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Arab Times
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
GCC Monitors Radiation Risk Amid Regional Escalation
KUWAIT CITY, June 18: Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al-Yahya reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to the safe and expedited evacuation of all Kuwaiti citizens currently in Iran, amid rapidly deteriorating security conditions sparked by ongoing Israeli airstrikes. In a televised interview with Al-Akhbar TV, Minister Al-Yahya emphasized that the safety of Kuwaiti nationals abroad remains a top priority, noting that "no injuries or health-related incidents have been reported among Kuwaiti citizens since the start of the Israeli assault on Iran last Friday." He confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated its emergency response plan, beginning with an immediate census of Kuwaiti nationals across Iranian cities. 'We started the process in Tehran, then moved on to Mashhad and Qom. We have maintained direct contact with all citizens, recorded their whereabouts, and are working to evacuate them at the earliest opportunity via the nearest exit routes,' he said. The minister explained that evacuations are currently being carried out through land crossings into Iraq, with onward travel to Kuwait coordinated with local and regional authorities. 'We are also transporting some citizens through Turkmenistan, with flights arranged from Ashgabat to Kuwait,' he added. Sheikh Al-Yahya assured that the evacuation operations are proceeding in close coordination with neighboring countries, underscoring Kuwait's diplomatic efforts to facilitate safe passage. 'We are doing everything necessary to ensure our citizens return home swiftly and safely,' he stated. As the current chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Kuwait has taken a leading diplomatic role since the escalation began. The minister revealed that a video conference was convened on Saturday with GCC foreign ministers, resulting in a unified condemnation of Israel's military operations and a collective call for de-escalation and a return to negotiations. Al-Yahya also confirmed that the Gulf states are actively monitoring the situation for any signs of radiation fallout due to strikes on sensitive sites in Iran. 'All current readings are stable, but we remain vigilant,' he said. Regarding consular support, the minister noted that Kuwait operates a single diplomatic mission in Tehran, while other Gulf countries have additional consulates in Mashhad and Qom. 'Despite this, we function as a united Gulf team, ensuring that all Gulf nationals in Iran receive adequate support, regardless of where they are,' he said. The minister concluded by reiterating Kuwait's full diplomatic mobilization to protect its citizens and promote regional stability: 'Our goal remains clear—safeguard our people and contribute to efforts that bring peace and security to the region.'
Arab Times
22-04-2025
- Arab Times
Traffic Law reboot off to smooth start
KUWAIT CITY, April 22: Enhanced road discipline and compliance among motorists were noticeable on Tuesday -- the first day of implementing the revised Traffic Law. Motorists are obligated to use seatbelts, abstain from mobile phones usage by hand while driving, respect traffic signals, and refrain from parking in restricted zones. Issued in January, Decree-Law No. 5/2025 amended certain sections of Decree-Law No. 67/1976 on traffic regulations. These amendments were published in the Official Gazette and took effect after a three-month grace period. Director of the Security Media Department at the Ministry of Interior Colonel Othman Al-Gharib affirmed the extensive preparatory efforts of the ministry, including a six-month public awareness campaign to educate citizens and expatriates about the new traffic legislation. He said the objectives of the revised law are to guarantee public safety and prevent traffic accidents that result in fatalities and serious injuries. Al-Gharib informed the newspaper that comprehensive awareness campaigns in multiple languages on various platforms preceded the implementation of the law. He disclosed that these campaigns aimed to inform road users about the updated regulations, associated penalties and the importance of compliance for their safety. He added that his department continues to carry out such awareness campaigns. Director of the Technical Department at the Traffic Affairs and Operations Sector Brigadier General Khaled Al-Adwani urged motorists to pay attention to road signage. He clarified that the posted speed limits are the primary criterion for issuing violation citations, with fines ranging from KD70 to KD150. He warned that exceeding the stipulated speed limit, even by a single kilometer per hour, is considered a violation. In a statement to Al-Akhbar TV, Al- Adwani warned the public about the legal consequences of driving vehicles that make excessive noise, which is punishable by imprisonment. He added that reckless driving is subject to vehicle confiscation through a court order, indicating that parental oversight is vital to prevent minors from committing such infractions. Officer in the Central Control Unit at the General Traffic Department Lieutenant Colonel Ali Al-Qattan affirmed the decline in the number of traffic violations and accidents upon the implementation of the new law. He said the areas that previously experienced high rates of parking violations witnessed a reduction. He also told Al-Akhbar TV that prior to the enactment of the law; the ministry conducted multilingual awareness campaigns, which contributed to increased compliance among motorists.
