Bahrain has sovereign right to protect national security

Manama, June 26 (BNA): Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al-Rumaihi defended the decision to suspend Al-Wefaq Society and shut its premises as part of a string of measures to protect Bahrain’s national security. He said that the decision was in tune with popular demands, after more than five years during which the leadership and the Government showed great patience and self-restraint restraint in dealing with the developments in Bahrain. In an exclusive interview aired on Al-Arabiya satellite news channel, he said that Iranian blatant interference in Bahrain’s internal affairs is a tangible reality, rather than a mere conspiracy theory. "The issue of flagrant Iranian interference is a matter of fact which is known to all", he said, citing the statements of condemnation which were issued by the GCC, the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Bahrain, he said, derives its strength from its united internal front and its ability to counter suspicious media campaigns, paying tribute to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Arab countries for supporting Manama. Al-Rumaihi said that the law provisions stipulate the revocation of the nationality of anyone who engages in hostile acts which contravene the duty of loyalty to the state and allegiance to the nation. He said that the Government has chosen to observe patience and self-restraint despite the string of violations committed by Al-Wefaq since it was first established, hoping that the association would reconsider its line and embark on a better course. He underlined the tactic of Al-Wefaq in dealing with the constitution selectively, stressing the crucial importance of the recent string of measures which reflect the Government’s resolve to maintain security and stability and reinstate political work on the right track. The minister said that the measures announced the Ministry of Justice against Al-Wefaq Society are justified and well-founded, dismissing media reports which said that the step was taken hastily. Citing the statement issued by the Justice Ministry, he said that Al-Wefaq fomented terrorism, incited on violence and hatred and failed to recognize the constitution and the legislative authority, apart from its attempts to target the judiciary. He cited popular calls to put an end to such maneuvers and bring back political work on the right track, saying that this course cannot be restricted to one association as there 22 political societies, 600 NGOs in Bahrain, in addition to more than 130 charities, which are all exercising their activities.