Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the State of Kuwait

Sunday/ June 27, 2015

External Affairs

Foreign minister Al-Khaled receives support calls from Bahrain, Jordan and GCC top man
First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on Friday received telephone calls from the Foreign Ministers of Bahrain, Jordan and the Secretary General of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) shortly after the deadly blast in Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait city. Wishing Kuwait everlasting peace, the three top diplomats voiced support to the Kuwaiti government and strongly denounced the attack, a foreign ministry statement said. Several people have been killed or injured in the blast. (All Newspapers)

Sheikh Salman condemns "cowardly terrorist" attack on Al-Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque
Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah strongly condemned Friday's "terror" bombing attack on a mosque in Kuwait City. "What happened today is a cowardly terrorist act that targets Kuwait's security and stability," the Minister said in a statement to KUNA. He underlined that the security agencies and all Kuwaiti people are hand in hand to defend the national unity and spare the chance on those trying to instigate division, harms the state security and stability. "Kuwait is stronger than those cowards," he said. He pointed out that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah shows Kuwait's unity in face of terrorism. Sheikh Salman expressed condolence and sympathy with relatives of the attack victims. The Ministry of Interior has announced that several worshipers were killed and others injured in the blast that hit Al-Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Al-Sawaber neighborhood in Kuwait city during noon Friday prayer. (All Newspapers)

Bahrain PM condemns "terrorist" attack against Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque
Bahrain's Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa condemned the "terrorist" attack against Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in downtown Kuwait city Friday, killing and wounded scores of people. Prince Khalifa made the remarks during a phone call with His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, during which the senior Bahraini official "strongly condemns this terrorist act which reflect a deviated and extremist belief." Prince Khalifa, who extended condolences for families of the victims, said attacks against mosques was a failed attempt to incite sedition and division among people of the nation. He said he was fully confident the State of Kuwait would emerge stronger against all plots against its security and safety of its people. Prince Khalifa underlined Bahrain's support of all measures to be taken by Kuwait to protect its security and stability. His Highness the Prime Minister thanked Prince Khalifa for his gesture which reflected solid relations between Kuwait and Bahrain. (All Newspapers)

Egyptian pres. condemns blast at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Friday a telephone call from Egyptian President Abdelfatah Al-Sisi during which the latter condemned the blast at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait city that killed several people and injured others during the afternoon Friday Prayers.
Al-Sisi affirmed Egypt's support to Kuwait in this incident, expressing condolences to the families of victims of this "criminal" act. The Egyptian leader wished speedy recovery to the injured. According to a statement by Ministry of Interior, at least 25 people were killed and 202 others wounded in the blast. (All Newspapers)

Bahrain's King condemns Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque blast
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Friday a telephone call from Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. During the call, King Hamad condemned the blast at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait city that killed 25 people and injured 202 others during the afternoon Friday Prayers. King Hamad affirmed the solidarity of Bahrain and its people with the State of Kuwait and Kuwaitis in this incident. King Hamad expressed condolences to relatives of the victims of this "criminal" act, praying to Allah to bless the souls of victims with mercy in Paradise. He wished the injured speedy recovery. (All Newspapers)

Council of Europe condemns terror attacks in Kuwait, Tunisia and France
The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) on Friday strongly condemned the terror attacks earlier in the day in Kuwait, Tunisia and France and also slammed the "violent extremism and terrorism" that was behind the deadly attacks that killed more than 60 people. In a statement, the Strasbourg-based PACE called on all its 324 sitting members to "raise their voices and speak out against terrorism, as well as the hate and intolerance that fuels it." The President of the Council of Europe parliament, Anne Brasseur, said she was "deeply shocked at today's wave of terrorist attacks in France, Tunisia and Kuwait" and she condemned these "in the strongest possible terms." An estimated 25 people died in the Kuwaiti suicide attack, while 27 were killed by a terrorist in Tunisia and one person died in the French attack.
"Violent extremism and terrorism undermine the very foundations of democratic societies and are completely unacceptable. I also want to send a message of sympathy to the families of the victims and to the injured as well as to the people and the authorities of the three countries." The Council of Europe has 47 member States and monitors human rights and democracy among its membership and associated countries. (All Newspapers)

