Interior Minister: resolved to protect people's lives

Manama, May 31(BNA): Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa received today the Chairman of the Sunni Endowment Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Chairman of Jaffary Endowment Shaikh Mohsen Khalaf Al Asfoor, along with members of both the endowments and Reverend Hani Aziz of Bahrain's National Evangelical Church. The meeting was also attended by Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowment Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa and Chief of Public Security, Major-General Tariq Al Hassan. The Interior Minister welcomed the guests and expressed his appreciation for their activities that enhance national unity and civil peace. He said that such meetings are good opportunities for discussions and exchanges of views on tolerance and religious matters that should be embraced by all. "We are by grace of God strong through our national unity under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Those who try to promote sedition in the country won’t succeed because of the strength of our social fabric," he said. He stated that everyone, especially religious scholars, preachers and intellectual people should promote tolerance. "It is a duty to protect worshiping places from being involved in politics and to provide guidance to youth to stay away from extremists who exploit religious feelings for Jihad calls." The minister said that mosques are the houses of God that should be respected and distanced from incitement against any sect or race. He called to promote national interests over sectarianism, and said that terrorism affects us all as it does not differentiate between people. He condemned the terrorism acts in Saudi Arabia and said attacking mosques with the aim of creating hatred and sectarianism through violence will not succeed. He reiterated his cooperation with brothers in Saudi Arabia in fighting terrorism and his dedication to protect worshiping places. He warned of the threats and rumors on social media to promoted sedition and hatred. At the end of the meeting, the attendees thanked the Interior Minister for the fruitful meeting and stressed that the nation will be protected by the grace of God under wise leadership. (MOI-Police Media Centre)