Kuwaiti Prime Minister arrives for de Marco funeral

The Prime Minister of Kuwait, Nasser Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, is in Malta to represent the Emir at tomorrow's state funeral of President Emeritus Guido de Marco.

Prof de Marco had enjoyed respect in Kuwait following his support for the country when it was invaded by Iraq in 1990. Prof de Marco was president of the United Nations General Assembly at the time and had broken with protocol when he came down from his chair to personally greet the Emir when he addressed the Assembly.

He later also visited the newly-liberated country.

Recognition of Prof de Marco's service was expressed as recently as last April when Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi visited Kuwait.

Also due to attend the funeral are Vincenzo Scotti, Italy's Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and Yasser Arafat's widow Suha.

Many countries will be represented by their ambassadors.