Kuwait authorizes women to join army

Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah announced on Wednesday that Kuwaiti women would join the armed forces.

According to Kuwaiti news agency, KUNA, the Kuwaiti official made the statement following a ceremony to honor distinguished family members of the Kuwaiti Army's POWs and martyrs. He added that Kuwaiti women were previously admitted to the Army's scientific and operational fields.

The Kuwaiti official said appropriate positions would be designated for women joining the army.

"Kuwaiti women were guaranteed their political rights, now they should be granted other rights such as joining the military," he said.

Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah said he was an advocate of democracy and that the results of the legislative elections of July 3 reflected the desire of the Kuwaiti society to consolidate democratic practices.