Addressing inaugural session of the 18th Arab Inter-parliamentary Union (AIPU) conference, Al-Saadoun said the Arab parliaments should bear the great responsibility of realizing aspirations of peoples, namely combating financial and administrative corruption, enforcing security and shoring up national economy for sake of ensuring wise governing and rule of the law.
Affirming that establishment of a democratic system is not an easy task and cannot be attained "with a single step," the veteran Kuwaiti lawmaker noted that liberation from dictatorship ruling warrants free and elections, freedom of expression, establishment of a regime that ensures respect for individuals’ will and dignity, coupled with fundamental social, economic and political changes.
Civil associations can play a basic role for promoting political awareness and boosting human rights, the speaker said, hinting that democracy could be largely measured on basis of efficiency and independence of such establishments.
Welcoming the eminent guests, Al-Saadoun expressed gratitude to HH the Amir for patronizing the convention, expressing hope that it would be crowned with success. He also thanked AIPU Chairman and Head of the Qatari Shura Council Mohammad Al-Khulaifi for enormous efforts he had exerted during his service as the former head of the union.
Elaborating, Al-Saadoun, a renowned legislator who served for long years as the chairman of the Kuwaiti parliament and member of the assembly, touched in his address on the "Arab spring" events, saying that the Arab world had witnessed, since the AIPU conference, held in Qatar last February, very critical and sensitive events, also describing these developments as unprecedented and strategic.
Main motive for these events was aspiration of the Arab peoples to live a dignified life, with reforms, political and civil rights.
On the Palestinian question, Al-Saadoun affirmed inability of the international community to halt Israel’s aggression and end its occupation of Arab territories. He also criticized the Quartet, accusing some of its members of being biased in favor of Israel. He called on the federation member states to help in re-unifying Palestinian ranks.
Regarding Syria, he assailed "the oppressive regime for perpetrating massacres against the Syrian people," and expressed frustration for failure of the Security Council to pass a resolution against Damascus. He called on the member states to coordination with international and regional bodies to help in securing humanitarian aid for the Syrian people.
In conclusion, Al-Saadoun expressed hope the conferees would end their gathering with recommendations "that might meet aspirations and hopes of the Arab peoples"
