Manama, June 29 (BNA): Bahrain has beefed up measures to deter any attempts to shake its security and stability, Information Minister Isa Abdulrahman Al Hammadi said at the post-Cabinet press conference today. He urged all Bahraini people to join hands and play a role in thwarting any potential terror acts aimed at inciting sedition and driving wedges.
He stressed national security as a top priority for the government, adding that readiness of the security bodies had been stepped up to deal with any potential threat. He also pointed out coordination between the Interior Ministry and relevant authorities in this regard, including the Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministry.
“Terrorism is targeting the whole world,” he said, pointing out the cowardly criminal acts which occurred in the Arabian Gulf region, Tunisia and France and claimed the life of many innocent people.
As a matter of fact, he noted, “there is an international effort to combat terrorism and deter it-be it in the north of the Arabian Peninsula by fighting Daesh with the assistance of the international coalition or the Saudi-led alliance to fight the Houthis and back legitimacy in Yemen.”
“What we demand from all is unity in such circumstances and coordination with the competent authorities,” the minister affirmed, lauding the GCC support to Kuwait in the aftermath of the terror attack on a mosque there.
“Confronting terrorism needs rallying ranks to defuse sedition among all components of the GCC community and promote peace,” the minister asserted, underlining the role of social networks in this respect.
He also clarified that the terrorist who carried out the recent attack in Kuwait travelled there by transiting in Bahrain without leaving the airport. “He underwent the regular inspection procedures and nothing illegal was found in his possession,” the minister noted, adding that procedures followed in all exits in Bahrain are internationally accredited to ensure security of the passengers.
On whether new early-detection devices of explosive materials will be used, the Information Minister stressed that all procedures followed by the security bodies in Bahrain comply with international standards and it’s natural that pre-emptive measures could be taken to boost security and protect houses of worship from any potential threat.
Concerning approval of the general budget, the minister underscored ongoing cooperation between the executive and legislative branches in this regard, commending keenness of the legislature to study all related details to achieve citizens’ aspirations while taking into consideration volatility of oil prices.
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BNA 1905 GMT 2015/06/29