Interior Minister chairs Civil Defence Council meeting

Manama, Dec 24 (BNA): Interior Minister Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Adbullah Al Khalifa today chaired a meeting of the Civil Defence Council, in the presences of ministers of Energy, Works, Municipalities and Urban Planning, Health, Industry and Commerce and Tourism, in addition to the CEO of the Supreme Council for the Environment Council, Chief of Public Security and the General Director of Civil Defence. The Interior Minister highlighted the importance of the meeting which accentuates efforts aimed at maintaining public safety and reflects the level of cooperation among various government and private organizations. He hailed steps taken by competent authorities to reinforce public safety and security. The meeting reviewed the development of the public security services voluntary enlistment project as part of enhancing community partnership and providing the opportunity for citizens and NGOs to support civil defence efforts in maintaining public safety and ambulance and evacuation services. The Interior Minister directed to finalize the required legislative procedures in preparation for referring the project to the Cabinet. The council was also briefed on the recommendations of a committee assigned to study the licensing for the entry of chemical substances to Bahrain. It was agreed to refer a number of recommendations to the Cabinet on the establishment of a joint office of licensing concerned bodies, developing a joint e-system, and the establishment of a national laboratory for the analysis of random chemical samples. The recommendations also include obtaining a Cabinet order on the formation of a unified mechanism for managing chemical substances in Bahrain. The Interior Minister directed to launch coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for facing chemical or nuclear threats, noting that a national protection plan for individuals and groups during threats will be drafted. He hailed IAEA cooperation with Bahrain for the promotion of public safety system. Health Minister briefed the council on the Health Ministry's report on the strategic stock of medicines and it was agreed to refer the report to the Supreme Health Council. Another brief was given on the seismograph station monitoring earthquakes across the world that was opened in Bahrain on 18 May 2015 in cooperation with the UAE and the GCC Permanent Committee for Meteorology and Climate. The Interior Minister expressed appreciation of the UAE's cooperation in this matter as part of the strong brotherly ties.