‘National security, stability top all priorities’

Manama, June 21 (BNA): The Council of Representatives today hosted a joint Executive-Legislature meeting. Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa chaired the Executive Branch’s side which also comprised the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, the Minister of Labour and Social Development Jameel bin Mohammed Humaidan, Parliament Affairs Minister Ghanim bin Fadhl Al-Buainain, as well as a number of officials and representatives of security bodies. Speaker of the Representative Council Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al Mulla chaired the parliamentary side which included a number of MPs. Al-Mulla praised the security and stability currently enjoyed by the kingdom thanks to the tremendous efforts exerted by the relevant authorities. He stressed that the meeting will strengthen Executive-Legislative constructive cooperation and joint action, lauding the directives of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa’s keenness to boost parliamentary work for the best interests of the nation and the citizens. The Interior Minister updated the meeting about the latest security developments, as well as the measures taken so far to maintain security and stability and preserve the national achievements attained His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s prosperous era, stressing that the Interior Ministry will carry on taking the necessary measure against law-breakers. The minister lauded the role played by the Council of Representatives in cementing national unity. He stressed that the current phase requires strengthening the internal front to consolidate security, protect national gains and confront challenges. "Now, it is time for unity and cohesion, and there is no room for sowing divide or extremism," he said, stressing that "citizenship entails rights and duties that everyone should take into account. No one is above the law or unaccountable. The security of the Kingdom and the safety of its people top all priorities." Justice Minister also addressed the joint meeting. His briefing included the measures taken by the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry against the organisations that are affiliated with external religious references. Such orgnisations breach the Constitution and the Law, cause harm to Bahrain’s sects, and target he social fabric and the unity of the people of Bahrain, he told the meeting. Then, the Labour and Social Development Minister said the organisations that had been dissolved recently had breached the law, and violated their own by-laws. He called on all the associations that are affiliated with his ministry to abide by the Law and all the regulations governing their administrative and financial work. Parliament Affairs highlighted the dedicated efforts being exerted by Bahrain’s Foreign Affairs Ministry to inform brotherly and friendly countries about the measures taken by the Bahraini authorities to maintain security and stability and ensure the safety of the citizens and residents. The Speaker emphasised that the security of the nation and the citizens are red lines that can never be crossed or compromised, stressing that the Council of Representatives would not allow any breach of the rule of the Law in Bahrain which, he said, derives its strength from its leadership, loyal people and GCC, Arab and Islamic depth. He also reiterated categorical rejection of all forms of external interference in the kingdom’s domestic affairs. Al-Mulla underlined the Council of Representatives’ support to the measures taken by the Bahraini authorities up to now and in the future for the sake of safeguarding the Reform Project spearheaded by HM King Hamad, holding accountable those seeking to subvert the security and stability of the homeland, defending the rights of the citizens and promoting the rule law. He valued highly the efforts of the government and its security and military bodies to maintain security and stability, commending the sacrifices made by Bahraini servicemen in this regard. The Speaker lauded the Bahraini diplomacy and the efforts of Bahraini diplomats in promoting the kingdom’s relations and cooperation with brotherly friendly countries to strengthen the pillars of security and stability and coordinate stances towards them. Al Mulla paid similar tribute to the Judicial and law enforcement authorities for confirming the rule of the law within the state of law and institutions.