Originally published Monday, January 17, 2011 at 1:39 AM

Kuwait doles out cash to mark national milestones

Kuwait's ruler is marking several key anniversaries by literally paying tribute - handing out 1,000 dinar ($3,559) grants and free food coupons for every citizen in the Gulf nation.

The Associated Press

KUWAIT CITY —

Kuwait's ruler is marking several key anniversaries by literally paying tribute - handing out 1,000 dinar ($3,559) grants and free food coupons for every citizen in the Gulf nation.

The state news agency KUNA reports Monday that Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah has ordered the gifts for all the estimated 1 million Kuwaiti citizens.

It even covers newborns until Feb. 1. But excluded are the more than 2 million foreigner workers, mostly South Asians.

The food program is expected to offer free staples such as rice, eggs and milk until March 2012.

The reason is three upcoming milestones: 50 years of independence, the 20th anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion that drove out Iraqi troops and the fifth year of Sheik Sabah's rule.

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