The State of Kuwait Strongly Stands by the Palestinians
Photo: Marzouq Al-Ghanim, the speaker of the Kuwaiti delegation, warmly welcomed his statement against the Israeli Knesset at the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Saint Petersburg, Russia.By: Noor Almohsin/Arab America Contributing Writer
Since the Arab Spring turmoil in the Middle East, the Palestinian issue has not become the major matter that concerns the Arab States. Historically, Arab Officials at different levels were most outspoken about the Palestinian case at various national and international congregations. This outpouring support for Palestine dramatically changed after the chaotic, so-called Arab Spring.
It became apparent that fewer officials addressed the situation in Palestine, and fewer states put efforts towards resolving the conflict; however, last week, it wasn’t business as usual for the speaker of Kuwait at the United Nations.
Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim, the Speaker of the Kuwaiti National Assembly, allocated his speech at the concluding session of the 137th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Saint Petersburg, Russia to attack the Israeli Parliament. With uncommon stance from Arab State officials, Al-Ghanim stood against the Israeli Knesset delegation envoy Nachman Shai, and declared Israel is an occupier, terrorist state, and child killer. He stated, “the statement of the occupying entity represents the most dangerous form of terrorism; State’s terror.” His short speech found applause from the attendees. Al-Ghanim angrily announced if the Israeli envoy’s delegation has self-respect, it should pack its bags and leave the room after finding the rejecting response from honorable Parliaments around the world. The Israeli delegation soon left the assembly.
On a similar note, the Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait to the United Nations, Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi, at the UN security council stressed the importance of proceeding negotiation between Palestinian and Israeli parties. These negotiations would progress into a two-state peace resolution with the establishment of the State of Palestine with 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital.
At the meeting on the Middle East situation, Al-Otaibi declared that since Israel occupied the Palestinian territory it has been continuously violating international laws, Judaizing Jerusalem, tarnishing Arab Identity, and restructuring the demographic in the land by isolating Palestinians and expanding illegitimate settlements. He also reaffirmed that the State of Kuwait rejects all Israeli efforts that falsifies reality on the ground and sabotages the two-state solution with 1967 borders. Al-Otaibi asserted peace begins once occupation, that started when Israel was forcefully found in 1948, ends.
The Kuwaiti officials addressed the Palestinian case as one for their own. Although there were conflicting standpoints regarding Al-Ghanim’s spontaneous and courageous response at the concluding session, he still spoke of what most dignified Arab people feel.
Video of Mr. Al-Ghanim speech at the conference went across social media platforms that Arab people heavily praised. Yet, there was some reaction that Al-Ghanim was only representing himself and not the stand of the Kuwaiti Government.
For such reaction, and after the conference, Al-Ghanim was received at Kuwait airport as a heroic figure; he was publicly praised for his courageous statement against the Israeli envoy. The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, welcomed members of the Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation, including Al-Ghanim, at Bayan Palace in Kuwait city and praised his strong stand against Israel.
The Kuwaiti Emir reaffirmed the persistent support of the State of Kuwait for the Palestinian people until they restore their rights and win their cause. The Kuwaiti Emir also expressed that he was personally proud of the representation of the Kuwaiti delegation had at the assembly in Saint Petersburg, Russia and urged the delegation not to listen to doubting and negative views about the mission.
Al-Ghanim explained the Kuwaiti delegation gains of empowerment from the trust and direct support it receives from the head of its state, nation, and the entire Kuwaiti Parliament. The public renewal of support of the position of the Kuwaiti State on the Palestinian issue has been echoed nationally and internationally. Among those praising the Kuwaiti stance was Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas who thanked Al-Ghanim for his firm statement, and appreciated the political and financial support the Kuwaiti government provides to the Palestinian people.
