Kuwait independence, but agreed to give military aid on request. Iraq immediately threatened to occupy the area, and the British sent troops to defend Kuwait. Soon afterward the Arab League sent in troops, replacing the British. Iraq's claim was dropped when the Arab League recognized Kuwait's independence on July 20, 1961. Kuwait typically followed a neutral and mediatory policy among Arab states.

Oil was discovered there in the 1930s, and Kuwait proved to have 20% of the world's known oil resources. Since 1946 it has been the world's second-largest oil exporter. The sheik, who receives half of the profits, devotes most of them to the education, welfare, and modernization of his kingdom. In 1966, Sheik Sabah designated a relative, Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah, as his successor. By 1968, the sheikdom had established a model welfare state, and it sought to establish dominance among the sheikdoms and emirates of the Persian Gulf.

In July 1990, Iraqi president Saddam Hussein blamed Kuwait for falling oil prices. After a failed Arab mediation attempt to solve the dispute peacefully, Iraq invaded Kuwait on Aug. 2, 1990, set up a pro-Iraqi provisional government, and drained Kuwait of its economic resources. A coalition of Arab and Western military forces drove Iraqi troops from Kuwait in a mere four days, from Feb. 2327, 1991, ending the Persian Gulf War. The emir returned to his country from Saudi Arabia in mid-March. Martial law, in effect since the end of the Gulf War, ended in late June. The U.S. sent 2,400 troops to the country in Aug. 1992, ostensibly as part of a training exercise, though it was widely interpreted as a show of strength to Saddam Hussein. Iraqi training maneuvers near the Kuwaiti border in Oct. 1994 renewed fears of aggression in the country. A Kuwaiti appeal brought the quick deployment of U.S. and British troops and equipment.

In 1999, the emir gave women the right to vote and run for parliament, but later that year parliament defeated the ruler's decree. Kuwaiti society has grown increasingly conservative under the influence of Islamic fundamentalists. In 2003, traditionalists won a sweeping victory in parliamentary elections. The emir and crown prince (who served as prime minister) were elderly and ailing; in July 2003, the country's de facto leader, foreign minister Sheik Sabah, replaced the crown prince as prime minister.

In May 2005, Kuwait abandoned its 1999 ban on women's suffrage, and in June a woman was appointed to the cabinet. In April 2006, women voted for the first time. Saudi Arabia is now the only country with suffrage that does not allow its women to vote.

In Jan. 2006, the emir, Sheik Jabir, died. His cousin, Crown Prince Sheik Saad, briefly became the nation's ruler, but he was forced to abdicate because of extremely ill health. The prime minister, Sheik Sabah, was then nominated and unanimously confirmed by parliament as emir. Sheik Sabah named his brother, Sheik Nawaf, as crown prince, and his nephew, Sheik Nasser, as prime minister.

Prime Minister Sheik Nasser Muhammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah dissolved the opposition-led parliament in March 2008 and called for new elections.

See also Encyclopedia: KuwaitU.S. State Dept. Country Notes: KuwaitInformation Please Database, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Page last updated at 07:38 GMT, Saturday, 17 May 2008 08:38 UK

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Printable version Country profile: Kuwait

Kuwait is a small, oil-rich country nestling at the top of the Gulf, flanked by large or powerful neighbours - Saudi Arabia to the south, Iraq to the north and Iran to the east.

Its oil fields were first exploited in the 1930s, and since the development of the petroleum industry after World War II and independence in 1961, oil has dominated the economy, making up around 90% of export revenues.

Overview

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In 1991, the country was the scene of a massive US-led international military campaign to oust Iraqi forces, which had invaded the year before. Operation Desert Storm saw their eventual removal, but Kuwait's infrastructure was left in bad shape and had to be rebuilt. Oil exports stopped for a time.

AT-A-GLANCE

Politics: The elected parliament has often clashed with the ruling family; the country has faced violence from militant Islamists

Economy: Kuwait is one of the world's leading oil producers

International: Kuwait was invaded and occupied by Iraq in 1990; it served as a springboard for the invasion of Iraq in 2003

TimelineTwelve years later, Kuwait played host to another massive military presence as thousands of soldiers massed on the Iraqi border for the US-led campaign in 2003 to disarm and oust the Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. It remains an important transit route for forces and civilians moving in and out of Iraq.

Kuwait was the first Arab country in the Gulf to have an elected parliament. Moves to change the male-dominated political structure culminated in the granting of full political rights to women in 2005.

In 1999 the country's then ruler, Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah, issued a decree giving women full political rights, but the move was narrowly defeated in the National Assembly.

In May 2005 parliament gave women the right to vote and stand as candidates in elections for the 50-seat National Assembly.

Kuwait has faced a recent spate of militant violence. Security forces have clashed with Islamist militants, some of whom are alleged to have links with al-Qaeda. The authorities say extremist groups have plotted attacks on Western targets.

Facts

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Full name: The State of Kuwait

Population: 2.9 million (UN, 2007)

Capital: Kuwait

Area: 17,818 sq km (6,880 sq miles)

Major language: Arabic

Major religion: Islam

Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 80 years (women) (UN)

Monetary unit: 1 Dinar = 1000 fils

Main exports: Oil

GNI per capita: US $24,040 (World Bank, 2006)

Internet domain: .kw

International dialling code: +965

Leaders

Overview

Facts

Leaders

Media

Emir: Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah

Sheikh Sabah has been running day-to-day business for years

Sheikh Sabah succeeded Sheikh Saad, who ruled for just nine days after Sheikh Jaber died on 15 January 2006 having spent more than 25 years on the throne.

Parliament voted Sheikh Saad out of office because of his ill health.

Sheikh Sabah had been running Kuwait's day-to-day affairs for years. He became prime minister in 2003 when concern grew about the health of his predecessor in the post, Sheikh Saad.

Observers expect him to maintain Kuwait's pro-Western stance and to pursue reforms; his government appointed Kuwait's first woman minister and he introduced laws which opened the door to foreign investors.

The new emir moved quickly to name his brother as crown prince and his nephew as prime minister. The jobs, traditionally held by one individual, were separated in 2003.

The appointment of the crown prince also broke with the tradition of alternating power between rival branches of the Sabah dynasty.

Born in 1929, Sheikh Sabah was Kuwait's foreign minister for 40 years. Although he had a heart pacemaker fitted in 1999, he is said to be in good health.

His predecessor, the late Sheikh Jaber, suffered several years of ill health following a minor stroke in 2001. He became emir in 1977, having been prime minister from 1965-78 and heir-apparent from 1966. He survived an assassination attempt in 1985 and the 1990 Iraqi invasion.

Members of the ruling family hold most of the key cabinet posts.

Media

Overview

Facts

Leaders

Media

Kuwait has some of the most outspoken newspapers in the Arab world, often aggressive in their coverage of politics and the government.

Journalists enjoy greater freedoms than some of their regional counterparts, but restraint is exercised when covering matters relating to the emir and senior royals.

A press law forbids insulting references to God and the Prophet, and prescribes prison sentences for transgressors.

