The Kuwaiti press Saturday urged the removal of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein from power saying it was an essential prerequisite for world peace and stability.
"The situation demands that the international community end the presence of Saddam Hussein at the helm of the Iraqi regime, to ensure a stable world economy and to bring about regional stability," the Arab Times said in a front page editorial.
The English-language daily charged that the main purpose of the latest Iraqi threats was to disrupt a relatively stable oil market, and was being "manipulated by international parties who see themselves as losers after the second Gulf War."
Kuwait reacted strongly to Iraqi claims on Thursday that the emirate had been stealing oil from a border oilfield, charging that Baghdad was trying to provoke war in the region.
"The Baghdad regime will remain a source of tension in the region," asserted columnist Saud al-Samakah in Al-Qabas daily.
"It has become clear without any doubt that the stability of the Gulf and the return of Iraq to Arab and international ranks are linked to the removal of this regime," Samakah affirmed.
"It is clear that this regime will not change its behaviour and will not comply with international laws. It may even carry out an adventurous mission at any time," MP Abdulmohsen Jamal wrote in Al-Qabas.
The United States on Friday warned Iraq it would not allow Saddam Hussein to threaten his neighbours.
Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990 after having accused the emirate of stealing petrol from the Rumeila field and nibbling away at its territory.
A US-led international coalition chased Iraqi forces out of Kuwait seven months later – KUWAIT CITY (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
