“This war will end within a few weeks and we have to be prepared to meet the huge challenges in the post-war Iraq,” he told Arab News in an interview.

Al-Khorafi said Arabs should make quick decisions on vital issues without being hypocritical. “The failure to make a suitable decision on UAE President Sheikh Zayed’s proposal was evidence of the fact that Arabs have agreed to disagree,” he said.

He urged Arab governments to resolve their problems soon after the war. “If we ignore the Palestinian issue we may lose everything,” he warned.

Al-Khorafi blamed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his regime for the US-led war on Iraq. “Saddam’s regime is responsible for what is happening in Iraq now and for all the troubles facing the Iraqi people,” he said, adding that Kuwait had no problem in providing support to the Iraqi people.

Al-Khorafi said many Arab leaders would not be happy to see the present Iraqi regime removed from power. “Many faces will turn red after the present crisis is over for supporting a regime that harmed both Arabs and Muslims with its irresponsible actions,” he said.

Kuwait, he said, felt no embarrassment over the presence of some Iraqi opposition members on its territory. “It will primarily serve the interests of the Iraqi people,” he added.

Al-Khorafi said Kuwait would not allow any foreign media organization or any other institution to harm the country or its people. He was referring to a ban on the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera channel, adding the government was forced to take the decision when the channel refused to air the country’s views.

He said his government was continuing its efforts for the release of Kuwaiti POWs in Iraq. However, it had not yet discussed the matter in detail with the coalition forces “who are now heading to Baghdad.”

“We have to be practical. The priority of the coalition forces is to remove the regime and take control of Iraq. After that this issue could be raised,” he added.

Regarding Kuwait’s assistance for the Iraqis, the speaker said his country was in the forefront of aiding Arab and Muslim people.