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Kuwait's Emir Names Security Czar Sheikh Meshal as Crown Prince

Reuters

   KUWAIT - Kuwait's new ruler Emir SheikhNawaf al-Ahmadal-Sabahon
   Wednesday named Sheikh Meshalal-Ahmad, deputy head of the country's
   National Guard, as crownprince of the U.S.-allied OPEC member state.

   The selection of Sheikh Meshal, which must be approved bythe Gulf Arab
   state's parliament, "was blessed by the Al Sabahfamily," state news
   agency KUNA cited a statement from theemir's office as saying.

   Earlier two members of Kuwait's ruling family postedmessages on Twitter
   pledging allegiance to Sheikh Meshal ascrown prince.

   Sheik Nawaf assumed power following the death of hisbrother Sheikh
   Sabah al-Ahmad last week, at a time of tensionbetween Kuwait's larger
   neighbors Saudi Arabia and Iran and asthe government tries to shore up
   finances strained by low oilprices and COVID-19.

   Diplomats and analysts say that due to his low-key style andage, Sheikh
   Nawaf, 83, may delegate a larger portion ofresponsibilities to his heir
   apparent, who would have to actswiftly to tackle domestic issues.

   The country's parliament speaker has said if the emirannounces a crown
   prince on Wednesday, then lawmakers would voteon his choice on
   Thursday, the last day of parliament's term.

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