KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait's emir on Tuesday opened the new parliamentary term by issuing a stern warning against political chaos and sectarian tensions that have bedevilled the oil-rich Gulf state. “There are limits that all must comply with Law must be fully respected otherwise things become chaotic, putting at risk our national security and national unity,” Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah said. Political disputes between the government and MPs have rocked Kuwait since 2006, delaying major projects and stalling development despite abundant cash thanks to high oil revenues. Political tensions have forced the emir to dissolve parliament three times since May 2006, and Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah has had to form five cabinets over the same period. The current cabinet, formed at the end of May last year, is in fact the longest serving Kuwaiti government since early 2006. The current parliament was elected in May last year. The Kuwaiti ruler also warned of “mischievous plots” targeting the foundations of society and of attempts to plunge the emirate into “religious and political conflicts.” Sectarian tensions between the country's Shiite minority and Sunni majority flared in September after self-imposed Shiite exile Yasser al-Habeeb made disparaging remarks about the Prophet Mohammed's wife, Aisha. Eventually the government stripped him of his Kuwaiti citizenship and vowed to take legal measures against him. Sheikh Sabah warned that it has become necessary to “take a series of firm measures, including issuing certain legislation, to put an end to the chaos.” – Agence France
