HM King's participation in North Thunder hailed

Manama, Mar. 13 (BNA): The Shura Council issued a statement on Sunday in which it expressed pride in the participation of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa alongside with Their Majesties, Highnesses and Excellencies the Kings, Emirs and Presidents of sisterly and friendly countries in "North Thunder" maneuvers. The Council also expressed its pride in the Kingdom of Bahrain's participation in this major tactical drill and resounding military show aimed to preserve the region's security and confront the challenges and terroristic organisations.. the council reiterated the Kingdom of Bahrain's permanent standing with all peacekeeping and international security efforts that will also protect the Arab and Islamic nations capabilities. "At a time we are highly appreciative of the Kingdom's participation in this joint Arab and Islamic cooperation aimed to preserve the nation's capabilities, we highly laud the participation of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, and Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) in the maneuvers alongside with sisterly and friendly armed forces in perfect performance in line with the lofty goals aspired by the region's leaders and peace-loving countries," the Council stated. The Council considered the participation of the Kingdom's brave soldiers in support of the right, justice and humanity causes and a promise to tackle any threat to national security and stability. The Council raised strong objection to speech of the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zaid bin Raad Ibn Al Hussain during the 31st session of the UNCHR in Geneva, which the Council considered as an unjustifiable and unacceptable intervention in the Kingdom's internal affair as it contradicts the true facts consolidated by the Kingdom of Bahrain accomplishments in respecting the freedom of opinion and expression and boosting human rights and Bahrain's continuous cooperation with international organisations and agencies and accomplished initiatives and implementation of numerous programmes that ensured the protection and consolidation of human rights. In the same context, the Council welcomed the Arab League (Al)'s resolution listing "Hezbollah" as a terrorist group and the Arab League's condemnation of Iran's incessant interference in the kingdom's internal affairs in breach of the principle of good neighborliness, UN conventions and international law. The Shura Council praised the alertness and efforts of the security agencies which capably foiled the conspiracies and maintained security all over the Kingdom of Bahrain.