The ruler of Kuwait Wednesday evening announced that the country's parliament was dissolved and the fresh elections would be held within 60 days.

Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah made the announcement in his televised speech to the nation.

The announcement came after the outgoing cabinet held an emergency meeting on Wednesday and approved a decree to dissolve parliament and call for fresh elections within two months.

Meanwhile, Dubai-based Al Arabiya television reported that Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah would become the new prime minister.

Qatar's Al-Jazeera TV also said the emir will issue a decree naming Sheikh Nawaf after discussing the appointment with current and former parliament speakers.

There was no immediate official confirmation of the reports.

(Xinhua News Agency March 19, 2009)