Kuwait gives approval for military salary increases

At its latest meeting on Sunday, the Kuwaiti cabinet reviewed a report from the Supreme Defense Council concerning salary increases for military and security personnel, approving all the requested pay rises. The issue will shortly be discussed in parliament, where MPs are expected to approve the increases.

The meeting also featured discussion of a report on the contentious sports law issue, which was submitted by Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Dr. Mohammad Al-Afasi, said an insider, with the cabinet members authorizing Dr. Al-Afasi to begin work immediately on implementing the recommended amendments. "The amendments including banning dissolved clubs from operating again and forming a temporary committee to run the Kuwait Football Federation and call for new federation board elections," said the inside
r, adding, "The Public Authority for Youth and Sports [PAYS] will call on the dissolved clubs' board members to hold new elections according to the new laws.

Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference held following the cabinet meeting, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Roudhan Al-Roudhan said that the cabinet had also reviewed a message from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) which expressed satisfaction with the measures taken by Kuwait to protect human rights, as well as noting a message from the Muslim World League's Secretary General.

Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs, Minister of State for Development and Minister of State for Housing Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah said that during the meeting the cabinet had also discussed recreation and tourism projects with the Touristic Enterprise Company's (TEC) Managing Director Khaled Al-Ghanim. The cabinet was also briefed by Minister of Electricity and Water Bader Al-Shuraiaan concerning his ministry's plans for handling the expected power shortages this summer.

Meanwhile, the new parliamentary extension will house offices for 75 MPs rather than the current 50, which seems to suggest that previous proposals to increase the number of parliamentary representatives in Kuwait may eventually be adopted. The lavish new complex, adjoining the National Assembly (parliament) building, which will include an information center, a training department and a services section, is expected to be opened in mid-2011, reported Al-Rai.

The other facilities in the handsome new extension, include a 500-seat theater and a multipurpose conference hall with seating for 82 people that can be used for press conferences. A large parking area has also been provided, as well as an emergency shelter.

The latest technology has been deployed throughout the architecturally striking curved building, with the windows made from special glass that reduces the heat of the sun's rays, while an LED lighting system is being installed that will help reduce electricity consumption rates. The complex will also feature a central landscaped area where the plants will be kept watered by an advanced irrigation system.

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