Kuwait's ruler dissolves parliament

KUWAIT (REUTERS) - Kuwait's ruler ordered the dissolution of parliament on Sunday, a senior government minister said, a step opening the way to a parliamentary election in the major oil-producing Gulf Arab state after months of political deadlock.

The emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, had been widely expected to take the step following a cabinet request to dissolve the assembly. Elections now need to be held within 60 days under constitutional rules.

"The emir issued a decree to dissolve parliament," state news agency KUNA said, citing Information Minister Sheikh Mohammad al-Mubarak al-Sabah, who handles cabinet affairs.

This is the sixth dissolution of parliament in the country since early 2006.