This refers to the column by C Moore, ‘Xenophobic claims expose opposition,’ (GDN, Aug 18).

The author has hit all the right chords and exposed in a crystal clear way the motives behind Al Wefaq’s opposition to granting citizenship to long-time residents of Bahrain.

Perhaps one of the areas where Bahrain stands tall among GCC countries is its ability to accommodate people of all cultures, traditions and faiths. In a sense, it is a cultural melting point of all nationalities.

This multicultural aspect of Bahrain is reflected in people’s ability to co-exist with each other, which is a daily observation on Bahrain’s streets.

Those expatriates who spent almost all their adult life in Bahrain and contributed to its development deserve to be granted citizenship.

Their children, raised and educated here who call Bahrain home, should have the right to get nationality as well.

Every living person is entitled to a nationality, according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

This right is granted by individual nations.

By granting citizenship to expatriates, Bahrain is fulfilling its human rights obligations. This needs to be applauded and appreciated.

Al Wefaq’s claims about the negative effects of granting Bahraini citizenship ‘“ in terms of demography and economy ‘“ come from a fear of losing supporters of its sectarian agenda.

Expatriates who get citizenship will continue to contribute to the development of Bahrain and in no way can they be involved in destructive activities such as terrorism.

Al Wefaq’s myopic interpretation of the citizenship issue should end here.

Duri