Foreign minister delivers Bahrain's speech at UN General Assembly

New York, Oct. 2 (BNA): Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa has highlighted in a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in its 70th Session the challenges faced by the Kingdom of Bahrain and its stances on a number of regional and global issues. The following is the full text of the Foreign Minister's speech delivered in the presence of world leaders: "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful "Mr. President, "It is my pleasure, at the outset, to warmly congratulate you and your friendly country, the Kingdom of Denmark, upon your election as President of the Seventieth session of the United Nations General Assembly, and to wish you sustained success in enhancing the work of the General Assembly and its role in addressing the numerous challenges our world faces today, and from which our societies are suffering. I also wish to express my appreciation to your predecessor, H.E. Mr. Sam Kutesa, for his commendable efforts in conducting the business of the 69th session, through tangible work and creative initiatives towards attaining our common goals. "Likewise, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the hard work of H.E. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who spares no effort to improve the work of the Organization in the face of increasingly complex problems and serious crises. I commend his Annual Report on the work of the Organization and the important steps taken to address the numerous challenges on issues including sustainable development, climate change, and conflicts that have produced a major humanitarian disaster with their toll of displaced persons and refugees, not to mention the recurrence of fatal diseases, poverty and hunger in many developing countries. "Mr. President, "I would like at this juncture, with total submission to the will of Allah, to offer our heartfelt condolences to the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdel Aziz Al-Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to the Muslim nation as a whole, following the tragic stampede that occurred during this year’s Hajj a few days ago. We value highly the great historic role played by the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its blessed efforts as guardian of this holy land and servant of the guests of the sacred shrine, dedicating all means necessary to the organization of Hajj and Umrah and their rites. Anyone who denies this fact ignores the scope of the responsibilities that the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia discharges so ably. We strongly deplore the false allegations made by President Hassan Rouhani of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in his statement before the General Assembly, and reject any belittling of this effort. "Mr. President, "A few days ago, this General Assembly took an important step towards humanity’s welfare by approving the post-2015 Sustainable Development Agenda. We made it a point to participate in the process, consistent with our full support for United Nations’ action in furtherance of the development goals and in continuation of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s role in achieving remarkable results, as documented in international reports, in fields such as education, health, youth empowerment, poverty alleviation, literacy and the enhancement of concepts of human rights. Bahrain is classified in the United Nations Human Development Index among the countries with very high human development. It scored a 5% growth rate in the last five years, thanks to the reform process of His Majesty King Hamad bin Issa Al-Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and his profound interest in the aspirations of the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain in all aspects of political, economic and social life. We shall persevere in our developmental efforts by conceiving plans and programmes for the implementation of the post-2015 sustainable development Agenda and in order to enhance these developmental goals, my country will host, from 6-7 December, the Arab Ministerial Conference on the implementation of the Agenda in the Arab countries - the first regional conference to be held in the world following its adoption. "The world has testified to the success and excellence of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the field of sustainable development by the International Telecommunication Union’s conferring of the ICT in Sustainable Development Award for 2015 on His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, here in New York, thus confirming the esteem in which the Kingdom and His Royal Highness are held, as evidenced by the series of distinguished awards in the recent past. "Given that the environment is one of the three dimensions of sustainable development, we want to stress the importance of solidarity and joint action to address the major challenge of climate change. We look forward to the Conference of the Parties later this year in Paris and we hope that it will reach a binding and ambitious agreement to deal with this phenomenon and its repercussions, notably on Small Island Developing States "Mr. President, "This session coincides with the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, an Organization that we cherish, whose role we appreciate, and which for us is indispensable. We shall endeavour relentlessly to attain its goals, especially in the light of the tragedies and hardships faced by humanity at the end of the Second World War, with its huge toll in lives, displacement of peoples, and the obliteration of a great number of cultural monuments in many parts of the world. All this should make us firmly united, cooperative and transparent so as to avoid the recurrence of past tragedies, and to lay down solid foundations for international cooperation conducive to a major development renaissance and a safe and prosperous future for all peoples. "It is a secret for no one that these noble human goals have not been fully attained. Yet, we still maintain the hope of achieving them, turning a painful and cruel page and inaugurating a new era without wars. Our region had its share of these wars, war after war, albeit of different types and objectives: destructive wars; confrontations with the occupier; or opposition to foreign interference seeking to impose hegemony, undermine national sovereignty, as well as exploit extremist groups and organizations and finance them to jeopardize national gains and destroy cultural heritage and obliterate national identity. "Facing these challenges is not easy or carpeted with flowers. Rather, it is a long and arduous road, requiring uninterrupted work, persistent efforts and a collective confrontation of difficulties to conquer. Paramount among these is, the disregard by some, such as Iran in the case of my country, of the principles of non- interference in the internal affairs and good neighbourliness, 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, as has happened to my country where citizens and expatriates and the security personnel protecting them and the nation at large have been targets of murder and criminal acts that claimed 16 lives from security personnel and injured 