The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is delighted that the parliament of Kuwait has granted women the right to vote and stand in elections.

"The decision taken by the parliament of Kuwait is historic", said the IPU President, Chilean Senator Sergio Páez, who sent his congratulations to the Kuwaiti parliament and to Kuwaiti women.

"I wish to congratulate Kuwaiti women on their efforts and the Kuwaiti legislators on their decision. Modern societies will only be more humane and more equitable when all of their citizens are actively involved in the decision-making process" added Senator Paéz, who will pay an official visit to Kuwait from 23 to 26 May 2005.

The IPU Secretary General, Anders B. Johnsson, said that this vote "is a significant breakthrough that is worthy of note, not only because it dovetails with the efforts the IPU has made over many years to integrate women on an equal footing at the highest levels of political responsibility in countries, but also because it is a very important step in the region, which must continue to move towards greater participation by women and consolidation of the democratic process".

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Established in 1889 and with its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the IPU, the oldest multilateral political organisation, currently brings together 141 affiliated parliaments and seven regional assemblies as associate members. The world organisation of parliaments has an Office in New York, which acts as its Permanent Observer at the United Nations.
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Contact for additional information or interviews:

In Geneva: Mrs. Luisa Ballin, IPU Information Officer 5, ch. du Pommier, CH - 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex / Geneva Tel. +41 22 919 41 16/27 Fax: +41 22 919 41 60 E-mail: lb@mail.ipu.org or cbl@mail.ipu.org Ms. Kareen Jabre, Manager of the IPU Programme for the Promotion of Partnership between Men and Women Tel. +41 (22) 919 41 25 e-mail: kj@mail.ipu.org