Wide-scale precautions for donors' conference, Yemen repercussions

KUWAIT, March 27 (KUNA) -- A major world donors' event for Syria due here in few days and implications that might arise due to the military operation on Yemen have unleashed huge efforts by state authorities, making arrangements for potential emergencies.
Ahead of the Third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria, slated for 31 March, and a potential impact of Yemen's "Operation Decisive Storm", Kuwait's three top security bodies held a high ranking meeting on Thursday to discuss relevant plans.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah chaired the meeting, attended by senior officials of his ministry, the Ministry of Defense and the National Guard.
Schemes for guarantee national security and people's safety were the chief topic, based on the domestic front plan Early on Friday, designated National Guard Undersecretary Major General Hashem Al-Refaei, said they are on full alert and ready to address emergencies.
The National Guard has taken all necessary steps to counter challenges that might arise to threaten Kuwait's security, Al-Refaei added in a statement, noting that they would fully cooperate with other security bodies for the noble prupose.
Emergency arrangements are not confined to security.
Minister of Health Ali Al-Obaidi told KUNA that they are ready to handle emergency situations that may arise at home.
By the same token, Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry Anas Al-Saleh reassured citizens about the country's strategic food stocks, saying they hit an all-time high.
"Kuwait's strategic food reserves have hit their highest ever-recorded level," the minister said in a press release, adding that the ministry is in touch with the private sector to secure additional food commodities, if necessary.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim has emphasized in a press statement that Kuwait is taking part in "Operation Decisive Storm" against the Houthi militia in Yemen at the request of Saudi Arabia, whose southern borders are exposed to threats.
The nature of the Kuwaiti participation is in line with GCC Joint Defense Agreement and does not conflict with the Kuwaiti constitution, Al-Ghanim said.
For his part, First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said yesterday that the serious developments and escalation in Yemen "compels everyone to move immediately and take necessary precautions in order to restore security and stability in this brotherly country," in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, based on the GCC Initiative.
He made the statement at the Arab Foreign Ministers' preparatory meeting for the 26th Arab Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh yesterday.
Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled stressed the necessity of supporting Yemen's constitutional legitimacy and responding to Yemeni President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi by means of providing immediate Arab and international support to protect Yemen and its people and to safeguard its sovereignty and independence. (end) aas.msa