Emir of Kuwait dies after long illness

THE Emir of Kuwait, who survived assassination attempts and the Iraqi invasion of his country died yesterday after a long illness.

Sheik Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah, aged 79, had been ailing since suffering a brain haemorrhage five years ago and his death was not expected to lead to any major policy changes in this key US ally. He was buried in a public cemetery in a ceremony attended by thousands of mourners.

Because of his illness, the emir had surrendered much of his authority to his half-brother, Prime Minister Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, who is responsible for running the day-to-day affairs of the country.