GCC countries condemn Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque blast
The GCC countries condemned the blast at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait city during the afternoon Friday Prayers that killed 25 people and wounded 202 others. GCC Secretary General Abdullatif bin Al Zayani described the blast in a statement as a "terrible crime" that runs counter to all Islamic values and principles, affirming that all member states support Kuwait in taking any measures so as to protect its security and stability. (All Newspapers)

US Embassy condemns attack at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque
The US Embassy in Kuwait condemned Friday in a statement the attack at the Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait City that killed some 25 people and injured 202 others during the afternoon Friday Prayers. "The Embassy of the United States condemns the senseless terrorist attack on worshippers in the Al-Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait City today," the statement said. "We, Ambassador Douglas Silliman and his wife Catherine, extend our deepest condolences to the government and people of Kuwait, and our prayers go out to the families of those killed and injured. The United States stands ready to assist our friend and ally Kuwait in any way possible," (All Newspapers)

Iraqi PM condemns attack on Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Friday a telephone call from Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi during which the latter condemned the attack at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait city that killed some 25 people and injured 202 others during the afternoon Friday Prayers. Al-Abadi affirmed the solidarity of Iraq and Iraqi people with Kuwait and its people over the blast. He expressed his condolences to the families of victims of this "criminal" act, whishing the injured speedy recovery. (All Newspapers)

Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak receives calls on Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque blast
His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received two separate telephone calls from his Egyptian and Iraqi counterparts Ibrahim Mahlab and Haider Al-Abadi respectively. During the two calls, both Mahlab and Al-Abadi condemned strongly the attack at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait city that killed some 25 people and injured 202 others during the afternoon Friday Prayers. They affirmed that their countries support the State of Kuwait and reject any attempts aiming to affect safety and security of Kuwaitis. They expressed their condolences to the families of the dead of this "criminal" act, whishing the injured speedy recovery. (All Newspapers)

UN Sec.General condemns mosque blast in Kuwait
The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France on Friday. Those responsible for these appalling acts of violence must be swiftly brought to justice, he said. The Secretary-General affirmed that, far from weakening the international community's resolve to fight the scourge of terrorism, these heinous attacks will only strengthen the commitment of the United Nations to help defeat those bent on murder, destruction and the annihilation of human development and culture. The Secretary-General extended his condolences to the families of those killed and injured in today's attacks and expressed his solidarity with the peoples and Governments of Tunisia, Kuwait and France. (All Newspapers)

Belgium condemns terrorist attack in Kuwait
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders expressed his shock by the terrorist attacks, today, in Kuwait as well as in France and Tunisia. In a statement he condemned "these barbaric and cowardly acts that took the lives of tens of persons." Belgium stands by these countries in their fight against terrorism, he noted Reynders extended his condolences to the families and friends of the victims, and to and Kuwaiti people and governments. (All Newspapers)

US condemns terror attacks in Kuwait, France, and Tunisia
"The United States condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks in France, Kuwait, and Tunisia today, said a statement by the US Press Secretary on Attacks in France, Kuwait, and Tunisia The statement added "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of these heinous attacks, their loved ones, and the people of all three countries. As the President has discussed with his French, Kuwaiti, and Tunisian counterparts in recent weeks, we are resolute and united in our shared effort to fight the scourge of terrorism." He said "We stand with these nations as they respond to attacks on their soil today, and we have been in contact with appropriate counterparts in all three countries to offer any necessary support. Terrorism has no place in any society, and the United States will continue to work closely with our international partners to combat terrorist actors and counter violent extremism around the globe." (All Newspapers)

France's defense Min. denounces mosque attack in Kuwait
Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah on Friday received a telephone call from his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian who expressed strong denounciation on the terrorist blast in downtown Kuwait city earlier today. Le Drian underlined France's support to Kuwait condemning the heinous act that targetted worshippers of the Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque during the Friday noon prayer, killing 27 people and injuring 227 others. He extended condolences for the Kuwaiti leadership, government and people. The blast in Kuwait coincided with with a "terrorist act" and explosion at an industrial gas facility in south-eastern France. (All Newspapers)

Italy condemns blast at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque, underlines support with Kuwait
First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on Friday received a cable from Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni who denounced a terrorist blast in the Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in downtown Kuwait city earlier today. "The international community denounces this cowrdly terrorist action against civilians," Gentilone said in his cable underling Italy's support to Kuwait. At least 27 people were killed and 227 others injured in the blast that took place inside the mosque during the Friday noon prayer. (All Newspapers)

