National unity is red line not to be crossed

Manama, June 14 (BNA):Bahrain has the right to enforce the law on any group or personality that exploits the democratic openness in the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, said Information Affairs Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al-Rumaihi. He said that the court ruling to close Al-Wefaq society premises and suspend its activity was necessary and needed to rectify the political action in the country. In a statement to Sky News Arabia, he said that such decisions are necessary and needed to put the political action back on the right track, in light of sectarian incitement and polarization. He urged all political associations to assume their responsibilities and maintain national unity, which is considered as a red line not to be crossed by anyone in Bahrain. While commending Bahrainis’ national awareness and political maturity, he said that some groups linked to religious parties and foreign-backed agendas are adamant on pushing the country in the cauldron of sectarianism. "What’s happening in neighbouring countries makes it necessary for us to take many pre-emptive measures to protect our national achievements", he said. He said that the verdicts which were issued today do not restrict liberties, adding that Bahrain has the highest rate of political associations, with more than 22 societies which cannot be morphed into just one association. "Bahrain boasts today more than 617 non-governmental associations which are exercising their activities in total freedom", he said, stressing the need to enforce the law and deter anyone who attempts to fuel sectarianism or promotes a foreign agenda. "Bahrain has taken many measures, being a state which is accountable to its people", he said, stressing the Government’s strenuous efforts to preserve gains and protect the nation amid mounting challenges. "We are waging a media war, as well as conventional war, with our soldiers deployed in the frontlines in defence of the Arab and Islamic nations", he said. In a statement to Al-Arabiya channel, he pointed out that the court verdicts sanctioning Al-Wefaq society aim to rectify the political process. He said that that some groups which serve religious parties and foreign-backed political agendas engage into acts of sabotage, attempt to push the country down the cauldron of sectarianism and seek to create fertile grounds as incubator of terrorism. "Bahrain dealt with the past events with much patience, resilience and wisdom", he said, adding that the day has come to take such decisions to protect the state. He said that citizens have been calling for deterrent measures to protect hard-won national achievements, adding that today’s verdict aims to rectify the course of political work. He said that Bahrain plays an active role in the Arab and Islamic Alliance, which was set up to combat extremist groups and defend the national security of Bahrain, the Arabian Gulf and other countries in the region. Commenting on the verdict, he said that the sentence stipulates the closure of Al-Wefaq headquarters and suspension of its activity, pending court ruling. Regarding the statement issued by the Justice Ministry, Al-Rumaihi said that it exposed the role of Al-Wefaq in nurturing a fertile environment which serves as a terror incubator, indoctrinating a new generation prone on hatred and weakening rapprochement between sects and doctrines and compromising national co-existence and pluralism. He highlighted the detrimental use of social media to discredit the image of Bahrain abroad and seek the assistance of foreign-based agendas, lauding the wise leadership for the security and stability which is now prevailing in Bahrain. Asked about possible international pressure in the wake of the court verdict, the ministry said that Bahrain is a sovereign country that works in compliance with the international law in combating the scourge of extremism and terrorism.