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Kuwait’s ruling family asks PM to lead country
 KUWAIT CITY - Kuwait’s Prime Minister on Friday agreed to take charge of the country due to the poor health of the newly named Amir, state television reported. Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, who has run Kuwait's day-to-day affairs for years, will continue as de facto leader.Shaikh Saad, in his mid-70s, automatically took over on Sunday, hours after the late Amir, Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah, passed away. Kuwaitis are concerned that Shaikh Saad’s deteriorating health might not allow him to even take the oath of office in Parliament. He attended the funeral of the late Amir in a wheelchair, and briefly appeared in television footage passively accepting condolences from citizens.
 The television reported that ruling family members visited Shaikh Sabah at his residence on Friday and called on him to accept his responsibilities in continuing to lead the country until it reaches the “shore of safety,” a reference to the uncertainty in the country because of the health condition of the new Amir who has not taken the oath of office yet.According to the television announcement, Shaikh Sabah accepted the responsibility and asked God to help him shoulder it “under the circumstances that need ... unity.” Shaikh Sabah said he will “walk The Prime Minister said Shaikh Saad’s “heroic and historic” role during the seven-month Iraqi occupation of Kuwait The carefully worded announcement said members of the ruling family “renewed” the confidence shown by the late Amir to Shaikh Sabah late last year. Last October, the Amir had responded to apparent criticism of Shaikh Sabah by saying he “fully trusted” and “appreciated” the efforts of Shaikh Sabah. Members of the ruling family and parliament have held numerous meetings since Shaikh Jaber’s death to discuss Shaikh Saad is known for his closeness to the people. He is the eldest son of Kuwait’s most popular Amir, Shaikh Abdullah Al Salem Al Sabah, dubbed the “father of democracy” and founder of modern Kuwait.
Posted by: Steve White 2006-01-21 |
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| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=140363 |