Tajik pres. offers condolences to His Highness Amir on mosque blast
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Saturday a cable of condolences form Tajikistan President Imam Ali Romanov on the blast that targeted Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait City, killing 27 people and injuring 227 others during the afternoon Friday Prayers. In the cable, the Tajik leader described the terrorist attack as an inhumane and unjustifiable act, expressing his country's readiness to widen cooperation with Kuwait in this regard. On his part, His Highness the Amir sent a reply cable to the Tajik President, expressing his appreciation to these good feelings. His Highness the Amir wished President Romanov good health. (All Newspapers)

Putin offers condolences to His Highness Amir over mosque blast victims
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Saturday received a cable from Russian President Vladimir Putin who offered his condolences over the victims of the terrorist attack that targeted a mosque in Kuwait City on Friday. The attack that hit Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Al-Sawaber neighborhood of Kuwait City during Friday noon prayers, claimed the lives of 27 worshippers and left 227 others wounded. In his cable, Putin denounced all forms of terrorism and voiced support to Kuwait's efforts to counter the threat. He wished those injured a speedy recovery. In reply, His Highness the Amir sent the Russian President a cable appreciating his warm sentiments. (All Newspapers)

His Highness Premier receives call from Jordan counterpart on mosque blast
His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on Saturday received a phone call from his Jordanian counterpart Abdullah Ensour who condemned the Friday terrorist attack on a mosque in Kuwait city.
Offering his condolences for victims of the blast, Ensour stressed Jordan's support to Kuwait against terrorism, and any other threats to the country's security and stability. The explosion that hit Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Al-Sawaber neighborhood, Kuwait city, during Friday noon prayers, left some 27 worshippers killed and 227 others injured. On his part, Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak appreciated Ensour's warm sentiments, saying that the Jordanian stance against the criminal act was based on strong bilateral ties and common rejection of terrorism. (All Newspapers)

Australia condemns attacks in Kuwait, Tunisia and France
The Australian government has strongly condemned the "brutal attacks" that took place in Kuwait, Tunisia and France on Friday, according to a release from the Australian Embassy in Kuwait. "These attacks are yet another reminder that the terrorist threat is real. They strengthen our resolve to combat the threat and the evil it represents," it said. The Australian government voiced solidarity with all the countries that were affected by those "atrocities", the release added. It also expressed condolence to the families of the victims of the attacks. "The thoughts of all Australians are with the families of the victims who lost their lives and the others injured in these barbaric acts of terror," it noted. However, it reiterated Australia's commitment to tackling the threat of global terrorism, and to working closely with other partners in this regard. A suicide attack struck Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in the Sawaber area of Kuwait City, killing 27 worshippers and injuring 227 others as they were performing Friday prayers.
In Tunisia, a gunman opened fire on tourists in Tunisia's resort town of Sousse, leaving scores killed and wounded. In France, an attack targeted a gas production facility in the Isere District of south-eastern France, leaving one person killed and several others wounded. (All Newspapers)

His Highness Crown Prince receives phone call from Yemeni VP
His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Saturday a phone call from Yemeni Vice President and Prime Minister Khaled Bahah who denounced the deadly bomb attack against Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque downtown Kuwait city yesterday midday. Bahah expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished the wounded quick recovery. For his part, His Highness the Crown Prince thanked the Yemeni Vice President for his sincere sentiments, voicing the best wishes for the two countries and the entire Muslim world. (All Newspapers)

Arab interior ministers' council condemns mosque blast in Kuwait
The General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of the Interior condemned in a statement on Saturday the terrorist attack on the Imam Al-Sadiq mosque in Kuwait, leaving behind scores of dead and injured in its wake. The statement said the Council stands firmly beside Kuwait against the threat of terrorism, noting that the blast at the mosque was a cowardly criminal act which would only increase the unity and cohesiveness of the Kuwaiti people. (All Newspapers)

Morocco, OIC, UNHCR strongly condemns Imam Al-Sadiq mosque terrorist attack
First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Saturday received a phone call from Moroccan Foreign Salahuddine Mezouar, who strongly condemned the terrorist attack against Imam Al-Sadiq mosque, killing and wounding hundreds of people. Mezouar reaffirmed firm support to Kuwait in the fight against terrorism and whoever attempted to undermine the security and stability of Kuwait. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled also received a call from Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad Madani who strongly condemned the terrorist attack, which aimed at destabilizing security of Kuwait. Antonio Guterres, Commissioner of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), called the foreign minister to condemned the terrorist attack that killed 27 people and wounded 227 others. (All Newspapers)

