Manama, July 23 (BNA): The Kingdom of Bahrain HAS strongly condemned statements made by the Vice President of the Republic of Iraq, Nouri Al-Maliki, against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stressing that such irresponsible statements are considered a blatant unacceptable infringement and abuse against all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

“The Kingdom of Bahrain stresses that these false statements and claims are incompatible with the keenness of the GCC countries to strengthen relations with Iraq and damage building bridges of trust and cooperation between the two sides in all fields,” the ministry said.
“The statements are also unrealistic as they deny the facts that emphasize the active leading role played by Saudi Arabia in supporting all Arab countries in the fight against violence, extremism and terrorism, and denies Saudi’s initiatives and tireless efforts in working to bring security and peace not only in Iraq but in all Arab and Islamic countries; adding that such statements can only be made by ungrateful individuals.”

The Kingdom of Bahrain reiterates that such crude statements do not serve at all the interests of Iraq and its people as they confirm the compliance by some Iraqi officials, including Mr. Al Maliki with foreign agendas that aim to create sectarian strife and export tension to the region, the ministry added.
“The Kingdom of Bahrain expresses its hopes in Iraq’s return to exercising its active role in the Arab joint work, distancing itself from any parties working to remove the country from its natural position.”

MJ

BNA 2027 GMT 2015/07/23