Kuwait government resigns but stays on as caretaker

[News_Editor]

Kuwait government resigns but stays on as caretaker

2011-11-29 02:35:54 GMT+7 (ICT)

KUWAIT (BNO NEWS) -- The emir of Kuwait on Monday accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah and his cabinet, but asked them to stay on as caretaker until a new government is formed.

The state-run Kuwait News Agency said the premier had submitted a letter to Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday to announce his resignation. He said that "negative practices" of some members of Parliament have obstructed the national action process.

The premier also condemned "MPs' actions of inciting the masses, sowing seeds of sedition and hatred among the various segments of the Kuwaiti society." "Therefore, under these circumstances, it has become impossible for the government to pursue shouldering its responsibilities and fulfilling duties," he added.

The decision comes less than two weeks after opposition-led protests turned violent when hundreds of demonstrators stormed Parliament. The opposition claimed they were forced to enter the building after security forces began beating up protesters.

Shortly after the clashes, the emir ordered the National Guard and the Interior Ministry forces to take all "necessary measures" to end chaos in the country. Government officials also called on the Interior Minister to initiate legal action against all demonstrators who broke into the Assembly.

Meanwhile, the opposition pledged to continue supporting youth activists regardless of the price they might pay. They warned the "corrupt government" against any attempt to establish a police state or undermine the democratic system in the country.

Protests have taken place across Kuwait throughout the year, since before the so-called Arab Spring. However, protests against government corruption have recently increased.

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