Cabinet condemns Iranian interference, praises security agencies
Manama, July 27 (BNA): The cabinet has strongly condemned all forms of interference by Iranian officials in the domestic affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, noting that such meddling is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and the norms of International Law.
The weekly session reiterated Bahrain’s keenness on developing its relations with various countries on the bases of the good neighbourly principles, mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of others.
Chaired at the Gudaibiya Palace today by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the cabinet asserted that the kingdom has always been a leading role model of freedom of opinion and expression, religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence among all spectra of its society under its constitution and laws that ensure justice and achieve security for all.
The cabinet lauded the patriotic stances voiced by all components of the Bahraini society and their rallying behind the leadership to express their categorical rejection of all attempts to interfere in the kingdom’s domestic affairs, Secretary-General of the Cabinet Dr. Yaser bin Essa Al-Nasser said in a statement following the session.
Such stances have always been a distinctive feature of the Bahraini society, whose members are loyal to the leaders, keen to ensure the country’s security and stability and look forward to more national achievements under its leadership.
HRH the Prime Minister lauded the vigilance of the security agencies and their dedication in safeguarding the nation’s security and stability, praising their fruitful efforts which led to uncovering and thwarting an operation to smuggle explosive materials and weapons into the country via the sea.
The Prime Minister pledged zero tolerance towards anyone who tries to undermine the security of the nation and the citizens, stressing that attempts to challenge the country’s safety and stability will be confronted firmly.
In another context, the session underscored the kingdom’s innumerable development achievements, reflected in the government’s success in achieving most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 22015, calling on the relevant sides to take initiatives to highlight what has been achieved regarding the improvement of the citizens’ living standards in services, housing, education and social fields at the regional and international levels.
In this regard, the session reviewed a report presented by the Social Development Minister on the kingdom’s participation in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (Ministerial segment), held in New York on July 6 – 8 and the International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD), hosted by Addis Ababa on July 13-16.
The cabinet endorsed the report’s recommendations aiming to boost the government’s sustainable development efforts, and requested the Follow-up Minister to coordinate with the Social Development Ministry to put forward effective mechanisms to adapt the national plans and programmes to the sustainable development goals and follow-up on their implementation.
The session also requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with the relevant sides to take all necessary procedures ahead of the kingdom’s participation in the United Nations Summit to adopt the post-2015 development agenda, set to be held in New York in September, as part of the UN’s 70th Anniversary.
The session reviewed a number of measures to fast-track property acquisition for public interest in order to implement more service projects. In this context, the panel discussed a draft law on amending Article Five of Law 39/2009 on the acquisition of property for public purposes, and referred it to the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs for further study.
The session also endorsed a draft agreement between the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the Government of Bahrain on OPCW’s Privileges and Immunities, and authorised the Foreign Affairs Minister to sign it on behalf of the kingdom.
A draft law on ratifying an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income signed, between the kingdom and Portugal, was also approved and referred to the legislative branch.
The session also discussed four proposals submitted by the Council of Representatives on supporting kindergartens’ staff, revamping fishermen’s cabins in Hidd to serve fishermen and establish a fish market and building a youth centre in the Southern Governorate’s Fifth Constituency. Another proposal on the maintenance and building of the Ras Romman’s Youth Cultural Centre was also spotlighted.
The session approved the draft response of the government which was prepared by the Ministerial Committee for legal Affairs.