State-owned television and radio stations operate alongside recently-launched private broadcasters. Satellite dishes are widely used and enable viewers to watch popular pan-Arab TV stations.

Newspaper publishers must have licences from the Ministry of Information. The ministry censors books, films, periodicals and other imported publications deemed morally offensive.

BBC World Service is available on FM in Kuwait City.

The press

Al-Watan - private, daily

Al-Qabas - private, daily

Al-Rai al-Amm - private, daily

Kuwait Times - English-language

Arab Times - English-language

Television

Kuwaiti TV - state-run, operates three networks and satellite channel

Al-Rai - first private TV station, via satellite

Flash TV - private

Radio

Radio Kuwait - state-run, programmes in English and Arabic

Marina FM - first private radio station, music-based

News agency

Kuwait News Agency (Kuna) - in Arabic and English

New cabinet today

Published Date: May 28, 2008 By B Izzak, Staff writer

KUWAIT: A new Cabinet is expected to be announced today in order to be sworn-in by the Amir and then hold its first meeting before its gets ready to attend the new National Assembly's first meeting on Sunday. Based on initial reports, the ministers of defense, foreign affairs and interior will stay unchanged along with the state minister for cabinet affairs, education and electricity and water ministers. Information Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah is expected to be retained but may be moved to another ministry.

Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shammali appeared doubtful in the beginning, but he is likely to be retained. Newcomers in the cabinet are expected to include Municipal Council member Shiite Fadhel Safar for Municipality Affairs, former MP Ahmad Baqer for Commerce and Industry and MP Hussein Al-Huraiti for the Ministry of Justice.

The oil ministry will get a permanent minister reportedly a woman who is former Kuwait Petroleum Corp. executive and Kuwait's OPEC governor Seham Al-Razzuki. Former MP and member of the Popular Action Bloc Waleed Al-Jari has reportedly declined to accept a ministerial post. MP Abdulwahed Al-Awadhi is likely to be reappointed to the Housing Ministry. A number of MPs have welcomed the new ministry even before it has been officially announced. Islamist MP Jamaan Al-Harbash said the leaked names of the ministers in the new cabinet are generally good and includes a good representation for various groupings. But he insisted that MPs will decide on the degree of cooperation after the announcement. Several MPs have already warned against the reappointment of controversial Education Minister Nouriya Al-Subeeh.

In another development, two candidates who contested the May 17 elections yesterday filed petitions to the Constitutional Court challenging the results. Former MP Saadoun Hammad demanded in his petition that votes cast in all the polling stations of the fifth constituency be recalculated or if needed recounted because there were a number of mistakes that he alleged deprived him of a seat in the Assembly.

Hammad said that based on initial calculations before the official announcement of the results, he had got more than 10,000 votes that gave him the eighth place and the seat. However, when the results were announced by the judge, he got much less and came in 12th positions. Only the top 10 in each constituency are winners. Hammad also filed a lawsuit against the Interior Minister for refusing to provide the detailed results to him and to other candidates. He said that in previous elections such details were provided.

Another candidate, Basel Al-Jasser filed a similar petition and demanded a recount of votes in the third constituency. Jasser even demanded that the first session of the National Assembly be delayed until the court issues its verdict. A large number of unsuccessful candidates are expected to challenge the results today in all five constituencies. Earlier, about 30 candidates said they would challenge the results to demand recalculations or recounting. Mohammad Al-Juwaihel was the only one so far to demandin a separate case for repeating the elections in the third constituency because he said he was prevented by the Interior Ministry from contesting the elections.

The Interior Ministry, meanwhile, announced yesterday the start of registration of candidates willing to contest a municipal council seat which fell vacant when member Abdulaziz Al-Shayeji was elected to the assembly. Registration will continue for 10 days. Another municipal election is also expected when Safar is appointed as a minister in the new cabinet.END

Local News

Kuwait plans natural gas production: Al-Rushaid

Published Date: May 28, 2008 By Ahmad Al-Khaled, Staff writer

KUWAIT: Kuwait Oil Co. (KOC) Chairman and Managing Director Sami Al-Rushaid implied yesterday that KOC would be making a major announcement regarding the long delayed and highly anticipated production of natural gas in the state. "Just wait until Monday," he stated. In 2006, natural gas was discovered in Kuwait but production had not yet begun. Kuwait currently imports natural gas but the discovery has the potential of making Kuwait self-sufficient in its natural gas needs. Al-Rushaid was speaking at the Kuwait Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition which opened yesterday at the Radisson SAS Al-Hashemi II under the patronage of Minister of Oil Mohamed Al-Olaim.

The three-day conference is focused on the issue of Oil Spill Management and unites oil industry experts, scientists, and vendors to exchange ideas and information on the oil industry and key environmental issues. Five days ago, Kuwait suffered a 3,500 ton oil leak at the Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery. Al-Rushaid said the recent spill was a confined to a leak inside a tank within the facility. "Every tank we have is equipped with an outer lying barrier comprised of sand which holds the spill," he noted adding that in this case, the spill was confined to the barrier.

Prevention, preparedness, response and restoration in the wake of an oil spill topped the conference's agenda. "We are an oil state and spills happen, but we try to minimize it," said Al-Rushaid who noted, "We pay great attention to the environment." He furthered, "Our resources are geared toward stopping any spill before it happens. We are well equipped and have local and regional connections to help combat any spill, and when it happens, we have to react immediately.Al-Rushaid explained that KOC maintains equipment and boats which are deployed in sensitive areas wherein specialized teams conduct mock spill drills. "The most difficult are oils spills which occur in the sea," he noted.

Dr Abdulrahman Al-Awadhi, Executive Director of the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment of Kuwait, also emphasized the importance of protecting the sea from oil spills saying, "We have to protect the sea because it is a source of life.

Industry experts attending the conference emphasized the necessity of environmental awareness wherever oil is discovered, produced, transported, and utilized. Al-Rushaid emphasized KOC's attention to environmental issues praising the state's oil emission reduction program and said they are going beyond emissions to work on reducing production odors which may affect employees or the local population.

Al-Awadhi said of environmental consciousness within the oil industry, "When oil companies take initiative, environmental groups are happy." Ahmad Al-Moussa, the conference representative from the Environmental Public Authority Kuwait explained, "The intertwined relationship between the oil industry and the environment has become a leading global issue. We must have a strategy and introduce the latest technology to minimize gas emissions.

The conference's objectives included collaboration and cooperation between oil companies and environmental groups in the event of a major spill, integrated public policy, and engagement of the public in the preparation and response to spills."This is an important conference and an important issue to tackle," Al-Awadhi concluded.

