Ain-Al-Yaqeen - January 20, 2006

		January 20, 2006

KUWAIT LAYS TO REST ITS AMIR AND SHEIKH SAAD AL-ABDULLAH IS THE NEW AMIR.
THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES AND A NUMBER OF ARAB LEADERS PARTICIPATE IN THE FUNERAL AND OFFER THEIR CONDOLENCES.
SAUDI CROWN PRINCE SULTAN IBN ABDUL AZIZ OFFERS HIS CONDOLENCES TO THE KING OF BAHRAIN ON THE DEMISE OF HIS SON, TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES FOR THE DEATH OF SHEIKH MAKTOUM BIN RASHED AND THE KUWAITI LEADERSHIP ON THE DEMISE OF SHEIKH JABER.

Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah died aged 79, after over a quarter century in power marked by the trauma of the Iraqi invasion and the fruits of unprecedented economic prosperity.

Under the constitution of the Gulf state, 75-year-old Crown Prince Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah automatically became the new Amir, a Cabinet statement said.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz led a high-level Saudi delegation to Sheikh Jaber's funeral. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques conveyed the condolences of the government and people of Saudi Arabia on the Amir's death to Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah and other members of the ruling family in Kuwait.

Sheikh Jaber was laid to rest as thousands of Kuwaitis massed for a funeral ceremony attended by a number of Arab leaders, with Sheikh Saad participating in his wheelchair.

Security officials struggled against the dense crowds when the Amir's body, wrapped in a Kuwaiti flag and placed in a simple open box, was carried by relatives and aides to a common cemetery 15 kilometers west of the capital. He was buried in a section reserved for the dead of the ruling Al-Sabah family and the country's martyrs.

Women clad in traditional "abayas," or long black robes, wept as the Amir's body was lowered to the ground and covered with earth amid chants of "La Ilaha Illallah" (there is no God but Allah).

A 40-day period of mourning was declared in Kuwait. Government offices will be closed for three days and flags were flown at half-staff over government buildings.

Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah, who has been running daily affairs in recent years, rushed back home from Oman, where he was on vacation. Sheikh Sabah, 76, is the most likely candidate to be appointed new crown prince, but it was not immediately known whether he will also remain Prime Minister.

For the first time since Kuwait gained independence from Britain in 1961, the late Amir in 2003 split the posts of crown prince and prime minister which had been held by the crown prince since 1978.

The late Amir was from the Al-Jaber branch and Sheikh Saad is from the Al-Salem branch of the Al-Sabah family, the two lines that have traditionally been alternating power.

Sheikh Jaber, who ascended the throne on Dec. 31, 1977, had been ill since suffering a brain hemorrhage in September 2001.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud left Riyadh for Kuwait to offer condolences on the demise of Kuwait's Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah (God bless his soul). At King Khalid International Airport, the king was seen off by a number of officials.

During his visit to Kuwait, the king offered his condolences on the demise of Kuwait's Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah (God bless his soul) to Kuwaiti leaders.

The king was seen off in Kuwait by a number of Kuwaiti senior officials.

King Abdullah arrived in Riyadh coming from Kuwait. He was received by Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, other princes, and officials. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques was accompanied by a number of princes and heading a large Saudi delegation.

The Amir's Court announced with great grief and sorrow the demise of Kuwait's Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who passed away.

In its statement the Court said that a nation-wide mourning was declared for 40 days and state institutions will be closed for three days, effective from Sunday.

The statement was read on Kuwait State Television by Minister of Information Dr. Anas Al-Rasheed.

Governor of Riyadh region, Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and his accompanying delegation arrived in Kuwait to extend condolences on the passing way of the late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The Saudi prince was received by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs Mohammed Dhaifallah Sharar, ministers, and ambassadors of the two countries.

King of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Eissa Al Khalifa arrived in Kuwait to offer condolences on the passing of the Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The King was accompanied by Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, senior officials as well as Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.

The delegation was received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs Mohammed Daifallah Sharar, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Faisal Al-Hajji Bou Khaddour.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak heading a delegation of senior officials travelled to Kuwait to express condolences on demise of the late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Cairo Radio said Mubarak was accompanied by Field Marshal Defense Minister Mohammed Tantawi, Foreign Minister Ahmad Abul Gheit and Head of the Presidential Diwan Zakaria Azmi.

Egypt has declared a three-day mourning on demise of HH the late Amir.

