His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s directives requesting the Executive and Legislative branches to call for an unconditional National Dialogue was welcomed by the cabinet, said the Cabinet Affairs Minister Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed following Sunday’s regular Cabinet weekly meeting chaired by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman at the Gudaibiya Palace, asserting that the government will, in coordination with the National Assembly, take the necessary procedures in order that the dialogue starts in the date assigned by HM King Hamad-July 1.
The cabinet also lauded the massive international praise the Kingdom has gained following the call for dialogue reflecting HM King Hamad’s strong resolve to keep the reform march on track, as the best means to enhance the nation-building process and consolidate the development achievements.
HRH Premier pledged that the government will do its utmost in order to create suitable conditions for the success of the National Dialogue so as to come up with a national consensus regarding the political, economic and social issues and map out a better future for the kingdom, calling upon all parties to respond positively to HM King Hamad’s initiative.
“Everyone should assume their national responsibilities and engage seriously in the comprehensive national dialogue without conditions,” HRH Premier said, insisting that “the expectations of all parties in the Kingdom should be met, as reform is created to serve those who are keen to achieve national interests.”
HRH Premier also his sincere thanks and appreciation to the National Safety Council, led by the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, marking the lifting the State of National Safety.
HRH Premier asserted that promoting security and stability across the kingdom, reinforcing law and order and safeguarding the safety of the nation and the citizens top the agenda of the government work, taking pride in the tremendous efforts made by the BDF, Interior Ministry, National Guard and National Security Agency’s officers whose bravery, dedication and patriotism helped restore normality across the nation.
The Bahraini citizens’ cohesion and standing united behind the Kingdom’s wise leadership during the recent crisis were also extolled by HRH Premier who added that “those honourable stances and support voiced by loyal Bahrainis during the recent events reflected the genuine metal of the Bahrain people and foiled the evil and treacherous intrigues targeting the cherished nation’s security and stability.
Regarding citizen-directed development projects, HRH Premier instructed all ministers to make the best use of financial resources so as to optimize the citizens’ benefits from them, calling upon ministries and state departments to reduce review their expenditures, moderate their luxury aspects and reduce the size and number of trips abroad of government delegations, as the citizens are in bad need for those un-necessary expenses.
The cabinet also welcomed FIA’s World Motor Sport Council (WMSC)’s unanimous decision to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix in the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship, asserting that hosting such a key world event in Bahrain reflects the global acclaim the kingdom enjoys following the restoration of security and stability across the Kingdom.
The cabinet also pledged that the government will create all suitable conditions needed for the success of the F1 race set to be held next October 30, 2011, praising all the efforts made to bring the event back to Bahrain.
After that, the cabinet decided to deliver humanitarian aid to Libyan people, according to UN Security Council’s Resolution 1970 and 1973, in line with the Kingdom’s commitment to joining global efforts aiming to promote peace, stability, security worldwide.
Regarding housing, the cabinet tasked the Housing Ministry to conduct the necessary studies in order to reduce the requirements and procedures and enable the citizens’ housing needs to be met easily.
The Cabinet also endorsed the Representatives Council’s proposal to remove telephone and electric off houses.
The cabinet also reviewed other draft laws presented by the two houses of Parliament.
Shaikh Nasser lauds HRH Prince Salman’s role
President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport (SCYS) and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa hailed the key role played by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander in highlighting to the whole world the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa regarding the national dialogue.
He stressed that HRH the Crown Prince’s current tour will contribute to unveiling the truth about the recent incidents in Bahrain and main visions concerning the comprehensive national dialogue which will be prepared for by the executive and legislative powers in line with the royal directives.
“The momentum led by HRH the Crown Prince has tremendously contributed to clarifying the situation in Bahrain and the royal calls for a constructive dialogue where all sects in Bahrain will take part,” Shaikh Nasser said while commending the leadership’s strenuous efforts to build the kingdom’s presence and future.
He also lauded HRH Prince Salman’s efforts to put the national economy back on the fast track and reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix on this year’s Formula One calendar.