Nuevo Gabinete hoy

Published Date: May 28, 2008 Fecha de publicacin: 28 de mayo de 2008 By B Izzak, Staff writer Por Izzak B, Personal escritor

KUWAIT: A new Cabinet is expected to be announced today in order to be sworn-in by the Amir and then hold its first meeting before its gets ready to attend the new National Assembly's first meeting on Sunday. KUWAIT: un nuevo Gabinete se espera que sea anunciado hoy el fin de prestar juramento en el de Amir y, a continuacin, celebrar su primera reunin antes de que se prepara para asistir a la nueva Asamblea Nacional la primera reunin del domingo. Based on initial reports, the ministers of defense, foreign affairs and interior will stay unchanged along with the state minister for cabinet affairs, education and electricity and water ministers. Sobre la base de los informes iniciales, los ministros de defensa, relaciones exteriores y el interior se mantendr sin cambios, junto con el Ministro de Estado para Asuntos del Gabinete, la educacin y la electricidad y el agua ministros. Information Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah is expected to be retained but may be moved to ano El Ministro de Informacin Jeque Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah se espera que se mantenga, pero puede ser trasladado a ano ther ministry. Ministerio all.

Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shammali appeared doubtful in the beginning, but he is likely to be retained. Ministro de Hacienda Mustafa Al-Shammali parece dudoso al principio, pero es probable que se mantenga. Newcomers in the cabinet are expected to include Municipal Council member Shiite Fadhel Safar for Municipality Affairs, former MP Ahmad Baqer for Commerce and Industry and MP Hussein Al-Huraiti for the Ministry of Justice. Los recin llegados en el gabinete se espera incluir a los miembros del Consejo Municipal chita Fadhel Safar para Asuntos del Municipio, el ex diputado Ahmad Baqer de Comercio e Industria y diputado Hussein Al-Huraiti para el Ministerio de Justicia.

The oil ministry will get a permanent minister reportedly a woman who is former Kuwait Petroleum Corp. executive and Kuwait's OPEC governor Seham Al-Razzuki. El ministerio del petrleo tendr una permanente ministro inform de que una mujer es el ex Kuwait Petroleum Corp ejecutivo y Kuwait gobernador de la OPEP Seham Al-Razzuki. Former MP and member of the Popular Action Bloc Waleed Al-Jari has reportedly declined to accept a ministerial post. El ex diputado y miembro de la Accin Popular Bloque Waleed Al-Jari ha descendido a aceptar un puesto ministerial. MP Abdulwahed Al-Awadhi is likely to be reappointed to the Housing Ministry. MP Abdulwahed Al-Awadhi es probable que volver a ser nombrados para el Ministerio de Vivienda. A number of MPs have welcomed the new ministry even before it has been officially announced. Un nmero de miembros del Parlamento han acogido con satisfaccin el nuevo ministerio, incluso antes de que haya sido anunciado oficialmente. Islamist MP Jamaan Al-Harbash said the leaked names of the minis MP islamista Jamaan Al-Harbash dijo que la filtr nombres de los ministerios ters in the new cabinet are generally good and includes a good representation for various groupings. tros en el nuevo gabinete son generalmente buenos, e incluye una buena representacin de diversas agrupaciones. But he insisted that MPs will decide on the degree of cooperation after the announcement. Pero insisti en que los parlamentarios se pronunciar sobre el grado de cooperacin tras el anuncio. Several MPs have already warned against the reappointment of controversial Education Minister Nouriya Al-Subeeh. Varios diputados ya han advertido en contra de la reeleccin del controvertido Ministro de Educacin Nouriya Al-Subeeh.

In another development, two candidates who contested the May 17 elections yesterday filed petitions to the Constitutional Court challenging the results. En otro incidente, dos candidatos que impugnaron las elecciones de 17 de Mayo el da de ayer las peticiones presentadas ante el Tribunal Constitucional impugnando la resultados. Former MP Saadoun Hammad demanded in his petition that votes cast in all the polling stations of the fifth constituency be recalculated or if needed recounted because there were a number of mistakes that he alleged deprived him of a seat in the Assembly. El ex MP Saadoun Hammad exigi a su peticin de que los votos emitidos en todos los colegios electorales de la quinta circunscripcin se recalcula o si es necesario un recuento porque hay una serie de errores que los presuntos privados de l un escao en la Asamblea.

Hammad said that based on initial calculations before the official announcement of the results, he had got more than 10,000 votes that gave him the eighth place and the seat. Hammad dijo que sobre la base de clculos iniciales ante el anuncio oficial de los resultados, haba recibido ms de 10000 votos que le dio el octavo lugar y la sede. However, when the results were announced by the judge, he got much less and came in 12th positions. Sin embargo, cuando los resultados fueron anunciados por el juez, obtuvo mucho menos y lleg en 12 posicin. Only the top 10 in each constituency are winners. Slo los 10 primeros en cada circunscripcin son los ganadores. Hammad also filed a lawsuit against the Interior Minister for refusing to provide the detailed results to him and to other candidates. Hammad tambin present una demanda contra el Ministro del Interior de negarse a facilitar los resultados detallados para l y para otros candidatos. He said that in previous elections such details wer Dijo que en elecciones anteriores, tales detalles Wer e provided. e siempre.

Another candidate, Basel Al-Jasser filed a similar petition and demanded a recount of votes in the third constituency. Otro candidato, Basel Al-Jasser present una peticin similar y exigi un recuento de votos en la tercera circunscripcin. Jasser even demanded that the first session of the National Assembly be delayed until the court issues its verdict. Jasser incluso exigi que el primer perodo de sesiones de la Asamblea Nacional se retras hasta que el tribunal emita su veredicto. A large number of unsuccessful candidates are expected to challenge the results today in all five constituencies. Un gran nmero de candidatos que pierda se espera para impugnar los resultados de hoy en las cinco circunscripciones. Earlier, about 30 candidates said they would challenge the results to demand recalculations or recounting. Anteriormente, unos 30 candidatos dijeron que los resultados desafo a la demanda o el recuento de clculos. Mohammad Al-Juwaihel was the only one so far to demand Mohammad Al-Juwaihel fue el nico hasta la fecha para la demanda in a separate case for repeating the elections in the third constituency because he said he was prevented by the Interior Ministry from contesting the elections. en otro caso para repetir las elecciones en la tercera circunscripcin, porque l dice que fue impedida por el Ministerio del Interior de impugnar las elecciones.

The Interior Ministry, meanwhile, announced yesterday the start of registration of candidates willing to contest a municipal council seat which fell vacant when member Abdulaziz Al-Shayeji was elected to the assembly. El Ministerio del Interior, por su parte, anunci ayer el inicio del registro de candidatos dispuestos a concurso un concejo municipal que cay sede vacante cuando miembros Abdulaziz Al-Shayeji fue elegido para la asamblea. Registration will continue for 10 days. La inscripcin continuar durante 10 das. Another municipal election is also expected when Safar is appointed as a minister in the new cabinet. Otro elecciones municipales tambin se espera Safar cuando se nombra a un ministro del nuevo gabinete. END FIN

Kuwait democracia "una inspiracin para otros'

Published Date: May 28, 2008 Fecha de publicacin: 28 de mayo de 2008

KUWAIT: Kuwait's commitment to democracy is a "strategic choice" and the state is a model and a source of inspiration for other countries, said Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos yesterday. KUWAIT: Kuwait con la democracia es una "opcin estratgica" y el estado es un modelo y una fuente de inspiracin para otros pases, dijo el Ministro espaol de Asuntos Exteriores y de Cooperacin Miguel ngel Moratinos ayer. "Kuwait continues to consolidate its democracy and make progress on the path towards an even greater political participation and pluralism. Our own experience has shown that this is a very rewarding and fruitful experience," he said. "Kuwait sigue para consolidar su democracia y avanzar en el camino hacia una mayor participacin poltica y el pluralismo. Nuestra propia experiencia ha demostrado que esto es muy gratificante y fructfera experiencia", dijo. Commenting on the participation of women in the Al comentar sobre la participacin de la mujer en el political process, Moratinos described this as a "historic decision," adding that "Kuwait is here again a model and a source of inspiration for other countries. proceso poltico, Moratinos se describe como una "decisin histrica", y aadi que "Kuwait es aqu de nuevo un modelo y una fuente de inspiracin para otros pases.