The Arab League announced the start of a three-day mourning period on the demise of Kuwait's late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The League's and affiliated institutions' flags will be flown at half mast during the mourning period.

The League has issued a statement earlier mourning Sheikh Jaber's demise.

Former Arab Leaguer Secretary-General, Esmat Abdul-Majeed, told KUNA the demise of Sheikh Jaber was a great loss for Kuwait, and for the Arab and Islamic nations.

He added he was extremely sad for the demise of Sheikh Jaber, "who had played a distinguished role related to the Arab region's developments," and offered condolences to the Kuwaiti leadership and people.

Ambassador Muhammad Subaih, Arab League secretary general assistant for Palestinian Affairs also offered condolences, in remarks to KUNA, for the demise of the Amir.

He highlighted Sheikh Jaber's support for Arab and Islamic causes in general and to the Palestinian cause in particular.

Subaih said he was confident that the successor of Sheikh Jaber would follow his policies based on a clear-cut vision and understanding of Arab issues.

Qatar's Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani headed to Kuwait to participate in the burial of the late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Sheikh Tamim was accompanied by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani and Chief of the Qatari Television and Radio Authority Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al-Thani.

President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nuhayyan arrived in Kuwait to extend condolences on the passing of the Amir, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The president was accompanied by Supreme Council Member and Sharja Ruler Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Fujaira Ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Sharqi, Sharja Crown Prince sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, and Ras Al-Khaima Crown Prince Sheikh Saud bin Saqer Al-Qasimi.

Sheikh Khalifa was also accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al-Nuhayyan, Representative of the Ruler of the Eastern Province Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al-Nuhayyan, Deputy Ruler of Umm Al-Quwain Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al-Mu'alla, and ministers.

Receiving the delegation at the airport was Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs Mohammed Dhaifallah Sharar, Finance Minister Bader Mishari Al-Humaidhi, and UAE Charge d'Affaires to Kuwait.

A high-ranking Omani delegation headed for Kuwait to extend condolences on the demise of the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The delegation is headed by Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, and groups Minister of Information Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Rashdi, Minister of Legal Affairs Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Alawi, Minister of Awqaf (endowment) and Islamic Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah and other top officials.

The Court of Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman had extended condolences to the State and people of Kuwait on the passing of the late Amir, and declared a three-day mourning period.

Sudan offered sincere condolences on the passing of the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

In statements Director of the Arab Department at the Sudanese foreign ministry said, "On behalf of Sudan's government and people, we offer condolences to the Kuwaiti government and people for this great loss, not only for Kuwait but also for Arab and Muslim nations."

The Palestinian Authority (PA) declared a three-day mourning period on the demise of the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the Palestinian flags will be put at half mast in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as in the Palestinian embassies.

This came in a presidential decree issued by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Abbas, according to the decree, will be heading for Kuwait to offer his condolences.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Prime Minister, Ahmad Qurei sent a cable of condolences to H.H. the Crown Prince Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and H.H. the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Qurei affirmed that Arab and Islamic nations have lost a remarkable leader who made great accomplishments in serving his people and in supporting Arab and Islamic causes.

He affirmed the late Amir of Kuwait's support to Palestinians and their just cause.

The Palestinian Prime Minister extended his sincere condolences to the ruling family and the Kuwaiti people for their loss.

Iraqi President Jalal Al-Talabani sent a cable of condolences to the new Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah on the demise of the late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

In his cable, Talabani recounted Sheikh Jaber's contributions to the advancement and prosperity of Kuwait, adding that his strong leadership was evident during the 1990 invasion of the regime of Saddam Hussein.

He noted that after the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, Sheikh Jaber spared no effort in supporting the Iraqi people until they were liberated from dictatorship.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi government declared a three-day mourning period starting Sunday, adding that the passing of Sheikh Jaber was a great loss for the Arab and Islamic nations.

Lebanon declared a three-day mourning on demise of the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The official National News Agency said Information Minister Ghazi Al-Aridi asked all media organizations to alter their normal programs and broadcast programs that "conform with this is painful event." President Emile Lahoud, in a statement released by the Presidential Palace, expressed great grief and sadness at the demise of Sheikh Jaber, eulogizing him as a great loss to the Lebanese, Kuwaiti peoples, Arab and Islamic nations.

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Abdul-Rahman Al-Attiya expressed deepest sorrow on the demise of the late Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who passed away.

