Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Manama, July 31 (BNA): Bahrain has expressed astonishment over the remarks made by Ambassador Samantha Power, US Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and which are incompatible with the principles of the friendly United States of America about respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses the Kingdom's distinctive, historic, and responsible ties with the United States of America that are built within the framework of mutual respect, in line with all international laws and norms that require countries to respect the sovereignty of states and the authority of the judiciary,” the ministry said in a statement. “The ministry notes that the Kingdom will not deviate from the principle of the sovereignty of law since it safeguards all rights and freedoms for the sake of national unity and the progress of democracy. The rule of law has made the judiciary an independent authority that is above all people and consolidates the progress of the national action based on the principles of consultations and pluralism.”