Parliamentary committee slams Iran’s meddling

Manama, Jan. 31 (BNA): The Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee at the Council of Representatives has expressed deep concern over and denunciation of the statements of the Spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry regarding the judicial verdicts in Bahrain, stressing that they are categorically rejected. In a statement issued today, the committee said that the rejected statements and calls are within Iran’s systematic strategy against the Kingdom of Bahrain, and are no stranger to a country that is constantly keen on being a source of instability and tension in the entire region, and on fomenting violence and extremism, igniting sedition and blatantly interfering into the internal affairs of other countries, thereby flouting all international norms and conventions in force. The committee emphasised that the extremist Iranian regime’s threats to regional and international security and stability are increasing, and its flagrant interference in Bahrain’s domestic affairs and casting doubt on its impartial judiciary continue, which, the statement said, contravenes all provisions of international agreements between states, particularly Article (41) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, which calls for the respect of the laws and regulations of the receiving State and urges non-interference in the internal affairs of that State. The panel called on the International Community to counter Iran’s interference firmly, and to take serious and prompt actions to address such dangerous and repeated violations. The committee reiterated its full rejection of any form of interference in the kingdom’s affairs or casting doubt in the integrity and independence of its Judiciary from any country regarding any case heard by Bahraini courts. The parliamentary committee lauded the kingdom’s efforts in various fields, and praised Bahrain’s independent Judiciary, being a distinguished role model at the regional and international levels thanks to the political reforms and democratic process resulting from the pioneering Reform Project spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The committee affirmed that the kingdom’s security and stability are top priorities of the national action, and are the essential guarantees for more progress and landmark achievements for the citizens. It also stressed that Bahrain is a state of law and institutions, and will carry on enforcing the law, consolidating the reform and justice approach and imposing the state’s prestige and respect against any attempts to target the nation or put its interests at risk.