MADRID, Aug 18 (KUNA) -- The State of Kuwait Embassy in Spain affirmed on Friday that all necessary measures had been taken to secure the Kuwaiti tourists and cater to their needs "since the moment the attack was launched in Barcelona."
Ambassador Dr. Suleiman Al-Harbi said in a statement to KUNA that, upon instructions by First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Suleiman Al-Jarallah, he had dispatched a three-member team to Barcelona to determine whether there was any Kuwaiti tourist among the crowds where yesterday's attack happened.
Moreover, a follow-up panel was established at the embassy to respond to any emergency or query related to the event.
The diplomatic team located 70 Kuwaiti tourists in the areas, surrounded by the government forces, and transferred them to a hotel in a secured area. Residency and meals' costs were all at the expense of the diplomatic mission, the ambassador added.
There were no casualties among the Kuwaitis, except for a lady who fainted after seeing the horrific scene, he said, adding that he was assured about her condition after the incident.
Today, the dragnet was lifted and life restored normalcy in Barcelona and all the Kuwaitis returned to their residences, ambassador Al-Harbi explained further to the national news agency.
He affirmed that action would proceed to ensure further that not a single Kuwaiti was hurt in the attack and expressed gratitude to the UAE diplomatic mission for aiding the Kuwaiti team and diplomats.
A Kuwaiti office will be opened at the UAE general consulate in Barcelona to follow up on such tasks. (end) hnd.rk