Bahrain regrets EU Parliament resolution

Manama, June 14 (BNA): The Foreign Ministry strongly regrets the resolution of the European Parliament on Thursday, 14 June 2018 on human rights in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which was based on false information that completely disregards the progress achieved in promoting and protecting human rights in the Kingdom of Bahrain in all the civil, political, economic, social and cultural fields. The Kingdom cannot accept any prejudice to the integrity and independence of the Bahraini judiciary, as the decision referred to a number of criminal cases and those involved in them, as well as commenting on verdicts issued by the judiciary despite their promulgation in accordance with the constitution and international standards that guarantee fair trial rules including the right of defense and enabling accusers to all their legal rights. The resolution of the European Parliament reflects a superficial view and completely disregards the challenges facing the region and the Kingdom of Bahrain in particular from external interference in its internal affairs and the growing violence and terrorism that threaten security and stability and undermine the government's implementation of programs of development and sustainable development as well as the preservation of human rights. The resolution should have called for the elimination and incitement of violence and respect for human rights, including the right to security and life. The Kingdom also regrets that the resolution ignored democratic practices in the Kingdom of Bahrain, including the practices of the legislature, the reflection of freedom of expression through various means, such as media, and allowing the activities of NGOs, freedom of religion, belief and assembly. The Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms its ongoing efforts to ensure respect for rights and freedoms in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Kingdom and its legislation with its international human rights obligations under the human rights conventions it has ratified. It also assures cooperation with all relevant international bodies and mechanisms, including enhancing bilateral cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the European Union and its mechanisms. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will study the content of the resolution and respond in detail later. (MOFA)