GCC union ‘just a wish,’ says Kuwaiti parliament speaker

Speaker of the Kuwaiti Umma Council expressed Sunday his reticence on forming a union that brings together the countries that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Ali al-Rashed explained in an interview with Al Arabiya that constitutional differences between Gulf countries and the uniqueness of each state’s domestic affairs makes it difficult to form a union.

As the GCC celebrates its anniversary during the month of May, al-Rashed suggests that a GCC union is “just a wish” that has been recommended every now and then.

There should be a “legislative convention” that is agreed upon by all Gulf countries in order to achieve a GCC union, he said.

In his interview with Al Arabiya, al-Rashed touched on the political controversy in Kuwait, adding that there are groups that aim to hurt the government but not overthrow it. Some are trying to exploit arguments that have taken place between members of the royal family, he said.

The Kuwaiti politician, however, considered that what is taking place in Kuwait is normal and the fate of the Ummah council will only be determined by the constitutional court.

“We will accept the court ruling no matter what it is, and we call everyone to accept it,” al-Rashed said.

Al-Rashed said inadequacy can be seen in some ministers’ performances. The postponement of these ministers’ interrogations made some assume that no action will be taken, he said.

“I informed his highness, the Emir and his highness, the prime minister, of the lack of cooperation by some ministers,” he added.

Al-Rashed said that Iran is not a threat to the Gulf region but that there are differences in points of view.

"There are assaults on islands belonging to the emirates that we hope our brothers in Iran would stop," he added. However, Al-Rashed said that he believes Iran to be a Muslim country and that their relationship is very neighborly.