KUWAIT CITY, Dec 16: Kuwait government mourned His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who passed away on Saturday, and named His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as Amir. His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, chairing an extraordinary cabinet meeting following the passing away of His Highness the Amir, mourned the late Amir and paid tribute to his achievements. “With great sorrow, the Council of Ministers expresses deep condolences for the passing away of our father, leader of our march His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who passed away following a journey of dedication and loyalty to his nation and its people,” His Highness the Prime Minister said in a sombre tone. He said the Council of Ministers recalled the sacrifices of the deceased during his life for the sake of the development of the nation in all fields and in the services of the country and people.

Funeral
The funeral of His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah will be restricted to family members and relatives, Minister of Amiri Diwan Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah announced Saturday, appreciating sentiments of sorrow of citizens and expatriates. He said, in a statement, that prayers would be held at Belal bin Rabah Mosque tomorrow Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and the funeral would be held later in the morning. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Al-Sabah Family will personally receive the condolences of people at the Diwan of Al-Sabah Family at Bayan Palace on Monday morning, and Tuesday morning and afternoon.

Flags lowered at half-mast for 40 days
Kuwait Municipality said on Saturday that fl ags would be fl own at halfmast as a sign of mourning for the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah. Measures are being taken to lower the fl ags of all ministries, state agencies and main roads at half-mast, the municipality’s Spokesman Mohammad Al- Mutairi said in a press statement. The municipality’s teams are ready to check relevant arrangements during the mourning period, he added. The Amiri Diwan announced earlier on Saturday the passing away of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Three days shutdown
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced Saturday that ministries and government institutions would close for three days as of tomorrow Sunday following the passing away of the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. It added in a statement work would resume on Wednesday, December 20. Meanwhile, Ministry of Education said tests for secondary school would postponed to be on December 20-28, while 10th and 11th grades would held on December 20 until January 4. Ministry spokesman Ahmad Al-Wuhaida's 12th grade tests would be postponed until January 7 and end on January 18. Kuwait Banking Association said banks would be closed for three days and would reopen on Wednesday, December 20. Ministry of Health, meanwhile, said it would reschedule appointments that were not urgent following the death of the Amir.

Parliament mourns
Deputy National Assembly Speaker MP Muhammad Al-Mutair expressed condolences to the bereaved family of HH the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and all the people of Kuwait. He pointed out that the death of HH the Amir is big loss not only for Kuwait, but also the entire Arab and Muslim world. He implored Allah Almighty to have mercy on him and to make his last day his happiest day. MP Muhannad Al-Sayer said HH the Amir led the country in an exceptional era characterized by tolerance, love and amnesty; thereby, recording his name with letters of gold in the political history of Kuwait. MP Marzouq Al-Ghanim expressed condolences to the Kuwaiti people, Arab and Muslim world, the whole world and to HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He prayed that Allah Almighty grant mercy to HH the late Amir and reward him for the efforts he exerted in favor of his nation.

MP Adel Al-Damkhi asserted that HH the late Amir manifested amnesty, humility and love for his people; asking Allah Almighty to reward HH the late Amir in Paradise. He then affirmed loyalty for HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. MP Abdulwahab Al-Essa testified that HH the late Amir was a just, wise and pro- reform ruler who devoted himself to serving his nation. MP Osama Al-Zaid said HH the late Amir was proven to be a tolerant leader who granted amnesty to the concerned citizens and followed the reform course. He implored Allah Almighty to have mercy on HH the late Amir and help HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to continue walking on the pro-reform path.

MP Abdulhadi Al-Ajmi said HH the late Amir provided exceptional services to his nation, as well as the Arab and Muslim world. He prayed to Allah Almighty to reward HH the late Amir in Paradise for the efforts he exerted in the service of his people throughout his life. He added HH the late Amir left a valuable gift to his people -- the generous Amiri amnesty for a large number of citizens. He expressed condolences to HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the whole Sabah Family and the people of Kuwait.

