Information Minister: We want to steer Bahrain clear of tensions

Manama, Aug. 10 (BNA): Information Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi underlined the importance of steering Bahrain clear of tensions and fostering national unity. Speaking at the post-cabinet press briefing, he stressed that the law is enforced on all in Bahrain without exception, noting that freedom of expression is guaranteed as stipulated in the 2002 Press and Publications Law which permitted all media institutions to exercise their role in the kingdom. "This is one of the landmark icons we are proud of in Bahrain at the regional and international levels," he said, pointing out that what happened to Al-Wasat newspaper followed many measures taken by the Information Ministry, including many warnings to the newspaper and a meeting with its officials to inform them about the newspaper’s irregularities. The minister explained that the decision to suspend the newspaper was taken because of breaching the law, affecting Bahrain’s relations with other countries and handling issues which can undermine social cohesion in the kingdom. He also noted that a meeting was held with the newspaper’s board Chairman to discuss the legal offences made by the newspaper and the reasons that led to its suspension. The Information Minister revealed that the newspaper had presented an undertaking to the Information Ministry and underscored commitment to continue exercising its work within the legal framework while taking into consideration the regional circumstances. "We want to steer Bahrain clear of those tensions to foster national unity and highlight all signs of prosperity in the kingdom. Therefore, the newspaper resumed its role," the minister explained, asserting that the law is enforced on all. Concerning disbursement of the amounts of money for pensioners, the minister pointed out that the issue was discussed as part of the government’s blueprint, stressing the government’s commitment to honouring its obligations with the legislative authority and carrying out the resolution. He explained that any retiree whose pension is no more than BD 700 will be given BD 360 only one time and will be paid out this month. Concerning outfitting commercial outlets with CCTV cameras, he said the measure aims to beef up security by boosting coordination with the Interior Ministry to speed up tracking down lawbreakers. The Information Minister thanked the Interior Ministry for all preemptive security measures taken round the clock to protect places of worship. He added that the security measures are stepped up when needed, urging more cooperation between the competent authorities, citizens and worshippers to ensure safety of places of worship.