The minister is in Kuwait as part of the delegation accompanying Spain's King Juan Carlos I, who arrived here yesterday on a two-day official visit. El ministro se encuentra en Kuwait como parte de la delegacin que acompaa a Espaa del Rey Juan Carlos I, que lleg ayer aqu a dos das de visita oficial. On bilateral relations, he described Spanish-Kuwaiti ties as "excellent" and that the "very warm and close relationship" between the two leaderships was "a crucial asset," adding that this visit would no doubt open up a "new phase" of ties. Sobre las relaciones bilaterales, describi espaol kuwait vnculos como "excelente" y que la "muy cordial y estrecha relacin" entre los dos dirigentes fue "un activo fundamental", agregando que esta visita sera, sin duda, abrir una "nueva etapa" de vnculos.

Moratinos said, however, that there was much more that could be done to boost cooperation. Moratinos dice, sin embargo, que hubo mucho ms que podra hacerse para impulsar la cooperacin. "If we look at the performance of Kuwait and Spain in the last few years, our two economies stand out in our regional blocks with their strong growth and dynamism, based on very solid foundations. In this new phase, we want to underline this message of confidence and trust in the Spanish economy and the Kuwaiti economy, and to work with more projects and investments," he explained. "Si nos fijamos en el rendimiento de Kuwait y Espaa en los ltimos aos, nuestras dos economas se destacan en nuestros bloques regionales con su fuerte crecimiento y dinamismo, basndose en fundamentos muy slidos. En esta nueva etapa, queremos hacer hincapi en este mensaje de la confianza y la confianza en la economa espaola y la economa de Kuwait, y trabajar con ms proyectos e inversiones ", explic.

The foreign minister said that there was a growing network of bilateral agreements that aimed "precisely at reinforcing the atmosphere of trust and confidence, an essential condition for economic ties to flourish," adding that a number of treaties were signed on the sidelines of this visit, while others were still being negotiated. El Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores dijo que haba una creciente red de acuerdos bilaterales, cuyo objetivo era "precisamente a reforzar el clima de confianza y la confianza, una condicin esencial para que los vnculos econmicos a florecer", y aadi que una serie de tratados se firmaron al margen de esta visita , Mientras que otros an se estn negociando. These agreements, he said, were "instruments" that furthered economic and commercial ties between the two sides. Estos acuerdos, dijo, fueron "instrumentos" que promovi econmica y los lazos comerciales entre las dos partes.

Prior to the visit, Kuwait and Spain had agreements for aviation transport and the encouragement and protection of investment. Antes de la visita, Espaa y Kuwait haba acuerdos para la aviacin de transporte y el fomento y la proteccin de las inversiones. Yesterday, an agreement for the prevention of dual taxation was inked, as well as for cooperation in the cultural and tourism sectors, alongside a memorandum on consultation between the foreign ministries of the two countries. Ayer, un acuerdo para la prevencin de la doble imposicin se entintadas, as como para la cooperacin en el mbito cultural y el turismo, junto con un memorando sobre la consulta entre los ministerios de relaciones exteriores de ambos pases.

Moreover, he said, "We want to continue to develop our relations in other fields" including the promotion of dialogue among different religions and cultures. Adems, dijo, "Queremos seguir desarrollando nuestras relaciones en otros mbitos" incluida la promocin del dilogo entre las diferentes religiones y culturas. As for cooperation in the energy field, Moratinos said, "I think there is a lot of potential here," explaining that several Spanish companies were interested in exploring areas of common interest with Kuwaiti partners in the fossil fuel sector. En cuanto a la cooperacin en el mbito de la energa, Moratinos dijo: "Creo que hay un gran potencial aqu", explicando que varias empresas espaolas estn interesadas en explorar reas de inters comn con los socios de Kuwait en el sector de los carburantes fsiles. -- KUNA -- KUNA

Local News Local News

Kuwait plans natural gas production: Al-Rushaid Kuwait planes de produccin de gas natural: Al-Rushaid

Published Date: May 28, 2008 Fecha de publicacin: 28 de mayo de 2008 By Ahmad Al-Khaled, Staff writer Por Ahmad Al-Khaled, escritor Personal

KUWAIT: Kuwait Oil Co. (KOC) Chairman and Managing Director Sami Al-Rushaid implied yesterday that KOC would be making a major announcement regarding the long delayed and highly anticipated production of natural gas in the state. KUWAIT: Kuwait Oil Co (KOC) Presidente y Director Gerente Sami Al-Rushaid implcita ayer que la KOC hara un importante anuncio respecto de los prolongados retrasos sufridos y muy esperado de produccin de gas natural en el estado. "Just wait until Monday," he stated. "Simplemente esperar hasta el lunes", afirm. In 2006, natural gas was discovered in Kuwait but production had not yet begun. En 2006, el gas natural fue descubierto en Kuwait pero la produccin an no haban comenzado. Kuwait currently imports natural gas but the discovery has the potential of making Kuwait self-sufficient in its natural gas needs. Kuwait actualmente las importaciones de gas natural, pero el descubrimiento tiene el potencial de hacer Kuwait autosuficiente en sus necesidades de gas natural. Al-Rushaid was speaking at the K Al-Rushaid estaba hablando a la K uwait Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition which opened yesterday at the Radisson SAS Al-Hashemi II under the patronage of Minister of Oil Mohamed Al-Olaim. uwait Petrleo y Gas de Congresos y Exposiciones que se inaugur ayer en el Radisson SAS Al-Hashemi II bajo el patrocinio del Ministro de Petrleo Mohamed Al-Olaim.

