A recent statement by Caretaker Minister of Economy Amin Salam asking Kuwait to rebuild the grain silos was strongly condemned by Kuwaiti officials, which led Salam, as well as Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, to clarify the wording that triggered widespread discontent in Kuwait, with fears of potential political-diplomatic ramifications.
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah, expressed his country’s strong condemnation and astonishment at the declaration made by Salam. He added that it “contradicts the basic political norms and indicates a limited understanding of the decision-making processes in Kuwait, which is based on constitutional and institutional foundations.”
Salam had told “Sputnik” news agency that he sent a message three weeks ago to Kuwait through the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, appealing to it to rebuild the silos of wheat,” adding that with a “stroke of a pen,” Kuwait could build Lebanon’s silos in Beirut and Tripoli. Salam also mentioned that he had contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and learned that there are funds in the Kuwaiti Development Fund.
Al-Sabah emphasized that Kuwait has a rich historical record of support for people and friendly nations, but categorically rejects any interference in its decisions and internal affairs. He urged the caretaker Minister of Economy, Amin Salam, to withdraw this statement, out of concern for the bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries.
Other Kuwaiti officials, especially in the Parliament, also criticized Salam’s statement and asked for clarification.
Press Conference
In a press conference on Saturday, Salam explained that “the expression “with the stroke of a pen”, a phrase used in the colloquial Lebanese language, was intended to convey that the matter can be quickly implemented and is feasible.” “My intention was not to bypass the constitutional and legal procedures followed by either Kuwait or Lebanon,” he added.
Salam hoped that the Kuwaiti parliament would accept this clarification, and said, “I had a clear conscience in my request because I appealed to a brotherly country that has always stood by Lebanon. I am aware of the risks posed to food security, especially since the World Bank has classified Lebanon as the most vulnerable country in terms of food security due to its lack of strategic reserve.”
Mikati
Additionally, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized the depth of the relationship between the two countries. A statement from his office read, “The Prime Minister affirms Lebanon’s respect for the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of all countries, so how about if it is related to the brotherly State of Kuwait, whose decision-making mechanism is subject to constitutional, legal and institutional controls that reflect a deep political civilization rooted in Kuwaiti society.”
