HRH Premier receives MPs, senior officials

Manama, May 25 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has affirmed that openness has been abused to spark sedition and fuel discord among people of the same nation and spread extremist ideology that incites terrorism. "The Bahraini society is committed to co-existence and love, and unusual phenomena, such as sabotage, terrorism and sedition, should be analysed deeply in order to determine their psychological and social reasons, and address them by counselling and providing an environment that stimulates serving the nation, and counters the destructive ideas that some are trying to instill in youngsters," he said. HRH Premier made the statements as he received here today Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, former Speaker Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Dhahrani, First Deputy Speaker Ali Abdulla Al-Aradi, MPs, Shura members and senior state officials. HRH the Prime Minister asserted that the extremist ideology in the region provides a religious cover for terrorism, which, he said, is not accepted by reason or religion, stressing that extremism is rejected in societies that have always been known for their tolerance and their intellectual and cultural diversity. He emphasised that the Bahrainis have never practised discrimination on the basis of religion or sect, and that they are convinced that everyone worships the same God. HRH the Prime Minister paid tribute to scholars who have always affirmed and promoted national unity. "Under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain will carry on its development and progress," he said, reiterating the government's resolve to ensure that the development umbrella covers all regions in the kingdom. "The homeland is our priority," he said, stressing that as long as Bahrain tops the interests of its leadership and people, no loophole will be left for those attempting to sow division and discord among Bahrainis. HRH the Prime Minister said he is looking forward to a more solid cooperation between the executive and legislative branches so that Bahrain can face domestic and regional challenges, in line with the need to promote partnership and unified stances as basic principles regulating government-legislature cooperation.