KUWAIT-- Kuwait's Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah strongly rejected Thursday interference to the country's internal affairs, particularly from what he called "friends." In a press conference, Sheikh Salem said he also strongly rejects interference in the country's judicial system and its rulings.

"Kuwait is a democratic state and we are proud of it, proud of its system and the separation of powers in the country, thus we as a government or individuals cannot interfere with the work of judicial branch from any outside party." The minister noted that decisions made by the judicial apparatus is independent without any interference either internally or from abroad.

Sheikh Salem also expressed wishes that European countries would not "politicize" waiving Kuwait from the Schengen visa system, because the overall purpose of the waiver is to improve relations between the two sides.

He made the remarks after statements by Vice President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas who said yesterday's execution of seven persons could have consequences on waiving Kuwait from the Schengen visa system.