MANAMA: A major political movement yesterday warned against the politicisation of human rights as an excuse to interfere in Bahrain’s internal affairs. The National Unity Assembly strongly rejected any recommendations issued by the UN Human Rights Council which may encroach on Bahrain’s sovereignty.

“The issue of human rights may be exploited to achieve the interests of major powers and regional states,” it said in a statement.

The stance was in response to a statement read by the Swiss representative on behalf of 46 states attending the periodic review.

It also warned against giving any concessions which would compromise the national sovereignty.

Pay rise to be discussed

MANAMA: Parliament will discuss on Tuesday a draft law increasing basic salaries by 20 per cent, said a report in our sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej.

The proposed pay rise would benefit holders of executive, specialised, educational jobs and public sector employees.

The move aims at improving salaries – seriously eroded by skyrocketing prices of commodities – and improving the standards of living.

The government had rejected the draft law due to the growing budget deficit. The proposed pay rise would benefit 48,000 employees and cost the strained budget an additional BD95 million.

Trucks ordeal solution urged

MANAMA: The chronic truck ordeal on King Fahad Causeway is leaving a heavy toll on Bahrain companies. The delay of lorries on the strategic artery has prompted businesses to call on the government to find a final solution to their problem.

“We can’t continue this way as the truck ordeal is having a negative impact,” businessmen and women told Akhbar Al Khaleej.

They warned that the causeway ordeal is having a heavy toll on vital economic sectors in Bahrain.

They suggested earmarking special lanes for trucks on the causeway to fast-track procedures.

Fire at Asry scrapyard

MANAMA: A fire broke out last night in a scrapyard in Asry as civil defence personnel rushed to the scene to control it from spreading.

An eyewitness reported thick smoke billowing near the area heading towards Asry.

A company spokesman said there was no loss of life, adding the fire was extinguished by the civil defence personnel.

Ramadan honour for 50

MANAMA: Bahrain Social Charity Society will honour 50 personalities in Ramadan in a ceremony set to be held under the patronage of Minister of State for Electricity and Water Affairs Dr Abdulhussain Mirza. The minister received association board members led by chairman Dr Hussain Al Mahdi and discussed voluntary initiatives to grow plants on rooftops of buildings.