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Kuwaiti Prime Minister is new Emir

Cabinet moves to fill leadership void hours after ailing former Emir was ousted

Sheikh Saad al-Abdulla al-Sabah... Emir out

Kuwait City: The Kuwait Cabinet moved swiftly on Tuesday night to fill the country's leadership void, naming its Prime Minister Sheik Sabah to take over as Emir, the country's top ruler, just hours after the ailing former Emir was ousted by parliament.

Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah... Emir in

In removing Sheik Saad Al Abdullah Al Sabah as Emir in a unanimous vote earlier in the day, the parliament had handed temporary power to the Government of Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, the Prime Minister and half brother of the long-time ruler of the country who died on January 15, setting in motion an unprecedented leadership crisis in the oil-rich U.S. ally.

Justice Minister Ahmed Baqer said the Cabinet meeting to name the new Emir took place in Sheik Sabah's residence.

The appointment of Sheik Sabah, the country's de facto leader for several years, was widely expected and now goes to parliament for approval.

He has broad support in the legislature, which needs only a simply majority to sanction the appointment. — AP

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