Cabinet praises GCC, Arab League support

Manama, Jan. 11 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has praised the support the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab League have given to the measures taken by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to combat terrorism. The Cabinet also hailed the GCC’s and Arab League’s rejection of Iran's blatant interference in the two kingdoms' domestic affairs, which the GCC and Arab League condemned at their extraordinary meetings in Riyadh and Cairo. During the Cabinet session, which was chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and attended by the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister praised the National Guard's professionalism and dedication to maintaining national security and protecting the landmark achievements attained during His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's prosperous reign. His Royal Highness the Premier congratulated the National Guard Commander, Lieutenant-General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, and all those connected with the National Guard's 19th anniversary, Secretary-General of the Cabinet Dr Yaser bin Essa Al-Nasser said in a statement following the session, which was held at Gudaibiya Palace. The Cabinet expressed deep concern at the disastrous humanitarian situation in the town of Madaya, Syria, whose inhabitants, who include children, women and elderly, are suffering from starvation due to the blockade imposed on them. The Cabinet also called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities and contribute to solving the humanitarian tragedy. His Royal Highness the Prime Minister then instructed the Ministry of Health to address any potential shortages in medical supplies in the Kingdom’s health centres, to ensure that citizens enjoy full access to treatment and medicines. The Prime Minister also issued directives to provide all necessary facilities for private hospitals to serve the health sector. His Royal Highness the Prime Minister was informed about the latest developments regarding the Jannusan Housing Project. The developments were included in a report submitted by the Housing Minister, and noted the obstacles facing the implementation of the project as it was set to be located within the green belt and an archaeological excavation site. The Prime Minister gave directives to move the Jannusan project to a more suitable site. The session went on to discuss efforts to increase revenues through the implementation of a number of infrastructure projects, which are worth more than $32 billion. The Cabinet also reviewed increasing investments to develop and diversify the economy, and the recommendations of the Executive Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, to reduce government spending. In this regard, the Cabinet discussed the measures taken so far by the Kingdom to deal with the fiscal challenges created by the fall in oil prices, and the procedures taken by a number of GCC countries to reduce the fiscal impact. The session continued to discuss all available options to ensure fiscal sustainability and ensure optimum use of resources. The Cabinet approved adjustments to the prices of petroleum products to bring them in line with regional rates. The approved memorandum was submitted by the Energy Minister, who was requested to determine the new prices and take the necessary procedures. The Cabinet approved a draft resolution under which owners of certain institutions are required to install CCTV security cameras. The Cabinet also noted that the footage should be linked to the Interior Ministry's agencies wherever necessary. The memorandum submitted by the Interior Minister also prevented the installation of CCTV cameras in bedrooms, physiotherapy rooms, toilets, fitting rooms and places allocated for women. The Cabinet also approved a measure to cut bonuses, financial aid and allowances for those convicted or wanted in connection with terrorist crimes. Bonuses and financial aid will be suspended when a person appears before the Public Prosecution, and will be entirely cut in cases where the person is found guilty. The Cabinet also endorsed a proposal by the Interior Minister to set up a committee to monitor money exchanges and fundraising. The panel will be in charge of monitoring the raising of funds for non-public purposes, and money laundering which affects social peace or is used to finance illegal or hostile activities for foreign parties. The committee will be chaired by the Director-General of Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security at the Interior Ministry, and comprise members from the relevant ministries. A media plan to communicate the main themes of the Government Action Plan and its work in the first quarter of 2016, which was presented by the Minister of Information and Parliament Affairs, was also endorsed by the Cabinet. The Cabinet then referred a draft decree on replacing Article 2 of Royal Decree 5/2013 on the establishment of the Supreme Council for Health. The Cabinet approved a draft law on the ratification of the Bahrain-India Agreement on Cooperation on Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organised Crime, Trafficking in Illicit Drugs, Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances and Precursors Chemicals. The agreement was recommended by the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs and presented by the Deputy Premier and the panel chairman. The draft law will be referred to parliament in accordance with constitutional procedures. The Cabinet discussed two proposals submitted by the Council of Representatives on a specialised rehabilitation centre for children with autism, and a care centre for persons with mental health issues. The panel approved the government's replies to the two proposals, as suggested by the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs.