Finnish official describes Kuwaiti 'diwaniyas' as best form of democracy

KUN0029 4 GEN 0237 KUWAIT /KUNA-RCH5 PPL-FINLAND-KUWAIT-KAUKONEN Finnish official describes Kuwaiti 'diwaniyas' as best form of democracy HELSINKI, Oct 9 (KUNA) -- The former Finnish Ambassador to Kuwait Pertti Kaukonen described the Kuwaiti 'diwaniyas' (social/political gatherings) as "the best form of democracy" and "distinctive." This came during a dinner banquet hosted Friday evening by the Secretary General of the Finnish Parliament and the author of the new Finnish constitution Seppo Tiitinen in honor of the visiting Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation. The former ambassador explained that he presented his credentials to H.H. the Amir in 1993, and that he was greatly impressed with the achievements made during the six years he was there. He mentioned Kuwaiti methods in running day-to-day activities, expressing great admiration at the "true democratic system" presented by 'diwaniyas', where all problems and top issues are discussed freely. For its part, the Kuwaiti delegation discussed with the Parliament's Secretary General different aspects of the Finnish constitution, and especially the fact that there is no constitutional court to look into draft bills. On this, Tiitinen said, "The parliamentary legislative committee issues decisions on draft bills in the event that no agreement is reached by the parliament." The current constitution is the fourth in the history of Finland's parliament. (end) afs.ema KUNA 091318 Oct 04NNNN