LOC11:33
08:33 GMT
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 3 (KUNA) -- "The visit of United Nations Secretary
General Ban Ki-moon to Kuwait, slated for December 5-6, is a great chance to
work on settling some issues with Iraq and its timing is very opportune,"
Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the UN Mansour Al-Otaibi told KUNA,
Monday.
The ambassador added that the timing is very wise, "as it enables the
discussions and efforts to benefit from current and recent enthusiasm and
development in cooperation between Kuwait and Iraq.
"We shall push for Iraq meeting what remains of its obligations as stated
by UN Security Council resolutions. These are mainly dossiers on border
demarcation, removal of incursions onto Kuwaiti territory, compensations for
farmers, as well as the key dossiers on Kuwaiti POWs and Missing and
restoration of Kuwaiti property."
The diplomat noted what he called "encouraging gestures" on the Iraqi side
recently, which he took to mean that things "are going in the right direction"
and he expected many key issues would be settled once and for all in a matter
of weeks.
"On our part, we (Kuwaitis) have a sincere desire to open a new page and to
sign agreements with Iraq in many fields ... It is time we took steps to take
our relations further."
Going back to the visit by the UN chief, the ambassador noted it would
provide opportunity to discuss other issues as well, including the very strong
cooperation between Kuwait and the international body.
"Kuwait had never wavered from stressing its commitment to the secretary
general's priorities for his second tenure, most importantly regarding
pre-emptive diplomacy, peaceful settlement of disputes, countering climate
change, and making progress in terms of sustainable development."
There would also be continuation of discussions started during the
September meeting between Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and His Highness the
Prime Minister on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
The visit expresses esteem of Kuwait's role within UN bodies, its financial
support of UN funds and initiatives, and its hosting of regional offices and
headquarters for several UN organizations.
"The naming of Kuwaiti charity personality Abdullah Al-Mutawwa recently as
the UN Secretary General's Personal Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs in Kuwait
was proof of estimation of Kuwait's relief and humanitarian work. It was also
a vote of trust in the legality of all such work and conformity to
international humanitarian work criteria," the ambassador pointed out.
Kuwait's most recent humanitarian gestures includes a donation of USD 20
million for aid and relief for Syrian refugees, both within and outside of
Syrian territory. The donation was made through Kuwait Red Crescent Society
and the International Islamic Charitable Organization. There was also a
donation of USD 10 million to a number of UN agencies exerting effort in this
field.
Secretary Ban had last visited Kuwait in March 2012, and in January 2009
before that, when he took part in the Arab Economic, Social, and Development
Summit hosted by the country. Ban had back then inaugurated "UN House."(end)
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