Community partnership in the State of law and institutions highlighted

Manama, Sep. 29 (BNA): Out of the Approach of the Interior Ministry to reinforce community partnership and interaction with the public, Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa today met a host of citizens, including religious scholars, members of the Shura Council, Council of Representatives, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, editors-in-chief of local newspapers and representatives of National Institute of Human Rights, along with businessmen, lawyers and heads of Majalis, NGOs and youth centres. During the meeting, Interior Minister delivered the following speech: In the name of Allah the Merciful and thank you God, for everything Your Excellencies, distinguished attendees I would like to welcome you and thank you for attending this meeting in which I will discuss current security affairs, challenges and steps that should be taken for a more secure future for Bahrain. As we are all aware, international security faces many challenges in many corners of the world. This has resulted in increased police presence and the amendment of some security-related procedures and laws. Regarding Bahrain’s security situation, I can report that we have put a difficult phase behind us and now face a significantly more stable environment with fewer surprises. In other words, security in Bahrain is as quiet as it has ever been. However, as law enforcement officials, we always keep an eye out for emerging challenges. There have been repeated attempts to lure policemen into situations in which they may lose control of their environment. Our goal has always been bigger than just the role of responding units as a marker for the victory of the state. We have been working toward an overall solution and a timeline in which to achieve general stability. Regarding some high profile police activity over the past few months, it is important to point out that these were not impulsive actions, but the country is finalising steps and procedures to achieve security and stability and push forwards development and reforms within national unity. Recent legal actions against organisations and individuals weren’t or steps taken out of a desire for some sort of revenge or steps against a certain sect. They were the result of long-term investigations and legal action. In the meantime, we continue to handle issues that disrupt or effect national security, now and into the future. The law takes its own course. Unfortunately, there were some negative responses from some foreign countries regarding these recent cases. In my opinion, these were biased stances based on inaccurate information or on misinformation provided by individuals who work against the state. We have noticed many similar steps taken by countries worldwide to protect their security and stability that were not criticized by anyone in the international community. In fact, some of those countries received offers of assistance and offers to prosecute lawbreakers who acted against the state. Distinguished Attendees, Protection of political reform is one of the most important caveats of the reform project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. However, some have tried to disrupt this project. The question is why? This is a national project, not an imported initiative controlled by foreign influences. The success of the reforms depends on sincere Bahraini efforts that give priority to national interests rather than individual gains. By the grace of God, the reform program is built on a strong and confident national foundation to achieve its current and future goals. I maintain that anyone who conspired to overthrow the government or to carry out a coup is not in a position to be part of upcoming Bahraini politics or our country’s political future. My focus on politics in this meeting is because the main cause behind the security disturbances in the country is the factional political activity from some parties that tried to dominate by pretending to fulfilling the demands of people. What is important is that there are sincere efforts afoot to protect the security of Bahrain. I thank all those who contributed to this effort. I want to specially thank, on your behalf, the injured policemen and pray for the souls of the deceased personnel to rest in peace. I greatly appreciate the efforts of the loyal men who carry out their duties professionally and endure sleepless night while watching over the security of the country, in addition to protect their commitment to competency and discipline within their job duties. Distinguished Attendees, Before talking about our future and reviewing some security statistics, I want to take this opportunity to mention the Government Forum 2016 that was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalif, Prime Minister. The event highlighted a host of positive evidence, as mentioned in the speech of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, that reinforced confidence in the government’s performance and indicated strong economic growth for the future. For example, growth indications in the gross domestic product, the increase in the number of hotel stays, the issuance of visas and establishment licenses as well as Commercial Registers, clearly reflect economic growth since 2011. This was just one hallmark of the remarkably successful Government Forum. Let’s move on to discuss security statistics for that same period. The first statistic is the population growth, as there is a relationship between the total population and the number of criminal cases. We can now see stability in crime rates in general and a reduction in some areas. For example, there were 10,300 theft cases in 2008 and 8,300 theft cases in 2014. This is a significant reduction. We also see stability