Kuwaiti Shiites demand equal opportunities

By: Sultan Ahmed

KUWAIT CITY: Kuwaiti premier Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah has sternly warned elements trying to fuel sectarian tension between Sunni and Shiite Muslims in the emirate, saying “communal fire could burn us all.”

He acknowledged holding discussions with political and religious groups to contain the tension.

The reformist statesman has already held talks with leading Sunni and Shiite groups and activists following incidents and tit-for-tat public statements in the oil-rich state where Shiites make up about one third of Kuwait's indigenous population of 900,000.

Sheikh Sabah met late Sunday night with leading lawmakers and figures of the Shiite community who admitted there are “hardliners in both camps.”

According to the Al-Qabas daily the Shiites told the premier that the main cause feeding extremism was the non-implementation of the emirate's constitution and principles of equality and equal opportunities for all.

They complained that certain government institutions treated Kuwaiti Shiites as “second grade citizens”, the daily said.

Though Shiites are one third of Kuwait's original population, they have only five members in the 50-seat parliament elected last July, down from six in the previous parliament. They also have one post in the emirate's 16-member cabinet.

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