The three-day conference is focused on the issue of Oil Spill Management and unites oil industry experts, scientists, and vendors to exchange ideas and information on the oil industry and key environmental issues. La conferencia de tres das se centr en la cuestin de Gestin de Derrames de Petrleo y une a expertos de la industria del petrleo, los cientficos y vendedores para intercambiar ideas e informacin sobre la industria petrolera y las principales cuestiones ambientales. Five days ago, Kuwait suffered a 3,500 ton oil leak at the Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery. Hace cinco das, Kuwait 3500 sufri una tonelada de aceite de fugas en la Mina Al-Ahmadi refinera. Al-Rushaid said the recent spill was a confined to a leak inside a tank within the facility. Al-Rushaid dijo que el reciente derrame se limita a una va de agua dentro de un tanque dentro de las instalaciones. "Every tank we have is equipped with an outer lying barrier comprised of sand which holds the spill," he noted adding th "Todos los que hemos tanque est equipado con un exterior compuesto por mentir barrera de arena que posee el derrame", seal aadiendo at in this case, the spill was confined to the barrier. en en este caso, el vertido se limita a la barrera.

Prevention, preparedness, response and restoration in the wake of an oil spill topped the conference's agenda. Prevencin, preparacin, respuesta y restauracin a raz de un derrame de petrleo encabez el programa de la conferencia. "We are an oil state and spills happen, but we try to minimize it," said Al-Rushaid who noted, "We pay great attention to the environment." "Somos un estado de petrleo y los derrames de suceder, pero tratamos de minimizar este tipo", dijo Al-Rushaid que seal: "Estamos prestando gran atencin al medio ambiente." He furthered, "Our resources are geared toward stopping any spill before it happens. We are well equipped and have local and regional connections to help combat any spill, and when it happens, we have to react immediately. l promovi, "Nuestros recursos estn orientados hacia la detencin de cualquier derrame antes de que ocurra. Estamos muy bien equipadas y tienen los entes locales y regionales las conexiones para ayudar a combatir cualquier derrame, y cuando esto suceda, tenemos que reaccionar inmediatamente. Al-Rushaid explained that KOC maintains equipment and boats which are deployed in sensitive areas wherein specialized teams conduct mock spill drills. Al-Rushaid explic que la KOC mantiene el equipo y los barcos que estn desplegados en las zonas sensibles en que los equipos especializados de realizar ejercicios de simulacro de derrame. "The most difficult are oils spills which occur in the sea," he noted. "Lo ms difcil son los derrames de aceites que se producen en el mar", seal.

Dr Abdulrahman Al-Awadhi, Executive Director of the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment of Kuwait, also emphasized the importance of protecting the sea from oil spills saying, "We have to protect the sea because it is a source of life. Dr Abdulrahman Al-Awadhi, Director Ejecutivo de la Organizacin Regional para la Proteccin del Medio Marino de Kuwait, tambin destac la importancia de proteger el mar de los derrames de petrleo diciendo: "Tenemos que proteger el mar, porque es una fuente de la vida.

Industry experts attending the conference emphasized the necessity of environmental awareness wherever oil is discovered, produced, transported, and utilized. Los expertos de la industria que asistieron a la conferencia hicieron hincapi en la necesidad de la conciencia ambiental cuando se descubre petrleo, producidos, transportados y utilizados. Al-Rushaid emphasized KOC's attention to environmental issues praising the state's oil emission reduction program and said they are going beyond emissions to work on reducing production odors which may affect employees or the local population. Al-Rushaid KOC destac la atencin a las cuestiones ambientales alabando el estado de petrleo programa de reduccin de emisiones y dijo que van ms all de las emisiones a trabajar en la reduccin de la produccin de olores que puedan afectar a los trabajadores o la poblacin local.

Al-Awadhi said of environmental consciousness within the oil industry, "When oil companies take initiative, environmental groups are happy." Al-Awadhi dice de conciencia ambiental dentro de la industria petrolera, "Cuando las compaas petroleras toman la iniciativa, los grupos ecologistas estn contentos." Ahmad Al-Moussa, the conference representative from the Environmental Public Authority Kuwait explained, "The intertwined relationship between the oil industry and the environment has become a leading global issue. We must have a strategy and introduce the latest technology to minimize gas emissions. Ahmad Al-Moussa, representante de la conferencia de la Autoridad Pblica Ambiental de Kuwait explic, "La relacin entrelazada entre la industria del petrleo y el medio ambiente se ha convertido en un lder mundial en cuestin. Debemos tener una estrategia e introducir la tecnologa ms avanzada para reducir al mnimo las emisiones de gases.

The conference's objectives included collaboration and cooperation between oil companies and environmental groups in the event of a major spill, integrated public policy, and engagement of the public in the preparation and response to spills."This is an important conference and an important issue to tackle," Al-Awadhi concluded. La conferencia incluy los objetivos de la colaboracin y la cooperacin entre las compaas petroleras y los grupos ecologistas en el caso de un gran derrame e integrado de polticas pblicas, y la participacin del pblico en la preparacin y respuesta a derrames. "Esta es una conferencia importante y una cuestin importante para hacer frente a , "Al-Awadhi concluy.

Convocatoria para la sonda en las fugas de petrleo


KUWAIT: Mohammad Al-Hamlan, deputy chairman of Kuwait National Petroleum Company's Workers Union affirmed that the union will safeguard the interests of laborers, equipments installed and the environment. KUWAIT: Mohammad Al-Hamlan, vicepresidente de Kuwait National Petroleum Company del Sindicato de Trabajadores afirm que el sindicato va a salvaguardar los intereses de los obreros, los equipos instalados y el medio ambiente. Al-Hamlan termed that the recent oil-spill incident at the Ahmadi oil refinery 'an environmental disaster'. Al-Hamlan llamado que el reciente derrame de petrleo incidente en la refinera de petrleo Ahmadi "un desastre ecolgico. An estimated 25,000 barrels of oil leakage was registered. Se estima que unos 25000 barriles de petrleo se registr la fuga. If such incidents occurred in any other country then the governmental authorities of that state would adopt emergent plans for facing leaka Si este tipo de incidentes ocurrido en cualquier otro pas entonces las autoridades gubernamentales de ese Estado apruebe los planes emergentes para hacer frente leaka ge. GE.

While in Kuwait the relevant company tried to hide the effect of leakage by releasing a press statement describes the event as a simple one. Durante su estancia en Kuwait la empresa trat de ocultar el efecto de fugas por la liberacin de un comunicado de prensa se describe el evento como un simple. Al-Hamlan said the leaked oil spread on a big area estimated 5000 square meter and such big leakage requires special equipments to deal with and company doesn't have these equipments the oil that covered he area will leak into groundwater too, said Al Hamlan. Al-Hamlan dice la propagacin de petrleo derramado en una gran rea estimada 5000 metros cuadrados, y los grandes fugas requiere equipos especiales para hacer frente a la empresa y no tiene estos equipos el petrleo que se refiere el mbito de fugas en las aguas subterrneas tambin, dijo Al Hamlan.

He asked for establishing an investigation committee to follow up the effects of leakage, and union has to participate in committee to discover the real cause behind leakage in addition to penalizing the neglectful official, reported Al-Qabas. El orador pide la creacin de un comit de investigacin para el seguimiento de los efectos de las fugas, y la unin tiene que participar en la comisin para descubrir la verdadera causa detrs de las fugas, adems de penalizar el descuido oficial, inform Al-Qabas.

