Deputy Premier: Bahrain stands by Tunisia in war on terrorism

Tunis, Mar. 29 (BNA)-- Bahrain's strong support for Tunisia in its efforts to maintain its security and stability and to deter terrorism has been stressed today. Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa reiterated Bahrain's solidarity with Tunisia in its war against terrorism. He was speaking as he took part today, on behalf of His Majesty the King, in an international anti-terrorism rally staged by Tunisia under the slogan "United to Defeat Terrorism". Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi led the march in which leaders of many countries, Prime Ministers and government representatives also participated. The rally was organised in the aftermath of a terror attack which targeted Bardo Museum last week leaving dozens of innocent people dead and injured. "We came from Bahrain to Tunisia with a message from a compassionate king and tolerant people who have always been known for their call for peace and renunciation of violence and terrorism," the Deputy Premier said. "Bahrain strongly believes in peace as a noble humanitarian value which has to be promoted worldwide for the best interest of mankind." At a meeting with the Tunisian President at the parliament where the rally started from, the Deputy Prime Minister conveyed heartfelt condolences of HM the King, the government and the Bahraini people on the victims of the coward terror act which targeted innocent people to terrorise them and incite sedition. He thanked the Tunisian President for the invitation to Bahrain to take part in the international march which testifies to solid ties binding the two brotherly countries. He also underscored Bahrain's full-fledged support to Tunisia in all measures taken to maintain its security and stability. He lauded, in this respect, the meeting held yesterday on the sidelines of the 26th Arab Summit between HM the King and the Tunisian President at HM the King's residence in Sharm El-Sheikh resort. Both leaders underlined keenness to further bolster bilateral relations, stressing the importance of pan-Arab action to support the anti-terrorism efforts and boost security and stability in the Arab region. Two rallies were staged in the Tunisian capital today: a popular one and a march in which official delegations comprising leaders, Prime Ministers and government representatives of different countries participated. The popular march started before noon from Bab Sadoun and joined the second march which started from the Tunisian Parliament after midday. The march, then, headed to Bardo Museum entry where a memorial for the victims of the terror act was inaugurated. Tunisia's official guests taking part in the march toured Bardo Museum and got updated on the heinous attack which had targeted it. The Deputy Prime Minister said: "Bahrain calls on the whole world to dedicate an international day bringing together leaders and Prime Ministers of countries that are suffering from the scourge of violence and terrorism." He urged to take the necessary measures to close in on terrorism and root it out, pointing out that this phenomenon is alien to the Tunisian and Bahraini societies.