HRH Premier chairs weekly cabinet session

Manama, Aug. 17 (BNA): The cabinet has paid homage to the late Shaikh Isa bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, former Justice Minister, Labour Minister and Social Affairs Minister, and recalled his efforts in the field of government work and his landmark contributions to social work. The cabinet valued highly the deceased’s patriotic dedication in the service of the nation in various fields. This came as His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa chaired today the regular weekly cabinet session, also attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, at the Gudaibiya Palace. The session commended the efforts of the security bodies at the Interior Ministry to identify the terror elements involved in the terror blast which occurred in Sitra on July 28, 2015, and led to the martyrdom of two policemen and injury of six others. While extending sincere appreciation to the security personnel for their patriotic efforts, the cabinet strongly condemned the terror plots that are backed by external sides that seek to harm Bahrain and its people and aim to subvert the kingdom’s security and stability, Secretary-General of the Cabinet Dr. Yaser bin Essa Al-Nasser said in a statement following the session. The session voiced deep pride in the patriotic feelings demonstrated by all segments and organisations of the Bahraini society and their keenness to rally together in condemning and denouncing the repeated blatant interference in the kingdom’s domestic affairs targeting to destablise it. The cabinet also lauded the successful operation conducted by the Kuwaiti security authorities, and that led to the dismantling of a terrorist cell and confiscation of its huge arsenal of ammunition and explosives, reiterating Bahrain’s full-fledged support to the measures taken by brotherly Kuwait to confront terrorism and maintain its security and stability. In another context, HRH the Prime Minister issued directives to provide the Isa Town Traditional Market with some facilities and services to serve its merchants and customers, and requested the Ministerial Committee for Urbanisation and Infrastructure to conduct the necessary studies in collaboration with the relevant sides. HRH the Premier also instructed the same committee to follow-up on the implementation of a multi-storey car park at the Muharraq Traditional Market and the provision of more services and facilities for the Souk traders and shoppers. The Prime Minister was informed about the measures taken so far regarding the establishment of a new central market, issued directives to expedite its implementation, and requested the Ministerial Committee to study ways to remove all obstacles delaying the project. On housing, the session approved the social housing funding programme, being among the basic housing services, and endorsed the draft-law on the housing system after adding the provisions of the social housing funding programme and making the necessary amendments. The cabinet’s approval was based on the recommendation of the Ministerial Committee for Urbanisation and Infrastructures, submitted by the Deputy Premier and the panel Chairman Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, and the presentation of the Housing Minister. The cabinet approved a proposal from the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) regarding the stimulation of production at the Bahrain field with its partners in a manner that is consistent with the size of the development achieved in the investment in the oil infrastructure, and boost efforts on increasing oil production. The proposal was included in a memorandum presented by the energy minister. A draft resolution highlighted in the memorandum presented by the Transportation and Telecommunications Minister on determining and regulating the fees of civil aviation and departing air passengers to match the service costs, on the one hand, and encourage investment in civil aviation, on the other, was also approved during the session. The session reviewed the recommendations of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) –Ministerial Segment, held recently in New York, and the Third International Conference on Financing for Development, hosted by Addis Ababa. It was also informed about the agreement between the Follow-up Affairs and Social Development ministries regarding the mechanisms to implement the recommendations in collaboration with the relevant sides and ministries, as outlined in the joint memorandum presented by the two ministers. The cabinet discussed four proposals submitted by the Council of Representatives. They include the implementation of a housing project in the Green Belt area, east of the current project in Block 241 in Arad, and the allocation of a land lot to establish a complex for social services in the Muharraq’s eighth constituency. They also include the construction of an intermediate girls’ school in Budaiya, and the allocation of a land lot to build an events hall for the citizens of the Southern Governorate’s fifth constituency. The session endorsed the draft government’s replies to the proposals, prepared by the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs, in cooperation with the competent sides.