3000. These dangerous criminal acts go even further; barely two days ago, the security authorities in the Kingdom of Bahrain discovered a cache of locally made bombs in the heart of a densely populated area including 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, together with explosive chemical substances and a number of explosive devices ready for use, automatic weapons and guns, hand grenades and quantities of ammunitions and wireless equipment. "I would like here to state that the Kingdom of Bahrain and a number of sisterly countries in the region, have attempted by different ways and means to invite Iran to seek normal neighbourly relations based on respect of the sovereignty and independence of nations, and non-interference in their internal affairs. The security and stability of a state cannot be to the detriment of another state. Iran would be better advised not to squander the resources of its people to promote its vested interests but rather to use them to achieve development and progress and to build bridges with its neighbours, so that all may live together in peace. However, Iran responded in an evil manner and we were left with no option but to recall the Kingdom’s Ambassador accredited to Iran, and declare the charge d’affaires of the Iranian Embassy persona non grata as part of the measures the Kingdom is taking to protect its people and interests. "It is without hesitation 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 help the brotherly people of Yemen in the face of rebel groups benefitting from Iranian support. These groups turned their back to their commitments and laid their hands on the institutions of the State. Our aim was also to curb the deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation. The position taken by GCC in support of Yemen is a matter of principle and a longstanding position emanating from our conviction that Yemen’s security and stability constitute an integral part not only of the security of the Arabian Peninsula but also of the entire region at large. Hence the inevitability of military confrontation, as we had no other choice open to us. All roads were blocked by the obstinacy of the rebel groups and their belligerent designs for the people of Yemen and the region. To paraphrase my brother, the late Prince Saud Al-Faisal, (may he rest in peace), we are not warmongers, but when the war drums are beaten we will be ready for it. This proves that GCC countries are, and have always been, advocates of peace, not war. "We are steadfast in our march towards the fulfilment of the aspirations of the Yemeni people, and we shall remain faithful to our position until those who took up arms lay them down; those who overthrew the legitimate government abandon their cupidity and put an end to the occupation of State institutions, and those who broke the covenant return to their senses. Only then can the situation be conducive to bringing together all the factions of the Yemeni people through 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) which provides the basis for a settlement of the Yemeni crisis. We appreciate the efforts of the United Nations in this respect. "While we appreciate the humanitarian efforts of the United Nations in favour of the Yemeni, people as well as the remarkable role played by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in Yemen in conjunction with assistance provided by GCC and other friendly countries, we, from this global forum, urge the international community to intensify its assistance and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people. "Mr. President, "We regret the fact that many states have become a breeding ground for terrorist groups and organizations and their expansion under the cover of various sectarian and religious affiliations, with the sole purpose of advancing their own agenda of controlling nations and obliterating the will of peoples. The Syrian experience at this juncture is a living example as current conditions are transforming the country into a an arena for confrontation between terrorist organizations such as Daesh and Hezbollah and others, and destroying this civilized and ancient country whose people contributed to the building of our human civilization. "As Syria goes down this treacherous and slippery slope, we call for an end to this situation and the return of this sisterly country to its previous condition of unity, harmony, security and stability. To this end, foreign military intervention must cease and a unanimously accepted political settlement, consistent with the Communiqué of the Geneva 1 conference, must be reached. "Reference to Syria automatically calls our attention to a humanitarian crisis that requires all Member States to take concrete and visible action to address it. I have in mind the crisis of Syrian refugees and displaced persons. This crisis represents the worst ramification of the current situation in Syria, and is considered a major humanitarian disaster, unprecedented since the Second World War. The GCC Member States have not remained idle in the face of this tragic situation. They 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. In this respect, we also appreciate the major contribution of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as it provides Syrians with care as well as opportunities for a decent life. We call for concerted efforts to support Jordan and to share the vast responsibility it now faces. I would be remiss not to mention the considerable efforts also deployed by Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey in sharing this humanitarian duty. "In the sisterly country of Iraq, it is our hope that the great efforts exerted by H.E. Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi to unite the Iraqi people and overcome the challenges facing his country in this critical juncture of its contemporary history will be crowned with success, and that security and peace will be restored within the framework of the age-old diversity and peaceful coexistence of the Iraqi people. This diversity was, and should have remained, its main source of strength. We call for an end to foreign interventions, particularly by Iran, and the preservation of Iraq’s territorial integrity and for assistance to be provided in its war against terrorism and terrorist groups such as Daesh and other armed militias that have found in Iraq favourable conditions for their existence. "Mr. President, "Libya is not immune to the threat of terrorist groups and the situation there has deteriorated as we can all now see. There is no way out but through the commitment of all parties to the Libyan crisis to give precedence to the highest interest of the nation so as to restore its security, stability and unity. We welcome the text for the framework to create a Government of National Accord so as to put an end to the fighting and bloodshed in this sisterly country. "We reiterate the consistent position of the Kingdom of Bahrain in rejecting terrorism in all its forms and regardless of its motivations or the entity backing or financing it. Terrorist acts by Daesh are unprecedented and constitute crimes against humanity. Such terrorism will only stop if confronted by a collective effort at all levels, including its sources of finance. Consistent with our