MP Muhammad Al-Hewaila expressed sorrow over the death of HH the Amir of asceticism, humility and tolerance. He prayed that Allah Almighty have mercy on him and put him in the highest place in Paradise; alongside the martyrs, prophets and righteous. MP Mehalhal Al-Mudhaf said HH the late Amir deeply loved his people who gave him unlimited love in return. MP Adel Al-Obaid said Kuwait bids farewell to HH the Amir of humanity, tolerance and wisdom with tears in their eyes; while imploring Allah Almighty to have mercy on him and reward him in Paradise. MP Hamad Al-Matar also prayed to Allah Almighty to have mercy on HH the late Amir and grant him forgiveness in the same way he granted amnesty to some of his people. He pledged allegiance to HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal, wishing him success in continuing the pro-reform path of HH the late Amir.

MP Abdullah Fehad said HH the late Amir left an indelible mark in the journey towards reform, stressing that the death of HH the Amir is a huge and bitter issue; but the course will be completed thanks to HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal. MP Soud Al-Asfour expressed deep sadness over the death of HH the late Amir who loved his people as much as he was loved by his people. He highlighted the good print left by HH the late Amir — the Amiri amnesty. MP Hassan Jawhar added HH the late Amir devoted himself to serving his nation, considering he granted amnesty to several citizens.

MP Jenan Bu Shehri asserted that Kuwait, the Arab and Muslim world mourn the passing of HH the late Amir who was fully committed to democracy and Constitution. She added the history of Kuwait will record HH the late Amir’s essential role in the reunifi cation of the Gulf states. She added HH the late Amir was a staunch supporter of Arab and Muslim issues, particularly the Palestinian issue. She believes that talking about the achievements of HH the Amir will not end as he focused on the prosperity of his people, while pushing for social reconciliation and economic reform.

MP Abdullah Al-Mudhaf said HH the late Amir was the epitome of tolerance, good deeds, and commitment to his religion and to the Constitution. He added that HH the late Amir adopted a humble and pro-reform attitude. MP Badr Nashmi asserted he could attest that HH the late Amir carried the burden and served his people sincerely. He implored Allah Almighty to have mercy on him and reward him for the efforts he exerted in favour of his nation.

Chairman of the Council of Nuclear Medicine Departments Dr Abdul Redha Abbas Ismail expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to the Sabah Family and to all the Kuwaiti people. The members of the Council and the employees, including doctors, technicians and nurses in the Nuclear Medicine Department of the Ministry of Health extend their sincere condolences to the honourable Sabah Family, praying to God Almighty to bestow His mercy on the deceased and to let him dwell in His spacious Paradise together with the prophets, truthful, martyrs, righteous and good companions.

Director of the Union of Private Medical Professionals Dr Issam Al-Saleh expressed with deep sadness and sorrow his sincere condolences and sympathy to the Sabah Family, government and all Kuwaiti people over the loss of the father and ruler. He implored Almighty God to cover the deceased with His vast mercy and allow him to enter His spacious Paradise.

Director of the Radiology department at Adan Hospital Dr Latifa Al-Kandari expressed her deep sadness over the death of the HH the late Father and Amir of Pardon -- the wise leader who pushed the country towards renaissance and pioneering achievements that strengthened its position regionally and globally. Al-Kandari pointed out that sadness engulfed all homes in Kuwait due to the passing of the great father and leader. “Kuwait has lost one of its great leaders and makers of its glories. The Arab world has lost a wise leader keen on uniting the ranks and advancing the country despite being in a difficult stage as the region continues to face many challenges,” he concluded.

Amir of Pardon
Former governor of the Capital Governorate retired Lieutenant General Thabet Al- Muhanna, affirmed: “A heart wracked with pain and sadness prevails in Kuwait with the death of HH the Amir of Pardon, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad, who was keen on making it easy for everyone. When he was Minister of Interior, he always instructed me: ‘Do not make it difficult for the people in all of their affairs.” He added: “Indeed, Kuwait is saddened by the death of His Highness. He was a noble, generous and humble man who did not tolerate transgression against any human being. He had good morals. He departed and left behind him the love of Kuwaitis and residents as well. Pain grips their hearts due to his departure. Everyone loves this ascetic and prayerful man.” “My sincere condolences to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf, the honourable Sabah Family, and to the Kuwaiti people over this deep affliction. We ask God to have mercy on His Highness, forgive him, and admit him into His spacious Paradise. We belong to God and to Him we shall return,” Al-Muhanna concluded.

