European Union's statement slammed

Manama, Aug. 8 (BNA): Representatives Council Speaker Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al Mulla strongly denounced a press release by the European Union regarding suspension of a Bahraini newspaper for breaching the law and violating freedom of expression by threatening relations with brotherly countries. He stressed that Bahrain is the state of institutions and law with constitutional authorities and a Representatives Council expressing the popular will. The Representatives Council Speaker condemned the press release which came at a time silence prevailed about the recent violations in Bahrain, including the terror blast in Sitra and the Iranian flagrant interference supporting the terror acts which endanger the life of innocent people, vandalise public and private properties and undermine the social texture. The Representatives Council Speaker voiced the council’s categorical rejection of the European Union’s statement and interference in Bahrain’s internal affairs, denouncing the double-edged policy which has become clear concerning the recent incidents in Bahrain. He criticised the European Union’s negativity regarding the recurrent terror incidents in Bahrain, the methodical killing of the security officers, including the recent explosion in Sitra, and the Iranian blatant interference in the kingdom’s domestic affairs. "Will the European Union remain motionless or use freedom of expression as a pretext, if its interests are put at risk and national unity is jeopardised?", he wondered. The Representatives Council Speaker emphasised that freedom of expression is guaranteed for all in Bahrain according to laws and regulations. He also lauded political, economic and social openness witnessed by the kingdom under the reign of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, pointing out the key role of the local press in promoting citizens’ participation in political life. The Representatives Council Speaker affirmed that the national efforts are going on unabated for the sake of reform and development, pointing out political pluralism in Bahrain and urging the local newspapers and mass media to put the national interest above anything else and adhere to objectivity and professionalism in their work so as to foster national unity and protect Bahrain’s interests and strong relations with other countries.