Sudanese Pres. condemns Imam Al-Sadiq mosque attack
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Saturday a cable from Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir who denounced the bombing in Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait City, killing 27 people and injuring 227 others during Friday Prayers. Al-Bashir extended deepest condolences for families of the victims, wishing speedy recovery for the wounded. His Highness the Amir thanked Al-Bashir for his kind gesture. (All Newspapers)

Eight Kuwaiti mosque victims taken on state plane to holy burial site in Iraq
The bodies of some eight men, who were killed in Friday's Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque bombing in Kuwait City, were transported by an official state plane to the holy city of Najaf in Iraq where they will be later buried. The martyrs who were transported to Najaf airport alongside their family members were welcomed to the city by Iraq's Minister of Youth and Sports Abdulhussain Abtan, Minister of Water Resources Mohsin Asfoor and the city's governor Adnan Al-Zarfi, amongst other local religious figures. Speaking to KUNA, minister Abtan expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the Kuwaiti and sadness over the painful and tragic incident, which left some 27 killed and 227 injured. He urged Kuwaitis to do their utmost in preventing the impacts of terrorism on their country, which he said have had a detrimental effect in his own. "We urge them to stand together, united, hand-in-hand with a leadership, who is known for his wisdom," he added in reference to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He said that the current obstacle is not unfamiliar to the Kuwaiti people, who stood together once upon a time during the Iraqi invasion of their country in 1990 and "succeeded, through harmony and unity, in overcoming this obstacle." (All Newspapers)

Amir of Qatar to arrive in Kuwait on Monday
The Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and an accompanying delegation will arrive in Kuwait on Monday to offer his congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahamd Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on the occasion of the advent of holy month of Ramadan. (All Newspapers)

Kuwait lifts ban on poultry imports from Italy
Kuwait has lifted ban on imports of birds and poultry products from Italy. Nabila Al-Khalil, head of the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries, said in a statement, on Sunday, that the decision to lift the ban came after the World Health Organization confirmed that Italy was free of the bird flu. (All Newspapers)

Domestic Affairs

His Highness Amir condemns blast at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah condemned on Friday the blast that took place at the Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in the Al-Sawaber area in downtown Kuwait City, killing and injuring scores of worshippers. His Highness said that the perpetrators of this criminal act did not take into consideration that it was being committed in the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. The blast was meant to tear asunder the fabric of the well-knitted Kuwaiti society by fomenting sectarian divisions and conflicts, His Highness said, but that would not happen as Kuwaitis value their unity and societal solidarity. His Highness emphasized that security authorities were investigating the incident thoroughly and would eventually catch the criminals behind the blast and bring them to justice. His Highness took this opportunity to extend his condolences to families of the dead and injured, wishing speedy recovery for the injured victims of this heinous act of terror. (All Newspapers)

Their highnesses Amir, Crown Prince, house speaker pay respect to victims' families
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and National Assembly speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim paid respect to families of martyrs killed in Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque attack yesterday. Also paying respect were His Highness Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Minister of Amiri Diwan Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, senior state officials, commanders of army, police and national guard, and citizens. His Highness the Amir praised Allah to bestow the martyrs with his mercy and a speedy recovery for the injured. (All Newspapers)

Kuwait discloses bomber's identity
The Ministry of Interior on Sunday revealed identity of the bomber who attacked a mosque packed with worshippers on Friday saying he was a Saudi who came to Kuwait by air. The Ministry of Interior, in a statement, said the suicide bomber who blew himself up on Friday at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Al-Sawaber district was a Saudi citizen, named Fahad Suleiman Abdulmohsen Al-Gabbaa. Al-Gabbaa entered the country at dawn on Friday, the same day the attack took place, the MoI said in the official statement, adding that he arrived in the country by air and entered through Kuwait International Airport. The MoI will disclose further information about investigations into the Friday bombing. Security personnel are currently searching for "accomplices in this blatant crime," the statement said. Kuwait witnessed a horrific bombing attack on Friday, when the suicide attacker entered Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Al-Sawaber, in the heart of the capital, and set off explosives strapped to his body.
Twenty-seven people died and 227 others were wounded in the fiery attack. Kuwait, yesterday, laid the martyrs to rest, and the top leaders, namely His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, received condolences on the killing of the innocent. Later, the MoI said the suicide bomber who attacked the mosque on Friday was born in 1992. (All Newspapers)