KMS elogia el apoyo de la PM


KUWAIT: Members of Kuwait Medical Society(KMS) praised His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, for taking interest in the Ministry of Health's medical fraternity. KUWAIT: Los miembros de la Sociedad Mdica de Kuwait (KMS) elogi Su Alteza el Primer Ministro Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, para tomar inters en el Ministerio de Salud de la fraternidad mdica. They expressed gratitude to him for suspending the orders that the former minister had passed. Expresaron su agradecimiento a l para la suspensin de las rdenes que el ex ministro haba pasado. Dr Ahmad Al-Fadhli, deputy head of the Society hoped that the next minister of health will be appointed from among the health professionals. Dr Ahmad Al-Fadhli, jefe adjunto de la Sociedad espera que el prximo ministro de salud ser nombrado de entre los profesionales de la salud. The country's health services can be improved then. El pas los servicios de salud se puede mejorar entonces. Al-Fadhli said that while the former Al-Fadhli dice que, si bien la ex minister was in office, many Kuwaiti doctors resigned owing to the authoritarian decisions that he made. fue ministro en funciones, muchos mdicos de Kuwait, renunci debido a las decisiones autoritarias que hizo. He said that many qualified officials from the Society had advised the former minister to heed the opinions of Society members to develop the health sector, reported Al-Watan. Dijo que muchos funcionarios calificados de la Sociedad haba aconsejado al ex ministro a que escuchen las opiniones de miembros de la sociedad para desarrollar el sector de la salud, inform Al-Watan. Al-Fadhli also urged all Kuwaiti doctors who had resigned from services, to return to the Ministry. Al-Fadhli tambin inst a todos los mdicos de Kuwait, que haba dimitido de servicios, para volver al Ministerio.

Salafis back Al-Sultan Salafis espalda Al-Sultan

KUWAIT: Commenting on the parliamentary positions and committee elections, MP Ali Al-Omair said that the Salafi Movement would fully support the candidacy of MP Khaled Al-Sultan for the deputy speaker post. KUWAIT: Al comentar sobre las posiciones parlamentarias y comit de elecciones, MP Ali Al-Omair dice que el movimiento salafi apoyar plenamente la candidatura del MP Khaled Al-Sultan por el puesto de Vicepresidente. He further noted that the movement still needed to discuss who they would support for the other positions. Seal adems que el movimiento sigue siendo necesario que para discutir que el apoyo a las otras posiciones. "Nevertheless, the Movement will not in any way make any bargains to get that position. The choice must be rationally self-made by voting MPs," Al-Omair added. "Sin embargo, el Movimiento de ninguna manera debe hacer ofertas para obtener esa posicin. La eleccin debe ser racionalmente libre hecha por votacin los diputados," Al-Omair aadi. The MP denied rumors about the Salaf El diputado niega los rumores sobre los Salaf i vetos appointing certain Cabinet members. i vetos se nombra a determinados miembros del Gabinete. "We only met with HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah to explain our general views concerning the forthcoming Cabinet and we are more than willing to cooperate with the prime minister and his reform plans," he said. "Nosotros slo HH se reuni con el Primer Ministro Jeque Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah para explicar nuestras opiniones generales sobre la prxima Gabinete y estamos ms que dispuestos a cooperar con el primer ministro y sus planes de reforma", dijo. Al-Omair also implied that lawmakers were currently working on forming a new bloc which would include doctors Waleed Al-Tabtabae and Nasser Al-Sane. Al-Omair tambin implica que los legisladores se encuentran actualmente trabajando en la formacin de un nuevo bloque que incluira mdicos Waleed Al-Tabtabae y Nasser Al-Sane.

WITD honors female candidates WITD honores candidatas

KUWAIT: Women's Institute for Training and Development(WITD) held a reception in honor of the female candidates who stood for elections at the Crown Plaza Hotel. KUWAIT: Instituto de la Mujer para la Formacin y el Desarrollo (WITD) celebr una recepcin en honor de las candidatas que era para las elecciones en el Crown Plaza Hotel. Many women's rights activists attended the function. Muchos de los derechos de las mujeres activistas asistieron a la funcin. Meanwhile, acting Minister of Health Dr Maasouma Al-Mubarak said that Kuwaiti women had participated in two previous parliamentary polls- one in 2006, where 29 female candidates nominated themselves. Mientras tanto, Ministro de Salud Dr Maasouma Al-Mubarak dijo que la mujer kuwait ha participado en dos encuestas anteriores parlamentarias-una en 2006, cuando 29 mujeres candidatos propuestos. 27 candidates participated in elections which were held earlier this month. Participaron 27 candidatos en las elecciones que se celebraron a principios de este mes. Kuwaiti women were d Las mujeres kuwaites fueron d ejected with the outcome; no female candidate could secure a seat in Parliament. expulsado con el resultado, no candidata podra obtener un escao en el Parlamento. Head of the institute lawyer Qawthar Al-Jauan congratulated the former candidates for taking the brave step to stand for office, reported Al- Qabas. Jefe del Instituto abogado Qawthar Al-Jauan felicit a los ex candidatos por haber tomado la valiente paso a las oficinas, inform Al-Qabas. She said that female candidates could successfully manage election campaigns and symposiums. Dijo que las candidatas podra gestionar con xito las campaas electorales y simposios. Al-Jauan wished them luck for their next attempt. Al-Jauan les dese suerte para su prximo intento.

Exam cheating Examen de trampas

KUWAIT: Education Ministry officials are worried about final exams being leaked to students. KUWAIT: Ministerio de Educacin funcionarios estn preocupados por los exmenes finales que se filtr a los estudiantes. Cheating on tests and studying test exam questions ahead of time are a growing phenomena in Kuwait, argued officials. Hacer trampa en los exmenes y el estudio de examen de cuestiones de prueba antes de tiempo son un fenmeno creciente en Kuwait, sostuvieron los funcionarios. The Education Ministry prints exam papers and then distributes the exams in sealed envelopes to the control departments of the various schools. El Ministerio de Educacin imprime documentos de examen y luego distribuye los exmenes en sobres cerrados a los departamentos de control de las diversas escuelas. But questions are often leaked and students receive the questions ahead of the tests. Pero las preguntas son a menudo se filtr y los estudiantes reciben las preguntas antes de las pruebas.

Military exercise Ejercicio militar

KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti and French Armed Forces will hold a joint military drill on Kuwaiti terrain next month. KUWAIT: El francs de Kuwait y de las Fuerzas Armadas se celebrar un militar conjunta de perforacin en el terreno de Kuwait el mes prximo. The drill will aim at practicing communication skills and reconnaissance and will also focus on confronting enemies together. La perforacin tendr como objetivo la prctica de habilidades de comunicacin y de reconocimiento y tambin se centrar en hacer frente a enemigos juntos. The drill is part of a previously signed memo of military cooperation between Kuwait and France which had been suspended for the past four years. El taladro es parte de un memo firmado previamente de la cooperacin militar entre Francia y Kuwait que haba sido suspendido por los ltimos cuatro aos. A few Romanian soldiers will also be participating in this drill. Unos pocos soldados rumanos tambin participar en este taladro.

