Manama, Aug. 31 (BNA): Information Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi has stressed that His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa issued directives to step up measures to boost people’s safety.
Speaking at the post-cabinet press briefing, he said the ministerial council, chaired by HRH the Premier today, condemned the latest terrorist attack in Karranah that killed a policeman and injured several police officers and civilians. He told reporters that the Interior Minister briefed the cabinet about the incident and the measures taken to handle its repercussions.
The Information Minister added that HRH the Prime Minister praised solidarity of brotherly and friendly countries with Bahrain in its war on terrorism, pointing out the need for concerted regional and international efforts to root it out.
The minister stated that the cabinet also reviewed a report on energy consumption presented by the Energy Minister. It shows that consumption of electricity has gone up by 9% recently and reached its peak compared to the previous years due to high temperature in July and August.
The Energy Minister highlighted the steps taken by the Electricity and Water Authority to cope with the growing demand for electricity and avoid any cutouts.
The Information Minister noted that HRH the Premier gave his directives to the Industry and Commerce Ministry to step up control of markets, regarding mainly prices of food stuff and commodities. He added HRH the Prime Minister congratulated the administrative and educational staff and students on the new academic year, wishing all every success.
Concerning the protocol on tobacco, the Information Minister pointed out Bahrain’s pioneering steps in this respect by prohibiting smoking in public places and onboard planes years ago. He added that there is an international protocol in this regard which was ratified today and referred to the Legal Committee to take the necessary procedures.
The minister asserted that there are also GCC agreements which Bahrain is part of to curb smoking and protect people’s health. He also explained that the cabinet approved a memorandum to amend the existing list of narcotic and psychotropic substances.
The minister said five new products have been added to the current list to keep it up-to-date with the prohibited narcotic and psychotropic substances . He also said that the cabinet had not discussed the subsidy programme in its session today, pointing out that the government will inform the public about all details as soon as decisions are taken on this matter.
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BNA 1745 GMT 2015/08/31