KUWAIT CITY, April 30 (AFP)-Leading liberal Kuwaiti intellectuals and
politicians vowed Sunday to form a new pressure group immediately to combat
fast-growing Islamic groups and bring an end to political wrangling in the
emirate.
"Kuwait is passing through a period of pessimism accompanied by growing
religious fanaticism and extremism, and frenzied political disputes in
parliament and press," the liberals said in a statement.
More than 30 liberal writers, thinkers and politicians attended a meeting
Saturday to study "the state of despair and lack of confidence in the
future" in Kuwait.
"A broad-based popular body comprising non-governmental organizations,
intellectuals, thinkers and all those who realize the gravity of the
situation, should be formed immediately," the liberals declared.
The group*s organizer, Adel al-Fouzan, said the body would "discuss our
internal situation. Political disputes in the country have reached an
unacceptable dimension which is rejected by all."
"It is an attempt to unite efforts to combat all forms of extremism and
violence," said Fouzan, chairman of the liberal and highly respected
Graduates Society, adding that the group will hold more meetings next
month. "It is a non-political gathering, comprising influential social and
economic personalities. We want to press for the implementation of our most
urgent priorities."
Kuwait was plunged into a political crisis earlier this month when a group
of suspected Islamists attacked a 20-year old female student for not
wearing Hijab.
The emirate*s outspoken Islamists are constantly pressurizing the
government to clamp down on what they dub "Western" or "immoral" activities
in a society that outlaws discos and alcohol but actively encourages
English-language education for its nationals.
The student*s beating has prompted a series of attacks from liberals on the
government in the press and during heated parliamentary sessions for its
lack of decisiveness and the stagnation of public life.
Although political parties are banned in Kuwait, liberals and Islamists
traditionally work in a loosely formed unofficial opposition coalition
here. Kuwait enjoys parliamentary democracy. This opposition now holds a
two-thirds majority in Kuwait*s 50-seat assembly.
Wassalamu'alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarokaatuh
