Kuna - Kuwait News Agency https://www.kuna.net.kw Kuna - Kuwait News Agency Info Ministry partners with private media to cover elections -- Official https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3142395 info@kuna.net.kw (Kuna) Tue, 19 Mar 2024 03:06:00 GMT KUWAIT, March 19 (KUNA) -- Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information Dr. Nasser Muhaisen confirmed on Monday that the ministry is keen to partner with private media outlets to cover the upcoming National Assembly elections.<br>The Ministry works to ensure the media coverage will reflect professionalism and contribute to successful parliamentary elections, he told KUNA at the conclusion of the second workshop on the basics of distinguished coverage and news production for the 2024 National Assembly's elections that was organized by the Ministry at the National Library.<br>For his part, the Assistant Undersecretary for Press, Publishing and Publications, Lafi Al-Subaie, stressed the interest of the Ministry in preparing the workshop, which is part of its role in supporting the media from the technical side, as well as their participation in highlighting the value of the event and focusing on the success of the electoral process in all its aspects.<br>Al-Subaie added in a similar statement to KUNA that the ministry is also keen on distinguished media coverage away from "offending the candidate and the voter." He said that the Kuwaiti private media is one of the tributaries of the media in the country and has a great role in every event, expressing hope that the private media will contribute to the success of the democratic wedding and that the coverage of the 2024 elections will be distinctive befitting the name of the State of Kuwait and its democratic experience.<br>The workshop was launched on Sunday with the participation of senior program presenter in the news sector Munawar Mardi, director Bashayer Al-Sayegh, a number of media professionals in the private sector and KUNA editors. (end) nma.onm Briefing of KUNA main news for Monday until 00:00 GMT https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3142394 info@kuna.net.kw (Kuna) Tue, 19 Mar 2024 02:55:00 GMT 3142318 KUWAIT -- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah congratulates Russian President Vladimir Putin on reelection.<br> 3142321 RAMALLAH -- The Israeli occupation forces storm Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, killing and injuring scores of people.<br> 3142352 CAIRO -- Commissioner-General of UNRWA Philippe Lazzarini warns of unprecedented famine crisis in Palestine.<br> 3142392 ADEN -- Yemeni Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ahmad bin Mubarak sees dim prospects for the roadmap for peace due to escalation of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.<br> 3142389 WASHINGTON -- US National Security Advisor confirms death of Hamas commander Marwan Issa in Israeli attack on Gaza Strip last week. (end) gb Yemen PM: UN roadmap hampered by Houthi hostilities' escalation https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3142392 info@kuna.net.kw (Kuna) Tue, 19 Mar 2024 02:25:00 GMT ADEN, March 18 (KUNA) -- Yemeni Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak said the prospects of peaceful solution to Yemen's political crisis have diminished due to the escalation of the Houthi hostilities in the Red Sea.<br>The efforts to realize the roadmap, proposed by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen Hans Grundberg in late December, 2023, have been hampered by militant attacks of the Houthis on international shipping lines in the Red Sea, he said.<br>Bin Mubarak made the comments during his meeting with heads of Yemen's overseas diplomatic missions on Monday.<br>The meeting focused on stance of the Yemeni government on the latest regional developments, notably the situations in Palestine and the Red Sea, according to Yemen News Agency (SABA).<br>The threats posed by the Houthi attacks on international shipping lines through the Red Sea resulted in designating the group as an international terror organization, Bin Mubarak told the Yemeni ambassadors.<br>He noted that the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have nothing to do with the Israeli aggression on Gaza Strip, refuting the Houthi claims to the contrary.<br>The stance of the Yemeni government maintains firmly supportive of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and opposed to the brutal aggression of the Israeli occupation on the Palestinians, he reaffirmed.<br>The Yemeni prime minister strongly denounced the policy of starvation being practiced by the Houthi militia against the Yemeni people, reiterating the call for scaling up the relief effort for the Yemeni people.<br>He asked the Yemeni diplomats to lobby for international response to the humanitarian disaster in Yemen and the environment disaster resulting from the sinking of the cargo ship Rubymar which was struck by two Houthi missiles in the Gulf of Aden near the Bab al-Mandab Strait on February 18. (end) sns.mmg.gb White House confirms death of Hamas commander in Gaza https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3142389 info@kuna.net.kw (Kuna) Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:54:00 GMT WASHINGTON, March 18 (KUNA) -- US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the Israeli forces have killed Marwan Issa, a leading member of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), in the ongoing fighting in Gaza Strip last week.<br>Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, he said, "Israel has made significant progress against Hamas. They've broken a significant number of Hamas battalions, killed thousands of Hamas fighters, including senior commanders." "Hamas's number three, Marwan Issa was killed in an Israeli operation last week. "The rest of the top leaders are in hiding, likely deep in the Hamas tunnel network. And justice will come for them too, and we are helping to ensure that," Sullivan pointed out.<br>"At the same time, more innocent civilians have died in this conflict in this military operation than in all of the wars in Gaza combined, including thousands of children. "A humanitarian crisis has descended across Gaza, and anarchy reigns in areas that Israel's military has cleared but not stabilized," he noted. "When the president (Joe Biden) visited Israel on October 18th, the first US president to make a wartime visit to Israel, I might add, he said both privately and publicly that the United States has learned a vital lesson over the course of several wars.