Kuwait's emir, Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah, held talks Saturday with the current speaker of parliament, Jassem al-Khorafi, and four former speakers as part of "traditional consultations" to form a new cabinet, reported the Kuwaiti News Agency (KUNA).
The emir also met Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Sheikh Saad Abdallah al-Sabah, and foreign minister, Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, before he issues a decree appointing a new premier, said the agency.
That is likely to be Sheikh Saad, who has headed every cabinet for the past 22 years.
Khorafi said he had "a fruitful meeting" with the emir, but declined to provide any details, said the agency.
Khorafi last Monday called for a government with a new vision to resolve Kuwait's problems.
The emir on Monday accepted the cabinet's resignation, which was submitted by Sheikh Saad, who cited "obstacles hindering the government's functioning."
The resignation prompted calls for a radical change in the way the Kuwaiti cabinet is formed, said AFP.
A loose coalition of opposition groups, called the Political Forces, held three consultation meetings during the week to draw a unified strategy toward the government, according to AFP.
They plan more meetings.
Defense minister, Sheikh Salem al-Sabah, an elder statesman of the ruling al-Sabah family, said Thursday he wanted to be omitted from the next cabinet.
Analysts said that although Sheikh Saad may be asked to form the next government, he will have to delegate his extensive powers, primarily to his deputy, Sheikh Sabah, added the agency.
Sheikh Saad fell ill in July 1999 with low blood-sugar levels, after undergoing colon surgery in early 1997, and spent several months abroad recovering.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Saad Saturday held talks with Emirati President, Sheikh Zayed al-Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, reported the Emirati News Agency (WAM).
Both sides discussed ways of enhancing bilateral ties between the two countries, said the agency -- Albawaba.com
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