Plans to tackle financial challenges will not harm citizens

Manama, Dec. 21 (BNA): Information, Parliament Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi reiterated, during the press conference held following the weekly Cabinet session, the government's commitment to address the financial challenges by developing plans to contribute to cut down on expenses without compromising the citizens' gains and the rights of employees and retirees. The minister stressed the stability of the economic situation, according to the Finance Minister's speech before the Shura Council, noting the initiatives and directives that contribute to the reduction of expenses but without affecting the workforce primarily. He said that the government task forces have submitted their recommendations which have come into effect, and that all the procedures to be implemented will have no effect on the government's work forces and will focus on increasing revenues and diversifying investment opportunities. He confirmed that the government will spare no effort to provide stable living conditions for citizens, including maintaining security and the application of law, stressing that all people are equal before the law. The minister said that those who abused some people through video clips circulated on the social media sites have been referred to the security authorities, asserting that none of them was a citizen or that their relatives were working in the security sector. With regard to Bahrain's participation in the newly-formed Islamic military alliance, the minister said that it is a natural thing to do, explaining that Bahrain has taken part in the international coalition to fight the terrorist groups north of the Arabian Peninsula, as well as in the Saudi-led Arab coalition to support the legitimacy in Yemen. He added that Saudi Arabia has recently announced the formation of an Islamic military alliance that aims to fight terrorism, and that an operational coordination centre will be established. Bahrain will participate as it deems appropriate, he said Regarding the memorandum approved by the Cabinet on the inclusion of African countries on the list of states whose nationals can obtain electronic visas to enter the Kingdom of Bahrain, the minister said that applicants used to fill in print applications via Bahrain’s diplomatic missions, but now have the privilege of obtaining their visas electronically. The list of new countries includes Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Cameroon, Gabon, Senegal, Mauritius, and the Seychelles, he said. MJ