Interior Minister meets leading figures

Manama, Aug 23 (BNA): In response to the peoples’ condemnation of Iranian interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and as part of the Ministry’s regular interaction with national, official and civic organizations, Interior Minister Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa met on Sunday members of the community including religious scholars, members of the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council, representatives of human rights organizations, Editor-in-Chiefs, journalists, businessmen, lawyers, doctors, owners of Majalis and heads of sports clubs and youth centers. The minister expressed thanks to those at the meeting as well as to those unable to attend, but who have made clear their unified stance against Iranian interference. He stated that the condemnation made clear their feelings of unity and nationalism and support of His Majesty the King. The minister delivered the following speech: "In the name of God the Merciful Praise be to Allah and peace and blessings be upon our master Muhammad and his family and companions and the peace and God's mercy and blessings be upon you, Brothers I would like to thank everyone in attendance today, as you represent all segments of our community. I also want to express my appreciation and gratitude to all of you who responded to the call for a nation-wide condemnation of Iranian interference in our internal affairs. Your condemnation is a strong statement of unity and it’s sincerity and strength is a typically Bahraini, discrimination-free approach. As a result, a feeling of nationalism has risen above everything else to create a sense of love of nation and appreciation and loyalty to His Majesty the King and a true sense of belonging. This current position is similar to your honorable national stance on 11 May 1970 when Bahrainis voted for the sovereignty of Bahrain under the leadership of the late Amir Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. It remains an unforgettable and immortal national occasion. Today, we say to HM the King: congratulations Your Majesty for such strong national loyalty and love in the hearts of the people; I’m sure it is similar to your appreciation and love of your people. All are people are held dear especially through their deeds, sincerity and nationalism, and vice versa. Sir, this national unity is a pledge of allegiance that was willingly presented to you. Brothers With regards to Iranian interferences in our internal affairs, if the alleged reason is that Iran cares about the situation of Shiites in Bahrain, this is an unacceptable sectarian excuse. Bahrainis are all equal under the constitution and the law. We don’t have second-class citizens. The Shiites of Bahrain feel that they are the second class only when they are in Iran, especially if they are of Arabic roots. Shiites of Iranian roots who have gained Bahraini nationality disconnected themselves from the sovereignty of Iran. In general Shiites hold Arab, Islamic and foreign nationalities. And I am sure you are aware of what has happened to countries, especially Arab states that came under the hands of Iran. If Iran wants, through its interference to create more Shiite depth, it has created unstable surroundings that don’t serve its goals. Today things are more clear because of media reports and the frequent Iranian interference. Any existing doubts about the interference have been eliminated. But in return, the Iranians have not responded responsibly to all of the information we have presented, including facts and confessions. The Arabic saying, "the neighbor comes before the house" apparently doesn’t apply in this situation. Brothers We thank God for the overall positive situation in Bahrain, which is the result of much work by the government along with the cooperation of citizens and residents to protect the security and stability of the nation. In this context, we continue the approach that has been responsible for improving our general situation and our shortcomings, which were exploited over the years to negatively affect our national security. One of the matters that should be given utmost care by everyone, without exception, is to eliminate things that could encourage disunity and hatred between the great peoples of our nation. We need a unified approach that celebrates our national identity and reinforces tolerance and acceptance of others, so that everyone emerges a winner. Regarding public security, there are many procedures and regulations that we use to ensure professionalism and there are many projects that boost security. For example, the security fence that a related-agreement on it was recently signed that will provide increased monitoring on those sailing in regional waters. We have also worked to develop criteria to regulate travel to dangerous areas that have armed conflicts, and other rules to regulate the travel of those under 18. I stress the importance of protecting religious speech from political speech that can incite sectarianism. It is important to work with those who deliver sermons to make them aware of their important role and to help them understand why they shouldn’t be members of political societies. It is also important to issue legislation that fights discrimination, hatred and sectarianism. This is a project that we will refer soon to the Cabinet. Brothers You are aware that Bahrain has crossed the swamp of sectarianism, conspiracies, vandalism and terrorism. Surrendering to the situation was never an option. There is no one approach against any one sect, but all lawbreakers face the law. We don’t believe in collective punishment. The punishment will be given to the one who commits a crime. About the talk that we have sectarian tension, I say we have foreign interference, terrorists training in Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, misleading media campaigns and interference from misinformed human rights organizations. As we improved the law to control our internal situation, we are also improving it in other matters, including the dangerous Iranian interference in the internal affairs of Bahrain. There is no hesitation in our decision–making, but there is continuous and steady work being done that protects for the general interests and the protection of our country’s stability. Brothers The cohesion of our internal front, our unified national stance, our support for the leadership of HM the King, and the successful achievements of our government, made us by Grace of God capable of facing these challenges with strength and dedication. We pray to God to protect our nation from evil and sedition. Peace, mercy and blessings of God." The attendees expressed their thanks and appreciation to the minister for his ongoing commitment to meet members of the community to brief them on the security situation and procedures taken by the ministry to maintain public order. They applauded the efforts and sacrifices that policemen make in order to protect the safety of all and the future of the nation.