MoI quashes reports on plans against places of worship
The Interior Ministry categorically quashed on Saturday local press reports on receiving information four days before on plans to target places of worship, prior to Friday's Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque blast, and did not "pay them due attention." The ministry stressed in a statement that it never discards tips pertaining to security of the nation and the people. It noted that its members are doing their best to firmly combat any danger to the country. The statement urged the press to verify information prior to publication to avoid confusion and disturbing security and safety, and not to discredit the ministry efforts at the time when the nation needs all to join forces. Earlier today, the ministry said that the car used by the terrorist who blew himself up at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque killing 27 people and injuring 227 others yesterday had been located. (All Newspapers)

Gov't tells MPs about post-blast health, security measures
The government on Saturday briefed members of parliament on its measures pertaining to the terrorist blast that took place in the Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in downtown Kuwait City at noon Friday, killing 27 worshippers and injuring 227 others. The government informed the parliament about its legislative and health plans as well as measures to airlift bodies of those to be buried in Najaf, Iraq, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, told reporters following a cabinet-parliament meeting at the National Assembly building today. "There is an agreement to get information, news and instructions from the official and concerned authorities to guarantee the well flow of the process and deny the enemy access to information", the minister said. National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah were present in the meeting. The Ministry of Interior is expected to issue a statement detailing the current situation and investigations regarding the incident and the security measures to be adopted, Sheikh Mohammad said. (All Newspapers)

Authorities arrest landlord of Kuwaiti mosque bomber's driver
Kuwaiti authorities have apprehended the owner of the house where the Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque bomber's driver was staying, the Ministry of Interior said on Sunday. The landlord, a Kuwaiti national, is the "bearer of fundamentalist and deviant ideology," read a ministry statement. Authorities will "continue efforts to uncover the conspirators in this criminal act and to reveal all of the information and circumstances behind it," the statement added. This comes moments after Abdulrahman Saud, an illegal resident, who is the driver of the car which transported the bomber to the place of the attack, was apprehended.
The attack on the mosque in downtown Kuwait City left 27 people killed and 227 wounded. (All Newspapers)

His Highness the Crown Prince inspects blast site, calls for unity among Kuwaitis
His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah inspected Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in the Al-Sawaber area in downtown Kuwait City shortly following the blast that killed and injured numerous people during Friday prayers. Moreover, he visited the injured in the Amiri Hospital.
In a statement to KUNA, His Highness the Crown Prince called for unity and awareness among Kuwaitis, strongly denouncing the cowardly attack on worshippers. "Such terrorist action is anticipated in light of the situation prevailing in the region", Sheikh Nawaf said pledging to bring the perpetrators to justice. He thanked security men for their efforts, noting that tight security measures would prevail everywhere." (All Newspapers)

His Highness the Crown Prince condemns Imam Al-Sadiq mosque attack
His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah strongly condemned the "criminal" attack against a mosque in downtown Kuwait city, affirming unity of the Kuwaiti people against this menace. His Highness the Crown Prince said Kuwait government and people were standing behind His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in the face of terrorism. "Therefore, the criminal terrorists will be severely punished for their needs, and let the Kuwaiti people and our expatriate brothers rest assured that armed forces, police forces and national guards will ... protect the country and its domestic front," His Highness the Crown Prince said. He reaffirmed that Kuwait has always called for confronting all forms of terrorism. His Highness the Crown Prince extended deepest condolences for the families of the victims and wished speedy recovery for the wounded. (All Newspapers)