<br>"A military plan cannot succeed without an integrated humanitarian plan and political plan. And the president has repeatedly made the point that continuing military operations need to be connected to a clear strategic endgame," Sullivan added. (end) asj.gb US denounces N. Korean ballistic missile launches https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3142384 info@kuna.net.kw (Kuna) Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:42:00 GMT WASHINGTON, March 18 (KUNA) -- The US Dept. of State reiterated strong condemnation of the ballistic missile launches by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) following the one carried out on Monday.<br>"These launches, like all other ballistic missile launches in recent years, are in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions," said the Department's Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel at a press briefing. "They pose a threat to regional and international peace and security, and we continue to consult closely with the Republic of Korea, Japan, and other allies and partners about the best way to engage with the DPRK, deter aggression, and coordinate international responses to the DPRK's violations of multiple UN Security Council resolutions," Patel added. (end) rsr.gb Kuwait Amir visits National Guard https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3142379 info@kuna.net.kw (Kuna) Mon, 18 Mar 2024 22:49:00 GMT KUWAIT, March 18 (KUNA) - His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah visited on Monday Kuwait National Guard and delivered a speech on the occasion.<br>In his speech, His Highness the Amir said that he is pleased with such visit which coincide the blessed month of Ramadan, and in confirmation of the great values and authentic principles that our dear Kuwaiti leadership and people have upheld throughout the years.<br>The visit by His Highness the Amir to congratulate its leadership, commanders and all its affiliates on this holy month, praying to Allah Almighty for many returns it to our Islamic and Arab nations, our beloved homeland and its honorable people with goodness and blessings.<br>His Highness the Amir added "my brothers and sons (Guardians of the Homeland): This place has witnessed over decades clear fingerprints, entitled (achievement and excellence) in all fields: military, security, administrative, medical and technical, the pillars of which were laid down by my dear brother His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the National Guard Chief, wishing great health and care." The Amir noted "we remember with admiration and pride Sheikh Salem's journey, which culminated in this military-security institution reaching a distinguished position among the relevant authorities at all levels: local, regional and international, stressing at the same time the need to continue such excellence work, so that the National Guard remains the vital role of support for the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, the General Fire Force and state institutions, especially those of a strategic nature.<br>His Highness the Amir commended as well the efforts that culminated in the development of various National Guard camps, including the shooting ranges camps of His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali, which refined the skills of National Guard personnel.<br>Kuwait Amir also congratulate the opening of the specialized clinics, the dialysis ward, and the diagnostic radiology center at the new specialized medical center in Tahrir camp.<br>After the speech, National Guard Undersecretary Hashim Al-Rifaie delivered a speech marking the visit of His Highness the Amir.<br>In his speech, Al-Rifaie said on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Chief of the National Guard, and Sheikh Faisal Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of the National Guard, and all members of the National Guard, commanders and forces, we express our great pleasure for this blessed visit.<br>"It gives me great pleasure to extend to your Highness the Amir and to the Kuwaiti people our warmest congratulations and blessings on the holy month of Ramadan, wishing to you and our dear homeland and the Islamic world prosperity, and blessings.<br>Al-Rifaie also remembered, during his speech, the Late Amir Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah.<br>"We take this opportunity to renew our pledge, and obedience to the leader of our country His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces," Al-Rifaie added. (end) mb Kuwait Amir visits Ministry of Defense https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3142370 info@kuna.net.kw (Kuna) Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:06:00 GMT KUWAIT, March 18 (KUNA) - His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah affirmed confidence in the country's Armed Forces and its sectors, which defend and sacrifice the dear homeland.<br>This came in a speech by His Highness the Amir during his visit the ministry of defense on Monday accompanied by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.<br>His Highness the Amir appreciated the ministry of defense's keenness to enhance its combat capabilities, raising the level of training and defense readiness, under exceptional circumstances in the regional arena, pushing towards achieving the highest levels of alertness and readiness for the armed forces.<br>His Highness the Amir also expressed gratitude to the efforts made by the Naval Force, in cooperation and coordination with the General Administration of the Coast Guard to achieve the highest levels of readiness to preserve the security of the nation and the safety of its territorial waters.<br>His Highness the Amir congratulated the ministry of defense on the 50th anniversary of its establishment of the (Facilities Engineering Department), which is an incubator of the initiatives and creativity of Kuwaiti youth, praising its role in preserving the environment.