Manama: There is no evidence that Kuwaiti charity groups are involved in terrorist activities, the social affairs minister has said.
"I have recently discussed terror sponsoring and funding with a delegation from the US Department of Treasury and with Deborah K. Jones, the US ambassador to Kuwait," said Mohammad Al Afassi.
"I asked the US officials to provide me with any evidence should they have suspicions about a Kuwaiti charity organisation in any terror-related activity," he was quoted as telling Al Rai daily.
Al Afassi said that his ministry was closely monitoring the expenditures and bank accounts of the charity groups.
"At the same time, the foreign ministry is monitoring how the funds are distributed and spent abroad and is making sure that they go to deserving beneficiaries," he said.
US Deputy Treasury Secretary Neal Wolin visited Kuwait last month "to discuss the global response to the economic crisis."
In June 2008, The United States Treasury Department froze the assets of a Kuwait-based charity for allegedly supporting and funding Al Qaida.
The action was taken against Revival of Islamic Heritage Society (RIHS) for providing financial and material support to Al Qaida and Al Qaida affiliates. RIHS has also provided financial support for acts of terrorism, the Treasury said.
However, the accusation that the charity was funding terrorist activities was rejected by Kuwait as "unfounded".