Senior police retire Superior de Polica se jubilan

KUWAIT: About 45 senior police officers plan to retire very soon so they can obtain their pension increments. KUWAIT: Alrededor de 45 funcionarios policiales de rango superior plan para retirarse muy pronto para que puedan obtener incrementos de sus pensiones. One senior officer noted that they will wait until the new Cabinet is appointed in order to see whether any of them would get promoted to a higher position. Un alto funcionario seal que van a esperar hasta que el nuevo Gabinete es nombrado con el fin de ver si alguno de ellos obtendra ascendido a una posicin ms elevada. "But if not, we will carry on with the retirement procedures and seek our pension increment right away," the officer added. "Pero si no, vamos a continuar con los procedimientos de jubilacin y buscar nuestra pensin incremento de inmediato", agreg el funcionario. The Ministry of Interior will be giving an increment of KD 750 for retired major generals and KD 500 for retired brigad El Ministerio del Interior se da un incremento de 750 KD para los jubilados mayores generales y 500 KD para los jubilados brigad iers. IERS.

Mutairi minister Mutairi Ministro

KUWAIT: MP Raja Hujailan requested Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad to appoint a minister from the Mutairi tribe. KUWAIT: MP Raja Hujailan Primer Ministro pidi el Jeque Nasser Al-Mohammad nombrar a un ministro de la tribu Mutairi. He asserted that the tribe has several qualified members capable of handling top posts. Afirm que la tribu tiene varios miembros cualificados capaces de manejar puestos de arriba. The Mutairi tribe is an integral part of Kuwaiti society and it has the right to fulfill its duties and responsibilities akin to fellow tribe members. La tribu Mutairi es una parte integral de la sociedad kuwait y que tiene derecho a cumplir con sus deberes y responsabilidades similares a los dems miembros de la tribu. Hujailan said that he would nominate some candidates for the post, reported Al-Watan. Hujailan dice que nombrar a algunos candidatos para el puesto, inform Al-Watan. He was optimistic about the Premier promoting the demand as the Fue optimista en cuanto a la primera promocin de la demanda como la Mutair tribe is one of the most influential blocs at the Parliament. Mutair tribu es uno de los bloques ms influyentes en el Parlamento.

Kuwaites escptico sobre las futuras reformas econmicas


KUWAIT CITY: Kuwaitis remain skeptical over the prospects of economic reforms being speeded up unless there is close cooperation between the government and the new, Islamist-dominated parliament. KUWAIT CITY: los kuwaites siguen siendo escpticos sobre las perspectivas de las reformas econmicas que se acelere a menos que exista una estrecha cooperacin entre el gobierno y el nuevo, dominado por islamistas parlamento. Kuwait, OPEC's fourth largest exporter, has in recent years seen more crises between government and an outspoken parliament than it has development projects, despite floods of petrodollars from high oil prices. Kuwait, la OPEP el cuarto mayor exportador, en los ltimos aos ha visto ms crisis entre el gobierno y un parlamento abiertamente de lo que ha proyectos de desarrollo, a pesar de las inundaciones de los petrodlares de los altos precios del petrleo.

Sunni and Shiite Islamists took control of more than half of the seats in the May 17 elections. Sunnitas y chitas islamistas se hicieron con el control de ms de la mitad de los escaos en las elecciones de 17 de Mayo. Together with tribal conservative and populist MPs they account for about three-quarters of the 50-seat parliament. Junto con las tribus conservadoras y populistas parlamentarios que representan aproximadamente las tres cuartas partes de los 50 escaos parlamentarios. "Regardless of the composition of the new parliament and government, the type of relation between them will remain the main challenge," said Bayan Investments in a report. "Independientemente de la composicin del nuevo parlamento y el gobierno, el tipo de relacin entre ellas seguir siendo el principal desafo", dijo Bayan Las inversiones en un informe. That would affect every aspect of the country's running, including the economy, it added. Ello afectar a todos los aspectos del funcionamiento del pas, incluida la economa, aadi.

Analysts believe the government should take the initiative to present a comprehensive economic reform and liberalization program to the new assembly. Los analistas creen que el gobierno debera tomar la iniciativa de presentar una amplia reforma econmica y la liberalizacin del programa para la nueva asamblea. "The first move must come from the government by presenting a clear economic program to the new parliament," said economic analyst Kamel Al-Harami. "El primer paso debe venir de parte del gobierno de presentar un programa econmico claro para el nuevo parlamento", dijo el analista econmico Kamel Al-Harami. Kuwait launched its last five-year plan in 1985, but most of the governments since then have failed to present their programs to parliament as required by the law in the Gulf Arab state. Kuwait puso en marcha su ltimo plan quinquenal en 1985, pero la mayora de los gobiernos desde entonces no han podido presentar sus programas al Parlamento tal como lo exige la ley en el estado rabe del Golfo.

Despite political stalemate, the previous parliament passed key economic legislation when they were presented by the government. A pesar de estancamiento poltico, el anterior Parlamento aprob la legislacin econmica clave cuando fueron presentados por el gobierno. This is clear evidence that the ball is now in the government's court," Harami said. In December, the last parliament passed a law slashing income tax on foreign investors' profits from up to 55 percent to a flat 15 percent. A second law opened the way to privatize the state-owned, loss-making Kuwait Airways. Esta es una clara evidencia de que la pelota est ahora en el gobierno del tribunal, "dijo Harami. En diciembre, el ltimo parlamento aprob una ley que roza el impuesto sobre la renta a los inversores extranjeros los beneficios de hasta el 55 por ciento a un piso del 15 por ciento. Una segunda ley abri la forma de privatizar la propiedad estatal, la prdida de toma de Kuwait Airways.

But that assembly was dissolved three months later over a standoff with the government and a fresh election was called. Pero esa asamblea se disolvi tres meses ms tarde durante un enfrentamiento con el gobierno y una nueva eleccin se llamaba. Despite Kuwait's massive oil wealth and a small native population of just over one million, development projects and reforms have been running at a slow pace, mainly due to political disputes, bureaucracy and lack of planning. A pesar de Kuwait masiva de la riqueza del petrleo y una pequea poblacin de poco ms de un milln de habitantes, los proyectos de desarrollo y las reformas han estado funcionando a un ritmo lento, principalmente debido a las controversias polticas, la burocracia y la falta de planificacin. Pumping 2.5 million barrels per day, Kuwait has posted a healthy budget surplus in the past nine fiscal years, topping $100 billion. La bomba de 2,5 millones de barriles por da, Kuwait ha publicado un saludable supervit presupuestario en los ltimos nueve aos fiscales, topping $ 100 millones. It now has assets worth more th En la actualidad tiene activos por valor de ms an $250 billion. uno 250 millones de dlares.

