Gulf in the News – June 13, 2012

Kuwait: Cabinet expected to quit, majority demands  seats- Amir accepts Rujaib’s resignation, names Othaina as stand ins

Source: Kuwait Times (Read full story)

The prime minister appears to be contemplating whether to offer the resignation of the whole Cabinet or carry out a limited reshuffle that is expected to include the oil and defense ministers besides the social affairs and finance ministers. Former finance minister Mustafa Al-Shamali resigned last month after a marathon grilling over allegations of financial and administrative irregularities that he categorically denied.

Several opposition MPs called on the prime minister to include a good number of opposition lawmakers in the new Cabinet but they differed on the numbers. MP Musallam Al-Barrak said the opposition needs at least nine ministers in the Cabinet so as to have a say on decisions in the 16-member Cabinet in order to be able to carry out the development projects they had promised during the election campaign.

GCC ready to deal with any form of aggression

Source: Saudi Gazette (Read full story)

Any form of aggression against any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country is considered an aggression against all member states, warned GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani here Tuesday.

“We’ll deal with any type of aggression by increasing coordination among GCC countries and holding intensive consultations with our friends to maintain peace and stability,” Al-Zayani said during a conference on Arab Gulf Security.

He specifically mentioned the threats resulting from the continuous Israeli occupation of Arab lands and the Iranian interventions in the internal affairs of GCC countries as well as its continuous occupation of Emirati islands.

‘Renewable energy’ generating opportunities for private sector

Source: Kuwait Times (Read full story)

As an oil producing region, the Middle East has long been considered a net emitter of carbon. However, the Deloitte Whitepaper indicates that this perception now appears to be changing as the region takes steps to embrace renewable energy. Many GCC governments have already announced plans to capitalize on renewable energy. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman have each stated plans to produce at least 10% of their energy from sustainable sources by 2020. Whereas Dubai and Abu Dhabi each set targets of producing 5% and 7% respectively of their energy from solar and renewable sources by 2030.

Fakeih highlights GCC labor experiences at ILO meeting

Source: Arab News (Read full story)

In their drive to develop the labor market, the GCC countries have taken major steps at regulatory levels.

They have also adopted a series of initiatives to develop labor markets, protect workers’ rights and promote decent work, the minister said.

He enumerated a number of examples in this context and said the United Arab Emirates (UAE) would soon launch an e-initiative aimed at cooperation with India to give Indian workers access to the terms and conditions of their contracts prior to departure from India.

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