<br>During his speech, His Highness the Amir instructed the ministry's leadership to establish the rules of justice and impartiality and take all legal measures to preserve public money.<br>His Highness the Amir also instructed them to intensify inspection tours, and pay attention to infrastructure, especially warehouses of military machinery and equipment.<br>In turn, the Chief of the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army, Major General Pilot, Bandar Al-Muzain expressed pride by the visit of His Highness the Amir, congratulating His Highness on the holy month of Ramadhan.<br>He also noted that the Ministry of Defense, in its various military and civilian sectors, strives, through its work, to find lasting compatibility and harmony with the government action plan. (end) aa Kuwait calls on UNESCO to play role to end Gaza disaster https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3142368 info@kuna.net.kw (Kuna) Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:59:00 GMT PARIS, March 18 (KUNA) -- The State of Kuwait on Monday called on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to play its role and responsibilities towards the Gaza Strip disaster.<br>This came in tKuwait's speech during the 219th session of the Executive Council of the UNESCO, delivered by Kuwait's permanent representative to the organization, Ambassador Dr. Adam Al-Mulla, after the organization's members observed a minute of silence to mourn the death of the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.<br>Al-Mulla said, "Kuwait looks forward to the organization fulfilling its role and full responsibilities, as dictated by its founding mission towards the Gaza Strip disaster, and to accelerate the implementation of Resolution 42 C/54, which was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO at its last session." He stressed that the humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip have now reached an "unprecedented" stage of destruction, displacement, starvation and loss of the necessities of life for tens of thousands of children, women and the elderly.<br>Al-Mulla stressed that there is something that can be done "now" before stopping the fighting, repairing the infrastructure, and finding safe corridors to implement the plans on the ground, calling for the formation of a group of partners or an alliance - as happened in similar cases - to develop plans and mobilize support in order to work to lift part of the current suffering in Gaza.<br>On the other hand, Kuwait welcomed the draft resolution submitted by Qatar on (protecting education from attacks) in view of its importance and the urgent need for such resolutions and their implementation on the ground.<br>Regarding the implementation of the program adopted by the General Conference and the evaluation of the results of UNESCO's work during the years 2022-2023, Al-Mulla praised the new approach in its preparation and its inclusion of clear indicators, stressing that the organization is moving in the right direction to develop mechanisms for presentation and evaluation and follow up on the progress made in implementing the program. (end) mo.aa EU warns of famine in Gaza, urges for immediate action https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3142361 info@kuna.net.kw (Kuna) Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:13:00 GMT BRUSSELS, March 18 (KUNA) -- Gaza is facing famine, with 100 percent of people estimated to be acutely food insecure, said EU High Representative Josep Borrell.<br>In a statement Monday, Borrell said, "Five months into the Gaza crisis, the results of the updated Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) assessment released today indicate the unfolding of the worst possible forecast for Gaza. "Gaza is already facing famine, with 100 pct of people estimated to be acutely food insecure, according to the IPC. In Gaza's Northern Governorates, 70 pct of the population are facing imminent famine," he added.<br>Borrell also stressed that this is unprecedented. No IPC analysis has ever recorded such levels of food insecurity anywhere in the world. "Life-threatening levels of acute malnutrition have risen at an alarming rate since the last report, and we are already witnessing with horror the death of children due to starvation.," he added.<br>Borrell called for immediate action to save the Palestinians, considering that "the situation has surpassed the catastrophe and there has become an absolute necessity to act now." (end) hts.aa S. Korea, US FMs reaffirm commitment to N. Korea denuke https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3142357 info@kuna.net.kw (Kuna) Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:45:00 GMT TOKYO, March 18 (KUNA) -- South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed Monday their shared commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea, hours after the North fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea (Sea of Japan), Yonhap News Agency reported.<br>"The ministers condemned North Korea for firing several missiles right before the Summit for Democracy and said the North's continued provocations will only work to strengthen the coordination among South Korea, the US and Japan, and with the international community," Seoul's Foreign Ministry said. Cho and Blinken expressed concerns over any potential unilateral attempt to change the status quo in the Yellow Sea and agreed to work closely on the issue. They also agreed to continue cooperation to cut off the North's illicit funding channels for its nuclear and missile programs, such as cyberactivities, the dispatch of its workers overseas and ship-to-ship transfers. In addition, Blinken reaffirmed the US.' firm defense commitment to South Korea's security, the ministry said. Noting that Seoul's hosting of the democracy summit illustrates the bilateral alliance based on the shared values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law, the two sides agreed to make efforts to pass on the legacy of democracy to future generations. Pyongyang's latest missile launch came shortly before South Korea kicked off a three-day session of the US-led Summit for Democracy formed to strengthen partnerships among like-minded democratic nations. Blinken arrived in South Korea on Sunday to attend the forum and hold talks with Cho, their second such meeting in less than a month. (end) mk.aa