Attempt to disrupt Nov 29 session scheduled to discuss 'grilling'
KUWAIT CITY: The opposition bloc released a statement on Monday rejecting the National Assembly's lock on Abdullah Al-Salem Hall. The bloc accused the National Assembly of attempting to disrupt a session on Nov 29 scheduled to discuss an interpellation against His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah.
The bloc refused the National Assembly's procedures against opposition MPs and citizens who broke into Abdullah Al-Salam Hall last Wednesday. It insisted that the damage is not extensive enough to prevent the Parliament from holding sessions.
Furthermore, the opposition accused the National Assembly of attempting to frame the MPs and citizens and delay the upcoming session that is scheduled to discuss the multi-million dinar bribery case grilling.
The statement stressed that the lawmakers of Black Wednesday directed protestors into the Assembly on Wednesday as the only means to prevent ominous confrontation with security forces.
In addition, MP Musallam Al-Barrak challenged Speaker of Parliament, Jassem Al-Khorafi, to re-open Abdullah Al-Salem Hall to the media so that they can see that no damage has been done to the chamber. He claimed that the investigative team has completed its report and said that no damage has been done, "however, Al-Khorafi is following the orders of the Interior Ministry and Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah to disrupt sessions".
Meanwhile, pro-government MPs resumed their condemnation of Black Wednesday's events and the opposition bloc. MP Mikhled Al-Azmi called on opposition MPs to resign and wait for the next parliamentary elections so that the Kuwaiti people may decide what is best for them.
He said that the opposition is merely hiding behind their parliamentary immunity and using the youth to create chaos on the streets. Their immunity, however, will be lifted and they will be referred to the public prosecution and may face prison terms, he added.
"I advise the opposition MPs to submit their resignation and give the opportunity to others to represent the people. The people will judge if they want you in next elections or not. That is if you're not in jail," Al-Azmi said.
Al-Azmi further criticized MPs Musallam Al-Barrak and Jamaan Al-Harbash for proudly admitting they ordered protestors to enter the National Assembly last Wednesday. He said the barbaric actions in Abdullah Al-Salem Hall are shameful as it is a place where leaders of state have been and asserted their pride in Kuwait's democracy.
Moreover, MP Yousef Al-Zalzalah stated that whoever disobeys the orders of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has betrayed his oath. He added HH the Amir continuously advises all state authorities to uphold the law and whoever does not must face their responsibilities.
The opposition bloc, nevertheless, remained defiant and called on citizens to attend their scheduled rally on Monday. On Twitter, MP Jamaan Al-Harbash said "Prison is tax that is paid by reformers throughout history. Prison with Al-Muslim, Musallam, Al-Sawwagh, and Al-Tabtabaei is dearer than the assembly of the briber and the bribed." Al-Harbash warned the opposition will escalate their stance and that upcoming events will be worse.
The opposition bloc released a statement warning the prime minister of dire consequences if he does not take the podium and facing grilling requests. The opposition also gave the prime minister the option of resigning, despite HH the Amir's assertion that he will not accept the PM's resignation.
Meanwhile, MP Rola Dashti forwarded a question to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, on the number of citizens, foreigners and dual nationality holders that have participated in the parliament break-in last Wednesday.
Dashti had previously urged the interior minister to withdraw the citizenships of citizens involved in the break-in and to deport non-Kuwaiti perpetrators.
On another note, Al-Seyassah daily Editor-in-Chief, Ahmed Al-Jarallah, formally requested the Office of Parliament to investigate an incident last week where MP Musallam Al-Barrak's secretary, Abbas Al-Shaaby, allegedly verbally assaulted Al-Seyassah reporter, Salem al-Wawan and the newspaper.
© Arab Times 2011
