Speaker backs royal directives; highlights regional threats

Manama, May 25 (BNA): Council of Representatives Speaker Fawziya bint Abdulla Zainal paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, backing his call to commit to national fundamentals and pay no heed to attempts to spark divisions and drive wedges between people. She hailed the cooperation of the Government, led by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, hailing the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. She reiterated Bahrain’s rejection of the terrorist threats targeting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), welcoming the call of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud to hold two GCC and Arab emergency summits late this month to discuss the current threats. “Bahrain stands united with its allies, particularly Saudi Arabia, in rejecting attempts to subvert security and stability”, she said in an interview with the German News Agency (DPA). Addressing domestic issues, she underlined Bahrain’s efforts to reduce the rate of unemployment, citing particularly the Insurance against Unemployment and the training courses which aim to meet the labour market needs. She pointed out that a parliamentary committee had been set up to probe the impediments which hinder the employment of Bahraini job-seekers, adding that the findings of the investigation would be released soon. The Speaker reiterated Bahrain’s allegiance to the leadership, adding that all citizens are all equal before the constitution, which bans any discrimination between people. She condemned claims alleging the Shiites’ loyalty to Iran is far stronger than their allegiance to their homeland, Bahrain, pointing out that most political societies are represented by Shiite figures. “There are a few extremist groups which are supported by Iran to perpetration terrorist attacks”, she said, adding that Bahrain has passed a law on protecting society from the scourge of terrorism. She dismissed human rights reports questioning court verdicts, stressing the independence of the judicial branch of government in the Kingdom of Bahrain and rejecting any interference in its internal affairs. She underlined the royal order which was issued by HM the King, reinstating the nationality of 551 convicts, whose citizenship had been revoked by court rulings. The Speaker shed light on fast developments which are unfolding in region, adding that no one wants wars, tensions or escalation whose toll will impact all sides. However, she underlined the mounting dangers confronting the region as a results of the irresponsible policies led by patrons of sabotage, terrorism and incitement on sedition. She highlighted the role of Iran and Qatar in harbouring terrorists and extremist militias and interfering in the internal affairs of other countries, particularly neighbouring states. “The State of Qatar is member state of the Gulf Cooperation Council”, she said, adding that Doha had failed to respond to the demands of the Arab Quartet – Saudi, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt. She reiterated Bahrain’s unwavering commitment to the Arab Quartet’s stances, adding that Qatar has to reconsider its policies and adhere to the GCC drive. She slammed Iranian interference in the GCC countries’ internal affairs, including Bahrain, support terrorist groups and subversive policies, in breach of the principles of good neighbourliness and international law.