Kuwait's emir assigns Kuwaiti premier as his deputy

By Ibrahim al-Khazen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Wednesday assigned Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the gulf state's prime minister, as deputy emir.

According to the Kuwaiti official news agency KUNA, the royal order stipulates that Sheikh Mohammad assumes the position of deputy emir whenever the emir is out the country.

His assignment also remains valid until a crown prince is named, the royal order noted.

Mohammad was appointed prime minister on Jan. 4 by Sheikh Mishal, who came to power in December after the death of his predecessor Sheikh Nawaf.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar