Kuwaiti PM forms new government

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/7824851.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser al-Sabah has formed a new cabinet, replacing the previous government which quit after a dispute with parliament.

Most ministers have been retained, but the foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed al-Salem al-Sabah, will take on an additional role as acting oil minister.

Kuwait's emir re-appointed Sheikh Nasser as prime minister in December.

The cabinet resigned in November after MPs demanded to grill the PM about an Iranian cleric's visit and corruption.

Its resignation meant no questioning or a possible impeachment vote could take place.

Sheikh Nasser has been accused of intervening to help the controversial Shia Muslim cleric visit Kuwait, even though he had been convicted by a Kuwaiti court of insulting the companions of Prophet Muhammad.

Correspondents say cabinet reshuffles are relatively common in Kuwait.

Critics of the government say they are used as a means of preventing members of parliament from questioning ministers.