‘We lost the father and role model’ With words dripping with sadness and expressions filled with pain, a number of lawyers expressed their deep sorrow over the death of HH the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. All social media platforms were filled with sadness on the day the Sun set with the symbol of kindness, humility and wisdom; and had clear imprints on the legal scene. Several lawyers expressed their pain over the loss of the father, leader and role model. They stressed that His Highness the late Amir, may God have mercy on him, extended his white hands to the Kuwaiti people.

They pointed out: “Even if he is separated from us physically, his biography will remain in the minds of everyone who lives on this good land.” Attorney Anam Haidar expressed her sadness over the passing of HH the Amir of Humility and Kindness. She lamented: “Sadness grips my heart. His Highness passed away and the two Kuwaitis are gone. Indeed, I am not exaggerating if I say that the Kuwaiti people have lost a father, a brother, a friend and a lover. No matter how much I talk about his qualities and exploits, I will not do him justice, as all the beautiful qualities suit him. May God have mercy on His Highness the Amir and make him dwell in the spacious Paradise.” Attorney Ali Matar Al-Wawan said: “We can only hope that God will cover him with His vast mercy. We were all living under his shadow, may God have mercy on him, our elder and supporter. We are all confident thatHis Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al- Sabah is the best successor to the best predecessor.”

Attorney Abdul Mohsen Al-Qattan asserted: “In such difficult times, words are not enough for us to express the extent of the pain and sadness that is overwhelming us. Kuwait will sleep today, mourning the passing of the father of everyone. We lost a caring father and a seasoned leader, and there is nothing more eloquent about that than the torrent of condolences flooding social networking sites, social media and all other media platforms around the world. Our consolation today is that His Highness left a great legacy that will remain a mark in history, considering his unlimited humanitarian generosity. His Highness the late Amir will remain in the conscience of every Kuwaiti, Gulf and Arab, particularly his remarkable biography and honourable positions. Attorney Muhammad Safar added: “A day of great sadness in Kuwait, the Arab world, and even the entire world. Our grief cannot be expressed in words. We lost a caring father and a wise leader… the one with a big heart and unlimited generosity. His fingerprints will remain forever. We condole ourselves and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad, the Sabah family, and every resident of this good land.” Attorney Hussein Al-Asfour praised His Highness the late Amir’s humanitarian stances wisdom, influential role and prominent imprints in the renaissance of Kuwait. He was known for his wise diplomacy throughout his work, he added. He expressed deep sadness over the passing of HH the late Amir, stressing that Kuwait lost a first-class man of peace who, throughout his life, had been keen on achieving justice, harmony and peace for the Kuwaiti people. He highlighted HH the late Amir’s vital role in the modern renaissance of Kuwait, and his impact in shaping the features of economic, educational and commercial excellence that was reflected on his people.

Attorney Ali Al-Ali said: “We all offer our sincere condolences to the Kuwaiti people on the death of HH the late Amir, may God bless him with His vast mercy. Kuwait lost a leader characterized by wisdom, moderation, foresight and good opinion, and who devoted his life and effort to serving his homeland and nation. He played an influential role in uniting the Kuwaiti ranks and defending his nation’s just causes. He laid economic, developmental and diplomatic foundations for the progress and prosperity of the homeland. He fulfilled all the wishes and aspirations of his people, which became a model worthy of emulation.
HH the Amir of Wisdom fought and defended honestly and sincerely for the issues of his nation, especially that of Jerusalem, which was never absent from his mind. He conveyed its message in all international forums. He exerted tremendous efforts to achieve stability, justice and peace throughout the Arab nation.” Attorney Zaid Al-Khabaz asserted: “We offer our condolences to the Kuwaiti people on the death of our father Sheikh Nawaf Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah who continued the path of his brother HH the late Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad by seeking reconciliation and bringing together the Gulf. His Highness Sheikh Nawaf continued to seek reconciliation since he assumed the Amiri seat. He brought points of view closer together, given the current regional circumstances, out of concern for the security and safety of the Gulf peoples and brought joy to every Gulf home.”