Iraqi MP statements, militias cause concern

KUWAIT, U.S. AFFIRM IMPORTANCE OF ENHANCING MILITARY COOP

KUWAIT CITY, May 10, (Agencies): The military authorities have tightened control over the northern borders to protect the country and deal with any action that may target the security of the homeland in the wake of the offensive statements of an Iraqi parliamentarian against Kuwait, as well as the threat of some armed Iraqi militias, which cast a shadow on the Iraqi- Kuwaiti border, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting sources. Sources told the daily that the Kuwait Army, Interior Ministry and National Guard have intensified their efforts and raised the level of vigilance in monitoring the situation on the northern borders; while closely following up security and military reports. Sources affirmed there is intelligence coordination with neighboring countries to continuously monitor developments that could pose a threat to national security. Sources also confirmed the issuance of clear and explicit instructions to guarantee security at the borders, indicating the current situation at the borders is normal and there is no cause for concern.

The State of Kuwait and the US affirmed on Tuesday the importance of enhancing military cooperation in different fields. This came during the meeting between Kuwait Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Khaled Saleh Al-Sabah and US Army Chief of Staff General James McConville at the US Department of Defense headquarters in Washington, D.C., said the Army General Staff in a statement. It noted that the Kuwaiti general visited the US Capital in a highly ranked delegation to participate in the 14th US-Kuwait Joint Military Committee.