"Terrorist" attack targets Kuwait and all Kuwaitis -- Parl't speaker
Speaker of National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanim emphasized Friday that the blast at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait City that killed at last 25 people and injured 202 others during the afternoon Friday Prayers didn't target only the dead or the injured but also Kuwait and all Kuwaitis. "Kuwaitis, in the aftermath of the blast, showed their resolve and unification to face the terrorist attack," he told a news conference in his office late Friday. The presence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the site of the incident is an evidence that showed the unity among Kuwaitis, he said. "I called for holding an emergency meeting in which many MPs participated and took several decisions that will be implemented," he said. He underlined that Kuwaitis should face the terrorists so as to foil their attempts aiming to affect the country's security, calling on the government to take measures to deter any one wants to tamper with this security. Meanwhile, a number of MPs condemned the blast, calling for the unity among all segments of Kuwaitis to combat terrorism. After inspecting the site of the blast, MP Ahmmad Lari told KUNA in a statement that Kuwait will emerge stronger from this "terrorist" incident.
Khalel Al-Saleh, an MP, said that he was praying inside the Mosque when the blast took place and heard a huge explosion. He urged the government to take further decisive measures against the extremist ideas. MP Mohmmad Al-Barrak urged all Kuwaitis to support the political leadership to discard extremism and terrorism, and maintain national unity to foil any plot seeking to incite sedition among Kuwaitis. He called on Ministry of Interior to uncover the circumstances of the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. (All Newspapers)

Interior Ministry condemns mosque blast incident
The Ministry of Interior has issued a statement on Friday condemning the cowardly and criminal act of causing a horrendous blast at the Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in the Al-Sawaber area. The blast took place as the mosque was thronged with Friday worshippers , causing 25 dead and 202 injured, the latter being whisked off to hospitals for treatment, according to initial reports about the incident, said ministry statement. The ministry, while it expressed its condolences to the families of the dead and injured, underscored its determination to track down the perpetrators of the blast and bring them to justice as soon as possible. The ministry asked in its statement that the families who lost the lives of some of its members check with ministry officials to implement the process of delivering the bodies of their loved ones to them. The statement noted that the ministry would reveal pertinent details of this act of terror, which runs against religious and human values, as soon as it collected these details. (All Newspapers)

Kuwaitis will defeat terrorism - Speaker Al-Ghanim
National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim on Friday stressed that Kuwaitis will vanquish "black terrorism and a sedition project" targeting their country. Al-Ghanim made the statement following the blast that hit Al-Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Al-Sawaber neighborhood in Kuwait city during Friday noon prayer. Several worshipers were killed and others injured in the blast, according to the Interior Ministry. There are mere two choices, either sedition or terrorist plans manage to divide the Kuwaiti people taking toll on their unity, or Kuwaitis will win the decisive confrontation, Al-Ghanim noted. He emphasized the strong unity of the Kuwaiti people manifested today. Kuwaitis, led by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, hurried to the scene of the blast, and to blood donation banks, conveying immediate messages of synergy, solidarity, cohesion and unity. His Highness the Amir, Speaker Al-Ghanim, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and many other senior officials hurried to the blast scene to have firsthand experience of the incident. (All Newspapers)

Oil Minister describes Imam Al-Saqid Mosque blast as "heinous" crime
Minister of Oil and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs Dr. Ali Al-Omair described Friday the blast at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait city as a "heinous" crime. The blast killed 25 people and injured 202 others during the afternoon Friday Prayers. In a statement to reporters following a meeting of National Assembly, Al-Omair said His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and some MPs highly responded to the incident.
There will be a cabinet emergency meeting later today and this shows that all State's institutions express their sympathy with the relatives of the dead, the minister said. "We will foil all attempts that seek to affect our unity or incite sedition and divisions among people of the country," he said. Asked about security measures to be taken, Al-Omair said after this incident, the cabinet's meeting will discuss this matter, indicating that the government will not hesitate to take any decision aiming at achieving security and safety. (All Newspapers)

MoI announces interrogation of Imam Al-Sadiq mosque attack's suspects
The Interior Ministry said it interrogated some people suspected of involvement in the attack against Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque downtown Kuwait on Friday.
Director of Security Media Department Brigadier Adel Al-Hashash said in a statement the ministry interrogated some of the suspects of Al-Sawaber mosque attack that killed 27 people and injured 227 others. The ministry, in another statement, urged people to neglect rumors regarding the cowardly terrorist attack, which aimed at undermining security of the country. It said the security forces would pursue the perpetrators as soon as possible to bring them to justice.
It urged people to go the criminal investigation department to provide any valuable information they thought would help in the capture of the attackers. (All Newspapers)

