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 In his inaugural speech, Kuwait's new emir calls for state responsibility.

Written by Ahmed Hagagy

December 20, KUWAIT (Reuters) - In his first statement as emir since his predecessor's death last week, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah of Kuwait criticized the government and parliament on Wednesday for actions he claimed had harmed the country's interests as an ally of the United States.

Sheikh Meshal, 83, objected to pardons given by his predecessor and denounced decisions to assign people to positions that were "not consistent with the simplest rules of justice and fairness".

Which pardons the new emir took issue with was not stated. His predecessor pardoned a number of people, including opponents and dissidents as well as individuals who had been convicted of spying for Hezbollah, a Shi'ite Muslim organization in Lebanon, and Iran.

He emphasized the significance of government supervision and impartial responsibility, saying, "Today, as we are going through a delicate historical stage, we must review our current reality in all its aspects, especially the security, economic, and living aspects."

He noted in the address that was unusually critical of the government and parliamentarians for a new emir that even if he had disagreed with some of the previous emir's actions, he had abided by them out of loyalty.

For the majority of his half-brother Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah's reign, Sheikh Meshal presided over daily affairs. Sheikh Nawaf passed away on Saturday at the age of 86 from illness.

Chief Executive of Reconnaissance Research Abdulaziz Al-Anjeri remarked, "The emir's speech underscored a heightened focus on strengthening governance and enhancing accountability, reflecting a deep commitment to combating corruption in the pursuit of effective governance."

"By directly criticizing the legislative and executive branches, he demonstrated his willingness to implement drastic yet necessary reforms."

Kuwait is an OPEC member and has the seventh-largest oil reserves in the world. It borders Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran. It is a close ally of the US, which stationed forces there after freeing Kuwait from Iraqi domination in 1991.

Sheikh Meshal stated Kuwait would uphold its obligations in the Gulf, the region, and the international arena.

According to Kuwaiti researcher Bader Al Saif, the emir's speech demonstrated his intention to uphold current foreign policy and his efforts to eradicate corruption in the public sector.

However, he added, it also implied that the administration and parliament had not adequately addressed the country's top concerns, which were to meet the needs of the populace, security, and the economy.

As is customary when a new emir takes office, the existing cabinet tendered its resignation, which might result in significant changes in the future government, according to Al Saif.

Later, Sheikh Meshal agreed to the resignation.

Although political parties are prohibited in Kuwait and independent candidates are not allowed to run, the legislature has more power than legislatures in other Gulf monarchies. It can adopt and veto laws, interrogate ministers, and file resolutions of no-confidence.

For many years, there have been cabinet reshuffles and parliament dissolutions in Kuwait, the oldest and most dynamic legislature in the Gulf due to frequent political impasse.

Writing by Yousef Saba, Pesha Magid, and Alexander Cornwell; editing by Jason Neely, Alison Williams, and Kirsten Donovan; reporting by Ahmed Haggagy in Kuwait, Ahmed Elimam, Clauda Tanios, and Nayera Abdallah, Alexander Cornwell in Dubai

      Source reuters.com