Kuwait emir swears in new cabinet

Feb 14, 2012, 14:53 GMT

Cairo - Kuwaiti emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah on Tuesday swore in a new government, which has eight new ministers, Al Arabiya broadcaster reported.

The new cabinet, which was formed after the Islamist-led opposition won 34 seat in the 50-member parliament in an election earlier this month, has 16 ministers, including five members of the royal family.

Prime Minister Jaber Mubarak Al Sabah will retain his post as well as Interior Minister Ahmad Al Hamoud Al Sabah, Foreign Minister Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and Finance Minister Mustafa Al Shamali.

The emir will inaugurate the first session of the country's 14th parliament on Wednesday, the official KUNA news agency reported.

'We look forward with confidence and hope to cooperate positively and constructively between the legislative and executive authorities,' Sheikh Sabah told the new cabinet.

'You have significant challenges awaiting all of you in this important stage, which we hope to overcome to continue to move towards the implementation of development plans and reform,' he added.

The outgoing government headed by Sheikh Jaber, who is a member of the royal family, was formed in December after tensions between the opposition and pro-government politicians.

In November, the Kuwaiti ruler dissolved parliament shortly before ministers were to be questioned about an alleged bribery scam and after youths attacked the parliament building.

It is not unusual for parliament to try to call ministers to account for their actions. However, the ruling family considers it a breach of their honour if a relative of the emir has to justify himself to the legislature.