KUWAIT: With the advent of Kuwait's celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of its Independence and 20th Liberation Day, Kuwaitis also celebrate the memory of one of country's prominent figures , the late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who passed away five years ago on Jan 15, 2006 after 28 years of ruler-ship.

Sheikh Jaber, the 13th ruler of Kuwait, had maintained the strong legacy of the Al-Sabah family, chosen as rulers of the country by the people almost 300 years ago. Sheikh Jaber was the third Amir during the state's constitutional era that began with the signing of the constitution in Nov 11, 1962 by the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.

The late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, known to the people as Abu-Mubarak, succeeded in leading the development of Kuwait since he took on the Amir mantle in 1977. Throughout his ruler-ship, Sheikh Jaber had faced many hardships including an assassination attempt on May 25, 1985. After the incident Sheikh Jaber addressed the people, saying that despite the attempt on his life, Kuwait will remain and that was "most important fact.

Kuwait, though a small country, continued to develop within the political and economic spheres until it was hit by another tragedy in 1990. The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait did affect the country deeply, but Sheikh Jaber's relentless efforts to liberate his nation with the international community's aid garnered Kuwait its freedom. Abu Mubarak was always for bolstering efforts amongst nations in the Gulf and Arab region; thus, the nucleus of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was born of a Kuwaiti wish to boost cooperation amongst Gulf nations.

Through his belief that the GCC was a "beacon" of true solidarity amongst Arab nations, Sheikh Jaber always made it clear that developing the council's mechanism was paramount for the future of Gulf States. Sheikh Jaber proposed the establishment of 30-member consultative council during the Gulf summit of 1996 in Doha, as a procedure to provide the GCC leadership with suggestions that would improve the decision making process.

On the Arab and Islamic levels, Sheikh Jaber always supported causes to better develop Islamic nations, holding events such as the fifth OIC Summit Conference in 1987. Also in the capacity of Kuwait's Presidency of the OIC, Sheikh Jaber addressed the 43rd session of the UN General Assembly in the following year, proposing measures to ease the pressures on developing and underdeveloped states through the formation of a just-world-economic system.

Kuwait's later Amir was not only concerned about extending ties with brotherly and friendly nations, he worked for promoting ties between rulers and people. Sheikh Jaber made it clear that no development could be achieved without such relation and as a result, he focused on such aspect through caring about people's concerns and aspirations. Known for his charitable work, Sheikh Jaber was chosen as the world's most recognized charitable figure of 1995.

Amongst his other contributions, Sheikh Jaber also focused on heritage as a strong pillar for society, supporting numerous causes and activities aimed at preserving Kuwait's historical monuments and traditions. The memory of Sheikh Jaber will always be living in the mind and soul of Kuwaitis who always be remembered their ruler as the man who put the welfare of his country and its people at the top of all responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Chairman and General Director of Kuwait News Agency Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Al-Sabah described the sovereign of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as full of accomplishments, through his everlasting and grand achievements as well as his continuous sacrifices for the sake of his country and its people. On the fifth anniversary of the late Amir's passing, Al-Duaij said that Sheikh Jaber was one of those rare leaders who had the aptitude, the wisdom, the experience and the honest loyalty to work for the best interests of his country and its people.

Al-Duaij recalled the late Amir's tremendous achievements, through more than 28 years of his sovereign, and the prominent role he played on all levels to bring to the country a comprehensive prosperity based on solid foundations. He also added that the late Amir's contributions were always filled with the love and dedication for his country which made him win the heart of every Kuwaiti citizen.

He pointed out that the late Amir gained experience and wisdom because he began his vocation early and he took on responsibility at an early age; therefore, he accomplished continuous successes and numerous achievements in all the positions he worked in which led him to gain a prestigious place, on Arab and international levels. The late Amir carried on his shoulders the worries of his country and the aspirations of his people. His ambitions were grand and his hopes were broad, Al-Duaij added.

He further noted that the late Amir was able to grant his country a tremendous place in the world by enhancing relations among various nations which would serve for the better interest of his country. He made Kuwait effective and influential, regionally and internationally, and made many initiatives that would be remembered with respect by the world and would be proudly written in the history of Kuwait.

The great international support that bestowed upon the State of Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi occupation and the regaining of its freedom and legitimacy were due to the international diplomatic efforts made by the wise leadership of the late Amir along with his late Crown Prince, Sheikh Saad Al-Adduallah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Al-Duaij concluded by saying that the late Amir left a fruitful history and a great legacy full of principles that teach love and unity for this country.

Source : Kuwait Times