Kuwaiti-Iranian crisis over Kuwati congressman's remarks against the USA
Kuwait, Politics, 10/13/1997

A sharp diplomatic crisis erupted between Kuwait and Iran which resulted in the Kuwaiti authorities summoning the Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait, Aly Golam Motassemy, to inform him of Kuwait's objection to his participation in a public meeting in which he criticized the US. Sources expected Kuwait to expel the Iranian ambassador from Kuwait as persona non grata.

The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador at the request of the Kuwaiti deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabahh and asked him to submit an explanation for attending a meeting held by the Kuwaiti member of parliament Hassan Gohar in his office. The Kuwaiti authorities described what the Iranian ambassador had done as a direct meddling in the internal affairs of Kuwait and which has nothing to do with the nature of his job and which could strain the relation between Kuwait and Iran.

The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry made a phone call to the US Ambassador in Kuwait Ryan C. Crocker in which it confirmed that the criticism directed by Hassan Gohar against the USA represent his personal views and should not be considered official statements.

Meanwhile the Iranian ambassador denied his foreknowledge of the purpose of meeting, saying that he always goes to the Kuwaiti official offices.

The Iranian ambassador attended a meeting held by the Shiite member of Kuwaiti parliament Dr. Hassan Gohar last Tuesday in which Gohar attacked the US for preventing him from attending a meeting held between the Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation and US Congressmen. Gohar described what happened as an American insult to those who are against its policies. He also described his country as an American protectorate.

Previous Stories:
  Kuwaiti army ready to defend borders   (10/8/1997)
  US denies that it objected to participation by Kuwaiti MP in meetings with congressmen   (10/3/1997)
  Covert crisis between USA and Kuwait over Kuwaiti Parliament   (9/29/1997)

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