UPDATE 1-Kuwait announces new government - KUNA

Kuwait formed a new government on Tuesday, state news agency KUNA reported, a month after the previous one resigned due to a row between ruling family members and parliament.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid al-Sabah will be prime minister. Previously, foreign minister, he was appointed by Kuwaiti ruler Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah days after the government resigned. The resignation came after lawmakers sought a no-confidence vote against the interior minister and as a dispute between senior officials, including the interior and defense ministers, over alleged mishandling of public funds went public.

Caretaker premier Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah had initially been nominated to form the new cabinet but he turned down the offer, citing a media campaign against him. Kuwait, an ally of the United States, has the most open political system in the Gulf Arab region, with a parliament wielding power to pass legislation and question ministers.