Kuwait Amir mandates new government

Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah approved on Monday a decree designating Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as head of the new government, according to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)."After reviewing the relevant stipulations of the constitution and our decree, adopted on February 5, 2012, to accept the resignation of the Prime Minister, we decree that Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah be head of the new government, name the members of the new cabinet and present to us their names for endorsement," read the decree.Sheikh Jaber is also requested to appraise the newly-formed National Assembly (parliament) of the decree which takes immediate effect.Jaber Mubarak Al Sabah, who is a member of the royal family, formed a government in November amid tensions between the opposition and pro-government politicians.The government on Sunday for the fourth times in six years after the Islamist-led opposition made major gains in the parliamentary elections. Islamists won 34 seats in the 50-member parliament.