Kuwaiti emir decries foreign meddling in Iraq's affairs

By Ibrahim Saleh

BAGHDAD

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on Wednesday voiced his rejection of any foreign interference in Iraq’s internal affairs.

The emir made the remarks during a meeting with Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi in Kuwait City, according to a statement issued by al-Halbousi’s office.

The statement quoted al-Sabah as saying that his country "supports the unity and stability of Iraq and rejects any interference in its internal affairs”.

He also expressed optimism regarding Iraq’s ability to elect a new president -- which is slated to happen on Oct. 2 -- and draw up a viable government.

Leading Iraqi political blocs are currently holding consultations aimed at forming a new government.

"Iraq is a strategic pillar of the Middle East; its stability will reflect positively on the entire region," the emir said.

Al-Halbousi, for his part, praised "the distinguished role played by Kuwait... in supporting Iraq and its people”.

He also hailed Kuwait’s role in hosting donors' conferences for the reconstruction of Iraq.

Last February, Kuwait hosted an Iraq donors conference, during which Baghdad secured some $30 billion in pledges to rebuild the war-torn country.

Al-Halbousi arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday -- his first official visit abroad as parliament speaker.