KUWAIT - National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim tasked MP Yusuf Al-Zalzalah with arranging a high-level inter-agency meeting to discuss the state budget deficit.
KUWAIT - Minister of Information Sheikh Salman says choosing Kuwait as Capital of Islamic Culture 2016 came in recognition of the country's contributions to Islamic culture.
BEIRUT - Unknown gunmen abducted a Kuwaiti citizen in eastern Bekaa valley, Kuwait Ambassador to Lebanon Abulaal Al-Gina'ie says.
BAGHDAD - Three American citizens and their translator are held hostage in south Baghdad.
TEHRAN - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani voices optimism about US investments in his country lifting the international sanctions relating to Tehran's nuclear program.
WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama says the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is "a window to try to resolve important issues" with Iran.
WASHINGTON - The US Department of the Treasury announces slapping of sanctions on 11 companies and individuals for involvement in aiding Iran's ballistic missile program.
MOSCOW - Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrives in Moscow on an official visit to Russia. (end) gb