Kuwait lawmakers may meet Emir to avert political crisis

Kuwait: Members of Kuwait's parliament have asked to meet with the country's Ruler to avert a political crisis that may prompt him to dissolve the assembly, a deputy said on Thursday.

The standoff was provoked by three parliamentarians who on Tuesday asked to question the prime minister after he allowed a controversial Iranian Shiite cleric to visit.

The three say the cleric offended Kuwait's predominantly Sunni population by insulting some religious figures.

"There is an expected meeting between the Emir and the majority of MPs to contain this crisis," deputy Ali Al Rashid said. He did not say when the meeting would take place or what would be discussed.

According to a draft of the motion, the three also wanted to question Prime Minister Shaikh Nasser Al Mohammad Al Sabah, a nephew of the Emir, about allegations of corruption.

If parliament is dissolved, Kuwait's constitution requires new elections be held within two months. Parliament was dissolved in March, the fifth time since it was established in 1963.

The Emir, Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, who has the final say in Kuwaiti politics, can also suspend parliament without holding new elections.