Manama, May 31 (BNA): Information Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi stressed that Bahrain is among the leading countries in adopting comprehensive political reforms, which has enhanced its standing in the Arab region. Bahrain also has realized the importance of democratic modernization necessary to achieve the anticipated development, the minister said during a forum organised by Al-Ahram Newspaper.
Al Hammadi added that Bahrain’s 2014 parliamentary elections reflected the development of the democratic experiment adopted by Bahrain and consolidated the role of lawmakers in legislation and supervision.
He noted the development witnessed by Bahraini after the plebiscite of the National Action Charter in a referendum that gave it more than 98% of the votes, describing the reforms launched by HM King Hamad as “historic”.
The minister underlined the Government Action Plan that focuses on comprehensive development and boosting and diversifying the state economy without depending on oil as a major source.
He said that Bahrain’s political development experience is different from that of the other countries in the region and that the Bahraini media outlets have stepped up communication with their Western counterparts to clarify the official view and provide them with correct information. Legal action is taken against those who intentionally convey a false image of Bahrain.
He added there is currently in Bahrain a clear new political platform for those who want to join the political process, noting that few of the opposition parties have chosen to boycott the political process.
Commenting on the increasing terrorist operations in the region, the minister said that the area is facing a terrorist ideology that is based on extremism and the use of religion as a cover to achieve certain political targets. The minister insisted that Gulf countries do not deal with their people on ethnic, sectarian or religious bases, but rather on national affiliation.
He called for intensifying coordination to confront the Iranian media directed against Arab countries, which aims to sow and foster divisions, sectarianism and violence.
He lauded the deep-rooted Bahraini-Egyptian relations and Bahrain’s leadership’s interest in further reinforcing them in all areas.
The minister noted Bahrain’s good diplomatic international relations and the memoranda of understanding signed during HM the King and HRH Crown Prince’s visits to Russia in various areas, mainly in the military.
Al Hammadi referred to his participation in the recent Camp David summit, saying it was not confined to the Iranian nuclear programme and that it addressed other issues, including the American commitment to extending the strategic relationship with the Gulf countries, in addition to agreeing on establishing further joint military and security cooperation.
The meeting discussed the protection of the Gulf countries from piracy and terrorist threats to the Arabian Gulf and stressed that GCC countries seek to strengthen their arsenals for defence purposes, but not for expansion, aggression or interference in the affairs of other countries.
He said the Camp David summit discussed Arab issues, including the solution for Yemeni crisis that should be based on the Gulf initiative and the UN Security Council Resolution 2216.
He pointed out the importance of the Gulf diplomatic presence at the international level, especially after Resolution 2216 which is based on the Gulf initiative in respect of fighting terrorism and participating in Operation Decisive Storm.
He said that the Syrian crisis was tackled and that a firm stance that calls for meeting the Syrian people’s aspirations and implementing related international resolutions was also stressed.
He added that summit reviewed the situation in Iraq and the need for the government to meet all components of the Iraqi people, as well as the support the government in confronting terrorism there.
He said that the meeting also discussed supporting the Libyan government in fighting extremist movements.
MJ