commitment to combat this threat, which jeopardizes the security and safety of our countries and even of our shared humanity, the Kingdom of Bahrain, in collaboration with the countries of the region and the support of our allies, will work for the defeat of this threat. We thus participated in the international coalition to combat Daesh, militarily, logistically, intellectually and in the field of communication. In this context, the Kingdom of Bahrain hosted last year the international Meeting on Combating the Financing of Terrorism. This November, Bahrain will host a conference on the protection of civil society institutions from the risks of being exploited to channel finances to terrorists. We will also organize, in the near future, a conference on protection from Improvised Explosive Devices, which represent the favourite and most frequently used weapon by terrorist groups all over the world. "Mr. President, "What is taking place today in Al-Quds Al-Sharif offends the feelings of all Muslims around the world as they witness the violations committed by the occupying Israeli authorities and extremist groups against the sanctity of the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound. Such illegal and inhuman acts could lead to the destruction of any chance of peace, and create instead an atmosphere conducive to more tension, violence, extremism and hatred, all of which do not contribute to the building of human relations and the bridges of mutual respect that all religions advocate. Nor do such acts contribute to the construction of peaceful societies preserving the dignity and culture of peaceful co-existence. To quote the iconic phrase by Egyptian president Anwar al Sadat before the Israeli Knesset, " no one can build his happiness at the expense of the misery of others". Attaining that happiness will only be possible when the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people are granted by the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital, within the borders of 4 June 1967. Occupation should come to an end and so should the coercive practices and the construction or expansion of settlements. The right of Palestinians to return to their towns and villages, consistent with relevant international resolutions, the two-states solution, and the Arab peace initiative, must be acknowledged. "In this respect, we welcome the raising of the Palestinian flag at the United Nations premises as a first step, with great symbolic value, towards international support for the right of the Palestinian state to full membership of the United Nations, which we all look forward to in the near future. "Mr. President, "We want to reaffirm the importance of the agreement between Iran and the 5+1 group on the Iranian nuclear programme. We hope it will contribute to security and stability in the region. However, we believe that the agreement does not eliminate all sources of tension resulting from Iran’s attitude towards the countries of the region. It covers some future issues but does not touch on the real problems that we face today, since Iran still attempts to destabilize the region and its security by providing support to terrorist organizations and smuggling weapons and explosives as I mentioned earlier in detail. It also persists in openly interfering in the internal affairs of our states. It still occupies the three islands belonging to the United Arab Emirates, namely Abu Mussa and the Greater and the Lesser Tunb, and refuses to put an end to that occupation either through direct negotiations or acceptance of arbitration by the International Court of Justice. "In this context, we reaffirm 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. I would like here to express regret at the fact that the 2015 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, recently held in New York, did not reach an agreement. "Mr. President, "The Kingdom of Bahrain reiterates its full support to the Arab Republic of Egypt and the tireless efforts of H.E. President Abdel Fattah al Sisi to achieve development, progress and prosperity for the Egyptian people, to consolidate the foundations of a modern state, and to combat terrorism. The building of the new Suez Canal and the other major projects decided at the Sharm El Sheikh Conference to support the Egyptian economy, demonstrates clearly the determination to enhance genuine development so that Egypt, land of civilization, shall remain a source of security and prosperity for all, a pillar of the Arab world; and so that it may continue playing its leading role in our common Arab endeavours to defend our cause and our national security. "Likewise, we would like to put on record our consistent and principled position vis-à-vis the Moroccan Sahara question. We express our support for the territorial integrity of Morocco and for the efforts of the United Nations aimed at finding a negotiated political settlement accepted by all parties, on the basis of the Moroccan initiative on self-government. "Mr. President, "Confronted with such daunting challenges to our region’s long-term security and stability, we need more than ever before to reflect deeply and seriously on how to create a mechanism for collective action, bringing together all Middle East states with a view to consolidating security and stability. We need to discuss among ourselves, with clarity and transparency, all issues and reach solutions to build confidence through genuine intentions and steady steps. We will thus be able to preserve what we have already achieved for our peoples and countries by way of construction, comprehensive development and mutual understanding and cooperation. This will preserve the sovereignty of our countries and their territorial integrity and guarantee non- interference in their internal affairs. It will allow for better relations based on mutual respect and the principle of good-neighbourliness and non-use or threat of force. In all this, we will build on the common characteristics that unite us, including our religious and cultural heritage and our diversity. This will allow for a better management of our collective resources to achieve food and water security, build a genuine and lasting peace for all, and achieve economic and developmental progress in the context of peaceful co-existence. It will carry us to a new stage in the history of relations between the countries of the region. "Mr. President, "I want to conclude by stating that the successive achievements of the Kingdom of Bahrain confirm our confidence in our approach and our persistence in our policy of perpetual improvement and comprehensive growth while enhancing our country’s security and preserving our identity. We defend ourselves with one hand and build with the other, in the context of a modern state built on justice, the rule of law, plurality, and popular participation in the decision making process, without exclusion or discrimination. Our foreign relations are wide open and built on strong foundations and principles, most notable among which are: respect for the Charter of our international Organization, work within our regional and international contexts, and cooperate with our brothers and friends to achieve a peaceful life and a permanent and comprehensive peace for all. Thank you, Mr. President."