Almost two-thirds of 78 local business leaders polled by Al-Qabas daily on Sunday said they were pessimistic about the future of the economy after the elections. Casi dos tercios de los 78 dirigentes de empresas locales encuestados por Al-Qabas diario el domingo dijeron que eran pesimistas sobre el futuro de la economa despus de las elecciones. Forty-eight percent of them were "very pessimistic." Cuarenta y ocho por ciento de ellos eran "muy pesimista". The Gulf state's economy remains heavily dependent on oil, which makes up about 95 percent of public revenue. El estado del Golfo la economa sigue siendo muy dependiente del petrleo, que constituye alrededor del 95 por ciento de los ingresos pblicos. Kuwait's economy is also dominated by the public sector, which contributes about 77 percent of GDP. La economa de Kuwait tambin est dominado por el sector pblico, lo que contribuye alrededor del 77 por ciento del PIB. GDP stood at $110 billion last year. PIB se situ en 110 millones de dlares el ao pasado.

Economists and politicians alike have said that the only way to reform the domestic economy is through privatization of major economic sectors and services, still controlled and run by the state. Los economistas y los polticos por igual han dicho que la nica manera de reformar la economa nacional es a travs de la privatizacin de importantes sectores econmicos y servicios, todava controlado y administrado por el estado. A privatization bill has been in parliament since 1992, but neither the government nor lawmakers appear in a hurry to approve it. Un proyecto de ley de privatizacin ha sido en el parlamento desde 1992, pero ni el gobierno ni los legisladores aparecern en una prisa por aprobarlo. The bill would act as the legal framework for privatizing state-run services and other economic activities. El proyecto de ley actuara como el marco jurdico para la privatizacin de los servicios estatales y otras actividades econmicas.

I believe that the key factor for economic reforms to move faster is the degree of cooperation between the government and new MPs, some of whom have an encouraging economic agenda," Harami said. But many populist MPs oppose privatization of essential services because that would increase its cost. They fear that many Kuwaitis could lose their jobs in privatized utilities. The emirate is reported to have projects on paper worth around $200 billion, most of which have been delayed because of the unfavorable Creo que el factor clave para las reformas econmicas para poder moverse ms rpido es el grado de cooperacin entre el gobierno y los nuevos diputados, algunos de los cuales tienen un programa econmico alentador, "dijo Harami. Populista Sin embargo, muchos parlamentarios se oponen a la privatizacin de los servicios esenciales debido a que aumentara su costo. Temen que muchos kuwaites podran perder sus puestos de trabajo en servicios pblicos privatizados. El emirato se informa que los proyectos en papel por valor de alrededor de $ 200 millones, la mayora de los cuales se han retrasado debido a la desfavorable political atmosphere. atmsfera poltica. - AFP -- AFP

MP pide a los miembros para impulsar el desarrollo leyes


KUWAIT: MP Waleed Al-Tabtabae asked all members of parliament to exert all possible efforts for completing the important projects before the summer vacation. KUWAIT: MP Waleed Al-Tabtabae pidi a todos los miembros del Parlamento a que hagan todos los esfuerzos posibles para completar los proyectos importantes antes de las vacaciones de verano. He said there are several key laws that need to be adopted including the conditions for holding leading posts, the financial property of officials, the medical test before marriage, the social and civil rights of women amid others, reported Al-Watan. Dijo que hay varias leyes fundamentales que deben ser adoptadas incluidas las condiciones para la celebracin de los puestos principales, la propiedad financiera de los funcionarios, los mdicos de prueba antes del matrimonio, los derechos sociales y civiles de la mujer en medio de otros, inform Al-Watan.

Tabtabae stated that the opposition to a women's law has dwindled after two MPs Mohammad Al-Sager and Saleh Al-Mulla attended a symposium of the teacher's society and gave their approval to a women's law. Tabtabae declar que la oposicin a un derecho de la mujer se ha reducido despus de dos diputados Mohammad Al-Sager y Saleh Al-Mulla asisti a un simposio de la sociedad del maestro y dieron su aprobacin a un derecho de la mujer. Tabtabae expects such laws to be adopted easily because the election campaigns of all MPs concentrated on development and he talked to several MPs about those laws and MPs announced their support to all developmental issues. Tabtabae espera que esas leyes a ser aprobado con facilidad porque las campaas electorales de todos los parlamentarios se concentr en el desarrollo y habl con varios diputados sobre las leyes y los parlamentarios anunciaron su apoyo a todas las cuestiones de desarrollo.

Local News Local News

Spanish monarch in Kuwait to strengthen relations Monarca espaol en Kuwait para reforzar las relaciones


KUWAIT: Spain's King Juan Carlos I and a delegation accompanying him arrived here yesterday on an official three-day visit where he would meet with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. KUWAIT: Spain's King Juan Carlos I y una delegacin que lo acompaaba lleg aqu ayer por un funcionario visita de tres das, donde se reunir con Su Alteza el Emir Jeque Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The Spanish King was received at the airport by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. El Rey espaol fue recibido en el aeropuerto de Su Alteza el Emir Sheikh Sabah, Su Alteza el Prncipe Heredero Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, y Su Alteza el Primer Ministro Jeque Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah . First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Jaber Primer Viceprimer Ministro y Ministro de Defensa jeque Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as well as others Ministers and senior officials at the Amiri Diwan, the army, police, and National Guard were present at the airport. Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, as como otros ministros y altos funcionarios de la Amiri Diwan, el ejrcito, la polica y la Guardia Nacional estaban presentes en el aeropuerto.

The honorary delegation accompanying the Spanish King is headed by Advisor at the Amiri Diwan Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. El honorario delegacin que acompaa al Rey espaol est a cargo de Asesor a la Amiri Diwan Jeque Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The King is heading a high level delegation which includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Miguel Angel Moratinos and other senior officials. El Rey se dirige una delegacin de alto nivel que incluye Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores Miguel Angel Moratinos y otros altos funcionarios. Spanish officials, in recent statements, had said the aim of the visit was to open more Gulf markets for the European state's companies, as well as consolidating political and cultural relations. Funcionarios espaol, en recientes declaraciones, ha dicho que el objetivo de la visita fue para abrir ms los mercados del Golfo para el Estado europeo de las empresas, as como la consolidacin de polticas y culturales. On several occasions, the Spanish monarch described the Kuwaiti leader as a loyal friend who was widely respected around the world. En varias ocasiones, el monarca espaol se describe el lder de Kuwait como un amigo fiel que es ampliamente respetado en todo el mundo.

King Juan Carlos I had made two visits to Kuwait, the first in October 1980 during which he held talks with the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the second in December of last year. El Rey Juan Carlos I ha realizado dos visitas a Kuwait, la primera en octubre de 1980 durante la cual mantuvo conversaciones con el fallecido Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, y el segundo en diciembre del ao pasado. The monarch, 70, has been leading his country since 1975. El monarca, de 70 aos, ha sido lder de su pas desde 1975.

In November, Deputy Speaker of the Spanish Parliament Ignacio Gil Lazaro visited the Gulf state, and described relations as solid and distinguished. En noviembre, Vicepresidente del Parlamento espaol Ignacio Gil Lzaro visit el estado del Golfo, y describen las relaciones slidas y distinguido. In 2005, Spanish Defense

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