KUWAIT — Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, during the extraordinary parliamentary session on Monday, took oath as the Deputy of Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

According to the Kuwait news agency (KUNA), the deputy emir’s oath taking is carried out according to Article 63 of the constitution that states that he swears in before embarking on executing his jurisdiction in an extraordinary session of the National Assembly.

Earlier Monday, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad and members of his Cabinet took the oath during the special parliamentary session.

National Assembly Speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun said that the swearing-in of the Prime Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad as Deputy Emir, in the extraordinary session Monday, established a new precedent in the country's history.

During the session, Al-Saadoun mentioned in a speech that he attempted to review all precedents, but found no similar instances, clarifying that the Emiri Decree appointing the prime minister as deputy emir outlined two key points.

The first point, detailed in article one of the decree, indicated that the appointment remained valid throughout the periods of Emir Sheikh Mishal's absence from the country.

Article two, stipulated the continuation of this procedure until the Crown Prince was appointed and therefore the deputy emir will be sworn in only once during the emir's absence until a Crown Prince is appointed.

Following the deputy emir's constitutional oath, Al-Saadoun adjourned the session and the next regular session was set for Feb. 6 and 7. — KUNA