Israel’s Defense Ministry has approved an $82 million gas mask export deal with Kuwait. Shalon Chemical Industries has been given the green light to sell two million gas masks to the Emirate for civilian protection against an Iraqi military strike, reported Haaretz.
Despite the report, Kuwaiti officials insist that they have no intention to do business with Shalon. In any case, the Israeli daily stated that the deal, carried out by Kuwaiti business representatives and a mediator is unlikely to take shape due to a recent Israel Army order for 300,000 backup gas masks. Shalon may not have the capacity to fill both requests and instead, will only be able to provide Kuwait with part of the order.
Kuwaiti residents are required to purchase their own gas masks. A mask in Kuwait City carries a price tag of more than $93. According to senior civil defense official, Fahd Al-Buti, the government has plans to distribute two million masks for subsidized prices, reported AP. Masks are also available in the private marketplace and the testing of old masks is available for about $50. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
