Information Minister: Qatar’s attempts to solve crisis through ‘cheap media’ not effective

Manama, May 10 (BNA): Information Affairs Minister, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Romaihi, has stressed that “Bahrain’s stance towards the Qatari crisis is based on clear and just demands that have be achieved.” "Attempts to solve the Qatari crisis through cheap media will not be effective, as the Qatari media outlets are trying to exploit open space to mix up papers,” he added. In a statement to the “Al-Ayam” newspaper on the sidelines of his visit to the Al-Ayam Establishment’s Ramadan Majlis, the minister affirmed that “Bahrain’s stances are well-established and consistent with those of brotherly countries, especially in light of the existing continuous contacts and coordination with sisterly Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.” “His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa reaffirmed, in a recent speech, the kingdom’s commitment to its long-standing positions with brothers- KSA, UAE and Egypt, and that there are constant contacts and coordination since the beginning of the boycott of Qatar. There are fair demands, and they must be implemented,” Al-Romaihi said. The minister went on to say that “The Qatari media, represented by the Al-Jazeera Satellite Channel and other media outlets, are trying to take advantage of the spread of social media networks and the open space to mix up papers. There is an attempt to ‘hijack’ the Qatari crisis in a bid to solve it through such cheap media. However, this will certainly not be effective, nor achieve anything. There are clear and fair demands that must implemented and achieved. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is in dire need for more wisdom and frankness in the media. We have to study reality carefully, but mixing up papers will lead to nothing.” While commenting on other issues, the minister said that the new press law, which is expected to be referred to the Legislative Branch, is in accordance with HM King Hamad’s vision stipulating that journalists shall not be imprisoned. Al-Romaihi explained that most stages of the new draft press law have been completed, noting that editors-in-chief and the relevant media institutions had been contacted, and then the bill was referred to the Cabinet which, in turn, referred it to the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs. After that, it was referred to the Executive Committee, and then it will be referred back to the Cabinet which, in turn, will refer to the National Assembly. The minister affirmed that the Legislative Branch has every right to debate the new draft press law, expressing readiness to discuss the law, aiming to “protect responsible media”, with all relevant parties. Al-Romaihi said that the new law will not be responsible for social media networks, noting that the latter will be subject to the Cyber Crimes Law. Regarding the clause guaranteeing that journalists would not be imprisoned, the minister affirmed that the new law is line with HM the King’s vision. The information Affairs Minister, during the same Majlis, also praised the role played by the Bahrain Journalist Association (BJA), expressing full support to BJA so as to be able to represent the press community in the kingdom to the fullest.