FM: Iran nuclear deal does not allay regional fears

London, Oct.13 (BNA): Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa hailed the deep-rooted relations bonding the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom that were extended to about two hundred years as a model of friendship ties to be followed, as well as hailing growing ties in all fields in light of the keenness of the two countries’ leaders on expanding cooperation and coordination on all common interest issues for the sake of mutual interest. This came as took part in the round table organized by the Kingdom’s Embassy in the United Kingdom (UK), titled: (Defense and Foreign Policy of the GCC States post the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in presence of a number of the British House of Common and Lords’ members, researchers, Academia, media figures and Dignitaries in UK. Shaikh Khalid stated that the agreement between Iran and the 5+1 group on the Iranian nuclear programme in July 2015 does not eliminate all sources of tension resulting from Iran’s attitude towards the countries of the region. It doesn’t addressed the real problems but only one issue, since Iran still interferes In the internal affairs of neighboring countries and fueling unrest and destabilization of the region. He expressed his frustration that despite the hopes that the agreement might contribute to the security and stability of the region but he noted that it only touches only one of the future problems and ignores the real issue of the present as Iran still working with all legal or illegal means to destabilize the security and peace of the region. Shaikh Khalid referred to the recurring flagrant Iranian interference in the internal affairs of the kingdom of Bahrain and their exploitation of extremist groups, the provision of safe haven to fugitives and the opening of training camps for terrorist groups, smuggling arms and explosives enough to demolish entire cities. The latest of these plots was large quantities, that amount to 1.5 tons, of highly explosive material destined for use in the manufacturing of such potent explosives as C4, RDX and TNT. In this context, he pointed to the targeting of citizens, residents, and security forces’ murder and criminal acts that claimed 16 lives from security personnel and injured 3000 others. Shaikh Khalid reaffirmed the importance of a nuclear free zone in the Middle East including the Arabian Gulf region, and the necessity for Israel to adhere to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and to place its nuclear facilities under comprehensive International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. Regarding Yemen, Shaikh Khalid highlighted that the Kingdom of Bahrain and its sister countries of the GCC provided support to Yemen in response to a request by H.E. President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, President of the Republic of Yemen to curb the deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in the face of rebel groups benefitting from Iranian support that laid their hands on the institutions of the State and spread strife and chaos in Yemen. He explained that the military confrontation was inevitable as there was no other choice open since all roads were blocked by the obstinacy of the rebel groups and their belligerent designs for the people of Yemen. Shaikh Khalid affirmed the commitment of the GCC State to advocate and support Yemen till the fulfillment of the aspiration of Yemeni people in security, stability, progress and prosperity, the return of the coup group to its sense and inter in a constructive national dialogue on the basis of the GCC initiative and its implementation mechanism, as well as the outcome of the comprehensive national dialogue and the Riyadh conference, and the unconditional implementation of SC resolution 2216 (2015). He expressed his deep regret to the current situation of destruction in Syria that transforming the country into an arena for confrontation between terrorist organizations such as Daesh and Hezbollah and others. He called for an end to this situation and acceptance of a political settlement, consistent with the Communiqué of the Geneva 1 conference to return Syria to its previous condition of unity, stability and prosperity. Shaikh Khalid noted the GCC States’ efforts to elevate the percussion of the Syrian humanitarian crisis of the refugees and displaced people. He stated that the GCC Member States have taken comprehensive and practical humanitarian action by hosting around 3 million Syrian brothers and sisters and granting them permits to stay, with all the rights that come with it such as free education and healthcare as well as the right to employment and a decent life. Shaikh Khalid expressed his hope of the success of the great efforts exerted by H.E. Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi to unite the Iraqi people, restore security and peace, and to put an end to the foreign interventions, as well as the preservation of Iraq’s territorial integrity and for assistance to be provided in its war against terrorism. Turning to the GCC States’ Foreign and Defense policy in light of the above mentioned challenges, he affirmed the necessity of diversification of the regional and international alliances with the emerging international powers particularly the East Asian countries and India as this is not only one of the GCC States foreign policy objective, and Bahrain is not an exception, but it becomes a collective strategic option in light of the political, economic, and geostrategic reality that based on the long run strategy to achieve the vital interest of the GCC States and to contribute to the achievement of the aspirations of their people in comprehensive development in all fields and consolidation of the peace and security of the region as well. He pointed out to the conducive condition to the success of this strategic stance such as the shared cultural and civilization heritage and increased interrelated economic development in both the Asian countries and the GCC States, as well as the presence of considerable number of the Asian expatriates in the GCC countries who are qualified to bridge the gap between East and West Asia, geographically and strategically Insert Content here..