Kuwait recalls envoy in Damascus for consultation

Kuwait has recalled its ambassador in Syria for consultation, the country's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah said. "Kuwait has decided to recall its ambassador in Damascus for consultation," the Kuwaiti deputy prime minister and foreign minister told reporters following a parliamentary meeting. He added that the foreign ministers of the GCC members states will meet soon to look into the latest developments in Syria. He said Kuwait took the lead to break Arab acquiescence in the situation in Syria by having issued a statement four days ago, which was then followed by a relevant GCC statement. In its statement, Kuwait had voiced much dismay at continuing bloodshed in Syria, and had called for dialogue and a political solution to the crisis that should envision genuine reforms in order to fulfill the legitimate demands of the Syrian people, and should avert security solutions. He condemned bloodshed involving over 2,000 Syrians as "unacceptable". The Kuwaiti official, meanwhile, hailed the recent wise position and deep message of Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, in which he called on Syrian officials to stop bloodshed and to resort to wisdom and reconciliation with the people instead. He reiterated his country's support for the Saudi position, given that the security option should be given up and bloodshed be halted. On Kuwait, Sheikh Mohammad said: "Kuwait is protected by Gold and then by its international relations, commitments and full respect of international law, charters and norms." On Mubarak Al-Kabeer port on Boubyan Island, he said: "Kuwait is fully committed to (UN) Resolution 833 whose Article 5 provides the freedom and right of navigation at Al-Abdullah Inlet without any obstacle or impediment." He reaffirmed his country's welcome of an Iraqi technical delegation to be briefed on relevant technical, engineering and environmental studies, which prove that Mubarak Al-Kabeer port would not impede navigation at Abdullah Inlet.