With the necessary preparations are getting final shape to host the national dialogue starting from July 1st, Parliament Speaker and National Consensus Dialogue Chairman Khalifa Al-Dhahrani started extending invitations to political associations, NGOs and public figure to attend the multi-party talks.
Concerned parties have been given seven days to nominate their representatives and submit their proposals regarding the issues which will be tabled.
The multifaceted national dialogue will cover political, economic, social and legal issues. “We have taken into account the need to ensure all orientations, affinities, aspirations and interests are represented at the National Consensus Dialogue”, Al-Dhahrani said, stressing the need to ensure the active participation of all components of Bahrain’s social spectrum. He also underscored the crucial importance of observing transparency in addressing different issues.
“The presence and participation in the national dialogue should not be measured in terms of number”, he said. “They should rather be measured in terms of ideas and positive interaction conducive to the achievement of aspirations and hopes in this defining moment of the national march”, he added. He pointed out all the importance for the national dialogue to be comprehensive and reflect all social components – clerics representing all sects, jurists, activists, the legislative and executive authorities.
He stressed the need to bridge the gaps between all viewpoints to come out with joint visions and common denominators, taking into account national unity and social values for the reform momentum to continue and embrace all fields.
He also urged His Majesty’s directives to be adopted as a basis for the national dialogue – being a catalyst to push the reform project forward towards a wider horizon. “We need to herald a new chapter in the history of Bahrain under the slogans of comprehensive modernization, decent living standards”, he said.
He stressed for national dialogue to anchor popular representation and active participation in decision-making processes, thus ensuring a bright future for the coming generations.
He urged all parties to accept the call to engage in the national dialogue and contribute actively in building the future of the nation.
He also called on them to table visions towards reaching a national consensus, stressing the importance of building on the achievements of the last decade.
Dhahrani announced that important issues relating to expatriates would also be addressed separately in a forum scheduled to be held on the sidelines.
Describing expats as a vital pillar of the country, he said expatriates have had always played a crucial role in Bahrain’s development and renaissance.