Manama, July 28. (BNA)–Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa hailed the legislative authority for standing firm in support of security in previous years to maintain Bahrain’s stability.

He commended members of the National Assembly for their patriotic stances and support for the efforts of the security agencies to protect Bahrain’s stability and maintain public order.

Lt. Gen Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa was speaking as he addressed the extraordinary session convened by the National Assembly to discuss tougher penalties as part of efforts to counter terrorism.

“We are meeting today to toughen legal penalties with respect to the protection of community from terrorism acts. This without doubt will help improve security and stability in the country”, he said.

The minister stressed of need to pre-empt terror acts, combat the scourge from the very beginning as a mere idea and root out incitement fuelling terror.

He described terrorism as a multi-phased scourge, stressing the need to confront terror through deterrent laws and social, educational and awareness-enhancing efforts.

He warned against the detrimental impact of terror stressing the need to protect youngsters who represent Bahrain’s asset and future, urging parents to take care of their children and steer them away from acts of vandalism and terror.

The minister stressed tangible success in enforcing the law, busting terror cells and unveiling their connections in Bahrain and abroad, but warned against the alarming shift in terror tactic, citing in this regard explosives, foreign and homemade weapons, home-made ammunitions and bombs.

Lt. Gen Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa reiterated against August 14 calls posted on social media websites, vowing to take all necessary measures to maintain security and public order.

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BNA 1750 GMT 2013/07/28