Palestine Pres. offer condolences to His Highness Amir on Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque blast
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Friday a cable of condolences from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, expressing his heartfelt sorrow on the criminal attack which targeted innocents worshipers at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in downtown Kuwait city. The Palestinian leader asserted on his rejection to the terrorist attack which are against all laws and human nature, affirming on Palestinian State support and solidarity with the Kuwait and its people. In turn, His Highness the Amir appreciated the Palestinian leader's kind gesture and warm feelings. Earlier, 27 people were killed and 227 others injured in a blast that took place inside Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in the down town area during the Friday noon prayer. (All Newspapers)

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince condemns Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque blast
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Friday a telephone call from Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. During the call, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed voiced his country's strongest condemnation over the blast at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait city that killed 27 people and injured 227 others during the afternoon Friday Prayers.
Sheikh Mohammad underlined the solidarity of UAE and its people with the State of Kuwait and Kuwaitis in this incident, praying to Allah almighty to bless the souls of victims with mercy and wishing the injured speedy recovery. His Highness the Amir, on his part, expressed deepest appreciation for such sincere sentiments that reflected historic and deep-rooted relations between the two brotherly countries. (All Newspapers)

Huge turnout at cemetery to bury victims of mosque blast
Huge crowds of mourners converged on the Al-Sulaibikhat cemetery Saturday to bury the dead from the terrorist blast that targeted worshippers at a mosque yesterday. Among the crowds, besides Kuwaiti natives and foreign residents, were mourners from the GCC states, some who might have lost a loved one in the tragic incident at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque. These massive throngs of mourners is a vivid testimony to the unity and cohesiveness of the people of Kuwait at times of crises, said Speaker of the Parliament Marzouq Al-Ghanim, in a press statement at the cemetery. The objective of the criminal terrorist act failed miserably, he said, since it sought to sow the seeds of division and sectarian strife among the society, but as the huge turnout of mourners shows today, this society rejects all divisions and sectarian rifts. Meanwhile, Ministry of Interior announced it had found the car the terrorist bomber used to get to the Imam Al-Sadiq mosque and arrested the car's owner. However the driver of the car who gave the terrorist bomber the ride to the mosque is still at large and search is afoot to capture him, said a ministry statement. Yesterday's blast at the mosque resulted in the death of 27 people and the injury of 227 others. (All Newspapers)

Three Iranians dead among Kuwait mosque blast – Afkham
Three Iranian nationals died and five others were injured in yesterday's terrorist blast at Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Kuwait, said Marzieh Afkham, spokeswoman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Saturday. The Iranian embassy in Kuwait is working with Kuwaiti authorities for the transfer of the bodies of the dead Iranian victims to Iran, said Afkham in a press statement, adding that the embassy was also following the conditions of the injured ones to see they get proper treatment at Kuwaiti hospitals. These Iranian casualties were part of a total of 27 dead and 227 injured people as a result of the blast at the mosque yesterday. (All Newspapers)

His Highness Sheikh Nasser condemns the Imam Al-Sadiq attack
His Highness Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah underlined on Friday that the blast at the Imam |Al-Sadiq Mosque earlier today was a "cowardly and treacherous act" that targetted the unity of the Kuwaiti people.
Sheikh Nasser in a statement to KUNA expressed confidence that His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and his government members would stand firm against the repercussions of this heinous crime and able to remedy its traits. "This crime against the worshippers during the muslim holy month of Ramadan is a coward act against the unity of the peaceful people of Kuwait", Sheikh Nasser said, expressing confindence that the Kuwaitis would stand by their leadership of His Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince during this crisis. He extended condolences to His Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince and families of the victims. At least 27 people were killed and 227 others injured in a blst at the Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in downtown Kuwait city during the Friday noon prayer. (All Newspapers)

Economy

Kuwait crude price down 83 cents to USD 57.80 pb
Kuwait's crude oil price on Friday declined by 83 cents to settle at USD 57.80 per barrel compared to USD 58.63 pb on Thursday, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said on Saturday. The price drop came amid growing concerns over the Greek bailout and despite the sharp fall in the number of rigs to 631 at the end of the week. (All Newspapers)

Jordan begins operating Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad liquefied gas port Jordanian Minister of Energy Ibrahim Saif on Saturday announced start of operating Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Port in Aqaba -- specialized for producing power and liquefied gas, at a capacity of 490 million cubic feet per day. The operation began with testing a tanker, leased to store gas and convert the liquid into gas for pumping to the power station via the Arab pipeline that begins in Egypt and passes through Jordan. Jordan will count on the port to secure 90 percent of the fuel for the power plants, he said. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad port has a capacity of 490 million cf per day. King Abdullah II named the port after His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah during His Highness the Amir's visit to Jordan in February. Jordan incurred losses estimated at USD five billion over the past four years due to shifting to diesel and heavy fuel for producing power. Currently, it imports 97 percent of its energy needs at a cost of USD seven billion per year, some 17 percent of the gross domestic product. (All Newspapers)