Al-Attiya marked in a statement, , the demise of Sheikh Jaber as a "great loss of a prominent leader who dedicated his life for the Arab and Islamic nations' causes." He highlighted the late Amir's effort to create the GCC, and his role during the hardship of the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.

The senior official said he was confident that Kuwait's political leadership would continue on the path of Sheikh Jaber.

He offered condolences to the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and to the ruling family.

Deputy Chairman of the Consultative Authority of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Supreme Council, Bakri Saleh Shata expressed his deepest sorrow on the demise of the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who passed away at the age of 78.

In a statement, Shata said the demise of Sheikh Jaber is considered a loss to the Arab and Islamic nations and to the whole world.

He highlighted major efforts exerted by the late Amir of Kuwait and his support towards the world issues.

He pointed to the major accomplishments of Sheikh Jaber, especially following the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.

He noted that the wisdom Sheikh Jaber enjoyed enabled him to achieve a comprehensive development in Kuwait until it occupied a remarkable status on the regional and international levels.

He praised the progress of democracy in Kuwait during the reign of the late Sheikh Jaber, where Kuwaiti women have been granted full political rights.

He pointed out to Sheikh Jaber's initiative during the 17th GCC summit held in Doha in 1996 to establish the consultative authority.

Shata praised Sheikh Jaber's contribution to supporting the poor countries and people worldwide, where he shed light on his humanitarian stances and his deep respect for the Kuwaiti people.

Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu extended his condolences on the passing of the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Ihsanoglu recounted the honorable stances of the late Amir and efforts in supporting Islamic causes and bringing Muslims together.

He added that the passing of Sheikh Jaber was not only a loss for Kuwait but one for the Islamic nation and the whole world, praying that Allah have mercy on his soul.

The director-general said that he would be heading to Kuwait to extend condolences to the Kuwaiti government and people on the demise of their leader.

Lebanese President Emile Lahoud headed to Kuwait to pay respects to the new Amir of Kuwait,. Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah on the demise of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, said Lebanon's Presidential Palace in a press release.

President Lahoud expressed deep sorrow for Sheikh Jaber's departure as a loss for Kuwait, Lebanon, all Arab nations and the entire world.

Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Al-Siniora and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, with a joint ministerial-parliamentary delegation, headed to Kuwait to pay their respects.

Lebanon declared nation-wide mourning for three days.

A large number of Arab kings and leaders left the Kuwaiti capital after participating in the funeral of the late Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Jaber al Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, was laid to rest after the afternoon prayers at Sulaibikhat cemetry.

The funeral was led by his successor, Amir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, visiting heads of state and senior representatives of Arab and foreign leaders.

Many citizens, Sheikhs and ministers took part in the funeral and took part in the prayers for his soul.

Thousands of Kuwaitis and expatriates bid farewell to the late the Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

Men, women and children carrying posters of the Amir flocked to the Sulaibikhat Cemetery to take part in the burial of the 78-year-old leader who ruled Kuwait following the death of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah in 1978.

Roads leading to the cemetery were empty except for cars carrying the mourners.

The body of the Amir, draped with the Kuwaiti flag, was prayed on and then humbly laid to rest while thousands of mourners looked on.

During the reign of the late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait witnessed much advancements in the areas of education, health, and general welfare.

Sheikh Jaber had been keen on ensuring that all his citizens were treated fairly and this strengthened his relationship with his people, thus bringing Kuwaitis and their rulers together as one.

The late Amir often regularly visited "diwaniyas" where men gathered, and as his health failed in 2004 and 2005, he was succeeded in this habit by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

He was also keen on advancing the educational and scientific research fields, as well as societies that worked with those with special needs.

The late Sheikh Jaber was also a pioneer in aspects of social security, and was also the engineer of the state's investment movement, where he was responsible for the investment of oil surplus and increased salaries and pensions in the years of 1979, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1990, 1992, 2001 and 2005.

Kuwait also advanced in the political field, as well as being a lead contributor to the economic development of poorer nations of the world.

The establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was also an idea of the late Amir, who was convinced that the future was one that required blocs.

The Cabinet named Crown Prince Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah as the new Amir of the country in line with the national constitution.

The Cabinet, in a statement read by Information Minister Dr. Anas Al-Rushaid, expressed condolences to the Arab and Islamic nations on the demise of the Amir, who passed away at dawn time. He was 79.

The Cabinet named Sheikh Saad as the new Amir of the country and expressed wishes that his leadership would be crowned with success for serving Kuwait, Arab and Islamic nations.

