Bahrain has refused several recommendations set by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for contravening Islamic Sharia precepts.
“We have approved most of the (UNHRC) recommendations during the Period Review but voiced reserves over what can’t be implemented”, Information Affairs Authority (IAA) President Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa told an Egyptian delegation on visit to Bahrain.
The Middle East News Agency (MENA) quoted him affirming Bahrain’s commitment to the reform project initiated by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa in 2000, pointing out that the Government had already implemented 90 per cent of the National Dialogue recommendations.
“The scope of political reform in Bahrain is not restricted and has no ceiling”, he said, describing the reform process as irrevocable.
“We are determined to push the reform process forward and we are positive about our future”, he said, criticizing several NGOs which are adamant on issuing biased and subjective reports on Bahrain, taking one side solely into account – thus failing to embrace a holistic view.
Shaikh Fawaz also deplored the fact that certain Arabic newspapers rely on these NGOs, without ensuring the veracity of their reports.
He revealed plans to open a media office very soon in Cairo to serve Bahraini journalists on visit to Egypt and supply Egyptian journalists with required information – whenever needed, looking forward to widening the scope of bilateral media cooperation.
“We have great respect and esteem for Egypt and its leadership”, he said, expressing the hope that Egypt would continuously play a leading role.