Premier to Seyassah daily: cooperation of authorities top priority before us

KUWAIT, Aug 12 (KUNA) -- The homeland is set for a course of great challenge, and the top most challenge is to strengthen cooperation between the legislative and the executive authorities for the best interest of Kuwait, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad told Al-Seyassah daily in remarks published on Thursday.
His Highness noted that there is no cause for alarm or fear over a lapse in Kuwaiti politics, because ours is a state of institutions and one which relies and refers to the Constitution approved by its people and leadership.
As for procedures to facilitate meeting the objectives of the state's development plan, he said focus is now on reducing red-tape and document processes to speed up execution of projects. "However, this is not a problem Kuwait suffers in particular, but one which is wide-spread among states of institutions," His Highness remarked.
"We shall try our best to reduce stages of processing, as we are fully committed to all details of the development plan. It is an ambitious plan which would rejuvenate the economy and urge people to act rather than surrender to a trend of hollow political rhetoric which is not coupled with action.
His Highness stressed, "Citizens are bored with great argument and little action, which plagued us in recent years." The development plan has over 20 mega projects, "And we shall focus on six or seven of these in the first phase; those directly related to services, communications, education, and health care." The premier also referred to laws to be considered at parliament next. "If there are impediments hampering implementation of these projects, laws would be enacted to counter them." "We are also considering new views regarding the BOT law, which must be enacted to engage the private sector in the mega projects, which are on the verge of start of execution." On delay in the projects due to political influence, the premier said "We are a constitutional state, and law is the reference in any dispute. There are also courts and there is Abdullah Al-Salem Hall (Parliament) for any political action, and there are constitutional institutions that are to govern all things, which had been agreed by all." "Accordingly, I do not think we would meet delay. And I also noticed a drop in the political debate and argumentation which caused some problems and delays in the past. This is a good sign that people are now convinced we are on the right political path leading to development and hike in productivity. Everyone in Kuwait wishes to see results rather than plague those working on realizing objectives." His Highness meanwhile remarked political events in the region had some effect on political life in Kuwait, and also pointed out the big margin of freedom in the state helped in loud and longwinded debate, "But everything has to come to a point of end or restraint." On future relationship between the two authorities, he said, "There is no harm in someone disagreeing with you, so long as the rights of country and countrymen are kept in focus at all times. And again, we do not mind rather loud debate, as long as it clearly serves cooperation and maintains respect for rights of all." To a question on a solution for the stateless (bedoun) issue, His Highness said the planning council is to present a study to the cabinet in this regard. "From a quick view, I sensed the study was fair and objective and considers all which must be considered. It shall be forwarded to the cabinet after His Highness the Amir views it, so let us wait for that." The premier also made remarks relating to youth and youth action and service. He said, "We are working on a law on national service which rivals that adopted by the most advanced countries so that it help encourage hobbies and encourage youth to realize their potential and put their abilities and their time to best use.
"This shall have great national value and influence. All would benefit, whether they be young, mature, or elderly, if we stress the sense of national duty among our young, who are our nation's future," Sheikh Nasser said.(end) msh.no.wsa KUNA 121318 Aug 10NNNN