Speaker calls for Arab parliamentary action to face plots

Amman, Mar. 3 (BNA): Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal, has called for the need to intensify communication and meetings among Arab parliaments to discuss ways to enhance ways to consolidate Arab awareness in the face of hostile plots and plans. She also stressed the need for signing more Arab MoUs and protocols that strengthen joint Arab security and put in place a suitable environment for Arab societies to work and produce to progress their countries. In an interview with the Jordanian "Al-Rai" newspaper, the speaker said that during His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s prosperous era, the kingdom is witnessing a remarkable comprehensive progress march in various fields, noting that the Reform Project spearheaded by HM the King has strengthened the pillars of modern state in Bahrain. She asserted that the higher voter turnout during the recent parliamentary elections proves the convergence between the royal policies and the popular aspirations. The affirmed that Bahrain is proud of its pioneering and distinguished democratic experience which was launched by HM the King ever since his Accession to the Throne. She pointed out that the Reform Project, launched by HM the King in 2001, laid the foundation for a modern state in Bahrain, based on democracy, human rights respect and equality among all the citizens, without discrimination, in exercising their right to participate in elections, either as voters or candidates, citing the Referendum on the National Action Charter, which was endorsed by an overwhelming majority of 98.4% of voters, and the parliamentary and municipal elections held in the kingdom since 2002. She stressed that the unprecedented 67% participation in the 2018 elections proves that the royal policies agree with the aspirations of the Bahraini people to take part in the decision-making process to contribute to enhancing the development process in the country. On bilateral relations, the speaker stressed the depth of long-standing Bahraini-Jordanian at all levels thanks to their leaderships’ constant support, noting that the two brotherly countries coordinate stances at various Arab, Regional and international events. She also lauded the contributions of the Jordanian expatriate community to Bahrain’s progress march. The speaker also highlighted Bahrain’s firm stance in support of the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.