The Cabinet prayed that Allah Almighty have mercy on his soul, recounting the honorable stances of Sheikh Jaber and his contributions to the country and its people, as well as to the Arab and Islamic worlds.

Grieving Kuwaitis started to gather outside the late Amir's Dasman Palace in Kuwait City. Sheikh Jaber, who held the post of prime minister from 1965-78 and was heir-apparent from 1966, was the 13th ruler of a 245-year-old dynasty.

On the other hand On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General offered condolences to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayid Al Nahayan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE's Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Governor and UAE's people on the death of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Upon arrival at Zaabail Palace in Dubai, the Crown Prince was received by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayid Al Nahayan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Vice Governor, Minister of Finance and Industry; Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayid Al Nahayan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and sons of the deceased.

Then Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz graced a luncheon held in his honor by Sheikh Khalifa. The banquet was attended by sheikhs, ministers and senior officials. Later the Crown Prince left Dubai after offering the condolences.

At Dubai International Airport, the Crown Prince was seen off by Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum, Director of Information Department in Dubai and other officials.

Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, and the accompanying delegation arrived to offer condolences on the death of Sheikh Faisal, the son of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah of Bahrain.

On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the crown prince offered the condolences to the king of Bahrain. The crown prince was accompanied by a number of princes.

Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, received Prince Ismail bin Abdullah bin Mohammed V. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief of the Crown Prince's Court Hamad Ibn Abdul Aziz al-Suweilim.

Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, and the accompanying delegation arrived in Kuwait.

He was received at Kuwait International Airport by Sheikh Ali Abdullah Salem Al Sabah, Governor of Alahmadi and Deputy Prime Minister; Mohammed Dhaifallah Sharar, Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs; Sheikh Ahmed Fahd Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Minister of Petroleum; Ibrahim bin Ali Abdulhaq, Saudi Charge d'Affaires to Kuwait; Col. Hamad Alshammari, Saudi Liaison Officer; and a number of officials.

Upon arrival, Crown Prince Sultan headed for Bayan palace to extend his condolences to Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister; Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; senior protocol officials; members of Al-Sabah family; and government and people of Kuwait on the sad demise of Sheikh Jaber Alahmed Al-Sabah, Amir of Kuwait, appealing to Allah Almighty to bestow mercy upon his soul. A number of princes were accompanying Prince Sultan.

Crown Prince Sultan left Riyadh. At Riyadh air base, he was seen off by Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence; other princes and senior civil and military officials.

Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, and the accompanying delegation was back in Riyadh coming from Kuwait after having extended his condolence to Al-Sabah family, government and people of Kuwait on the sad demise of Sheikh Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of Kuwait.

At King Khalid International Airport, Crown Prince Sultan was received by a number of civil and military officials.

Gulf and Arab leaders joined Bahrainis in bidding farewell to Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad Al Khalifa, son of King Hamad.

Sheikh Faisal, 15, died in a car accident in Zallaq, near the Bahrain International Circuit.

Later, the King received at Rawdha Palace, in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Saudi Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud who offered condolences.

The King also received Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Qatari Crown Prince Sheikh Tameem bin Hamad Al Thani and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Dr Sheikh Moham-med Sabah Al Salem, Riyadh Governor Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Saudi intelligence chief Prince Muqrin bin Abdul-aziz, Eastern Provice Gover-nor Prince Mohamm-ed bin Fahad Ibn Abdul Aziz and parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani.

He also received Ajman Crown Prince Ammar bin Hamid Al Nuaimi, Umm Al Quwain Crown Prince Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Saudi Prince Faisal bin Ahmed Ibn Abdul Aziz, Prince Mawlay Rashid and a number of UAE princes.

The King also received condolences at Riffa Palace.

King Hamad received cables of condolences from President Mubarak, President Al Assad, King Abdullah of Jordan, King Mohammed of Morocco, Libyan leader Muammar Gadaffi, Tunisian President Zine Al Abedinne, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah and Jordanian Crown Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein.

The King received telephone calls from leaders and prominent figures worldwide who offered their condolences.

He received the calls from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and a number of Saudi officials and dignitaries.

The Prime Minister received a similar cable from his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah.

Separately, the Crown Prince received at Riffa Palace a number of Gulf princes, senior Bahraini officials, diplomats and people who offered condolences. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' son Yasser arrived to offer condolences.