in narcotic cases over the last years. Fraud cases in 2014, as compared with 2007, have also stabalized. It is clear that the increase in economic growth and the reduction in crime are linked. There is a direct relationship between economic development and security. One can say that security is the umbrella of development and prosperity. Distinguished Attendees, The Future: Let’s focus on some future security challenges: To ensure a secure future, we are working diligently in a variety of areas, using information available to us. The following are a number of challenges that we are facing: First is sectarianism. Can we afford to leave a risk such as sectarian extremism and hatred as a legacy for our children? The colonial view of "disunite to control" is not part of our country’s culture. I believe the strength of our social fabric and our unity is our strongest protection against foreign interference. The legacy, civilization and culture of Bahraini society depends on this strong social fabric that reinforces national unity. Extremism: About extremism: How can you not tackle the threat of extremism and extinguish its spread through our communities? As extremism takes root, fighting it becomes more and more complicated. Various countries are committing a lot of resources to fight extremism. Bahrain is now cooperating with the Saudi Interior Ministry to learn from their successful counseling and anti-extremism programme. Counterterrorism: Terrorism is increasing worldwide and we are committed to international counterterrorism cooperation. We are coordinating with our brothers in the GCC to exchange terrorism-related information. We are also engaging in different levels of security exercises and coordination between security authorities to develop our counterterrorism capabilities. Iranian Threats: We cannot forget the Iranian threat against our homeland security. Iran’s policy of interference in Bahrain has become all the more clear through hostile statements of senior Iranian officials against Bahrain, based on religious sectarianism. There were around 124 such statements from January to August 2016. Iran also shelters fugitives who are planning and carrying out operations, inciting violence, training terrorists and financing terror operations. This led us to create additional regulations in our dealings with Iran in order to limit interference in our internal affairs. We are a sovereign state governed by the rule of law. It is past time for Iran to cease interference and respect our sovereignty. Narcotics Fighting narcotics is a key focus at the moment. We have seen an increase in the supply and types of drugs in the region. There are also new areas opening up as digital narcotics. This highlights the importance of developing the National Anti-drug Strategy to fight drugs and reinforce international cooperation. One programme that deserves acknowledgment is the Maan (together) programme against violence and addiction that was launched in 2011. It covers around 68000 students in 40% of Bahrain schools. This successful prorgramme is run by community police personnel under the supervision of the National Anti-drug Committee. Cybercrime: The increase in cybercrime, as result of technological development, creates a major challenge that must be tackled with improved national capabilities and legislation that protect information and individual security. In the last year, a security system was introduced within the Ministry to deal with this threat. Most of those working with this new system are young, educated Bahrainis. Their knowledge and skills continue to develop through our cooperation with brotherly and friendly countries and private organisations. Nuclear and Radiological Threats The risk of nuclear and radiological threats continues, including the possibility of a radiation leak disaster from any nuclear plant in the region, such as the plant in Bushehr and other stations that work with nuclear power. In addition to a national awareness effort, the assistance of the International Atomic Energy Agency has been sought to set a national nuclear security plan and review the radiation emergency plan. We are also working to develop the capabilities of civil defence in cooperation with other developed countries. Human Rights There is a vast amount of misinformation on this topic in Bahrain. Many in the international community rush to judgement before seeking out accurate facts. Human rights activists must remember that we are believers and fear God. Those who fear God don’t oppress people, they support them. We have inherited the responsibility to love and respect all people. We have also inherited loyalty, sacrifice, nationalism, Arabism and the protection of people even from themselves. By the grace of God, we have independent human rights organisations in the Kingdom of Bahrain such as the National Institute of Human Rights, the Ombudsman, the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission, and the Special Investigation Unit of the Public Prosecution. They are a source of pride and exist solely to serve the public’s interests. Protection of Order Unrest has been an issue of concern over the past few years in Bahrain. Respect for law and general order is a must in any country. This is a matter that we will focus on with an emphasis on Bahraini culture and a commitment to abide by the law. Distinguished attendees As part of our community partnership, we will allocate a day for security officials within the Ministry to meet community members to discuss security-related topics. Finally, I thank God who enabled us to meet today with positive indications. This promotes confidence to continue on our path and to overcome challenges through cooperation, under the leadership of HM the King, may God protect him. Peace, mercy and blessings of God