KUWAIT CITY: Chairman of Kuwaiti Shia Muslim Clerics Council has called on senior officials to declare Ashura -the tenth day of Muharram and the anniversary of martyrdom of Imam Hossein (AS) - a national holiday in Kuwait.

Al-Arabia website quoted Mohammad al-Baqer al-Mohri as saying that Imam Hossein (AS) belongs to not only Shiites but to all Muslims because the great Imam is a member of the household of the great Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Imam Hossein and his faithful companions were martyred in the month of Muharram, he said, noting that they devoted their pure bloods to safeguard Islam, Quran and Sunnah (tradition of the Prophet (PBUH).

He further called on Shiite preachers to avoid provoking remarks on religious and tribal differences and instead urge people to promote national unity and Islamic solidarity.

Kuwaiti mass media have been urged to cast Ashura ceremonies, the statement read.

He also called on Kuwait's Interior Ministry to preserve the security of the ceremony.

He further called for participation of Sunni people in the ceremonies in order to promote national unity and Islamic solidarity.