Other News

Terrorist attack kills 27 people in SE Tunisia
A terrorist attack killed 27 people and wounded six others in popular tourist area Sousse beach, south east of Tunisia, said Tunisian Interior Ministry spokesman Mohamed Ali Aroui on Friday. The death toll in an attack on a beach resort has risen to 27, official Tunisian Agency quoted spokesman. Spokesman announced earlier that seven people and one perpetrator were killed during the shooting. Security forces rushed to heated scene and exchanged fire with gunmen, he added. The three gunmen carried the terrorist attack, while one was killed during process, security official in Sousse told agency. (All Newspapers)

France says terror suspect in industrial site attack had radical links
French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said in a press statement Friday that the suspect detained after a terror attack on an industrial gas site here earlier had links with radical Islamic groups in France. Speaking on national television from the attack site in Saint Quentin Fallavier (Isere District in southeast France), Cazeneuve confirmed the arrest of at least one suspect for the attack and intimated other arrests were underway. He identified the suspected terrorist as Yaseen Salhi and said he "was investigated in 2006 for radicalism." The suspect was placed under surveillance for two years at that time but this intelligence operation was not continued after 2008," the Interior Minister said, because Salhi "had not been identified as having participated in activities of a terrorist nature." Cazeneuve also confirmed that a decapitated body was found at the "Air Product" industrial site. The head of the body was placed on the entrance gate of the site by the terrorist or terrorists. (All Newspapers)

China's first MERS patient discharged from hospital
China's first confirmed Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) patient was discharged from hospital and returned to South Korea on Friday, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. The 44-year-old Korean man tested positive for MERS in southern Guangdong Province on May 29. The man has had no fever for more than 10 days, and has tested negative for MERS twice, the health and family planning commission of Guangdong Province said. The man had visited a MERS patient at a hospital in South Korea and expressed discomfort as early as May 21. Despite a doctor recommending that he cancel his travel plans, he flew to Hong Kong on May 26 and entered southern China. MERS is a respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus, and the first human case was recorded in Saudi Arabia in 2012. There is no vaccine or treatment for the disease, which has a fatality rate of about 40 percent. On Friday, South Korea reported an additional two deaths from MERS, along with a new case that put the total number of people diagnosed with the disease at 181. According to the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean Health Ministry has said over 90 percent of all MERS-related deaths in South Korea have involved people with existing health conditions, which were apparently worsened by MERS, eventually leading to their deaths. (All Newspapers)

EU leaders agree on new security policy strategy
EU leaders ended their 2-day summit here Friday afternoon agreeing that the Union will prepare a new strategy on foreign and security policy. The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, told a press conference that EU High Representative Federica Mogherini will submit the security strategy to the European Council in June 2016. Meanwhile, on migration the EU leaders in a statement said a true partnership between European and African countries, working together to tackle illegal migration is essential. The EU will also step up its cooperation with Turkey and the relevant countries in the Middle East Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon to deal with illegal migration. The statement noted that launch of the EU naval operation EUNAVFOR MED is an important contribution to tackle the traffickers and smugglers in accordance with international law. (All Newspapers)

Death toll of Karachi heat wave climbs 1,240
The deadly heat wave that struck Pakistan's southern Karachi city on last weekend has claimed lives of 32 more people on Saturday, taking the death toll to 1,240 so far, according to local medical sources. The health officials confirmed that at least thirteen people died in Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), eleven in Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH), two in Qatar Hospital, three in hospitals owned by Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) and three in other hospitals in the city. Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Sindh province confirmed that more than 40,000 people had suffered heatstroke out of which over 1200 have died. After peaking at around 45 degrees Celsius last Saturday, the heat has subsided and Karachi's customary cooling sea breeze has started up, bringing relief to the citizens. Moreover, a fresh heat wave is likely to hit Karachi next week, with the maximum temperature expected to reach 42 to 43 C., said Pakistan Meteorological Department officials. (All Newspapers)