The time for dialogue with protesting groups is ticking away and the groups involved in creating mess in the country shall decide to come to the table by condemning the violence without further delay, the Minister for Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al-Khalifa on Monday told media.
Shaikh Khalid, who was the guest speaker during the Meet the Press programme organised by the Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA), said the most of the groups were ready to talk but fewer were remained at the square one since the launch of the dialogue process.
The Minister for State Information Sameera Rajab also present during the programme and gave answered to certain questions.
“The rule is very simple for each protesting group that they should condemn the violence and acts of vandalism first, and then we can get engage in some sort of constructive talks or dialogue,” Shaikh Khalid explained.
“It is very strange that few groups remained at the square one since the offer of dialogue many month back but we will continue to seek a solution through mutual consultation of all segments of the society,” he added.
“I never lost hope but the fate of the future dialogue is in the hands of political societies and they should seize this opportunity,” the Minister said.
Chairman of Bahrain Journalists Association, Mo’nis Al Murdi on behalf of the journalists, media people and writers welcomed the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Shaikh Khalid Bin Ali Al Khalifa at the BJA’s headquarters in Juffair.
The meeting was considered the first among the monthly meetings launched by the Association to host a minister or officials in the Kingdom in an open and direct dialogue to shed light on the most important developments and changes on the local arena, and in the framework of activating and establishing an open-door policy and transparency.
The Minister discussed with reporters, journalists and writers, various issues and matters of concern to the homeland and citizens for the benefit and interest of everyone.
The meeting was an opportunity for having communication between senior officials in the Kingdom and members of the press and media to provide them with information and highlight the projects and programmes of ministries and government institutions, in addition to strengthening the press relations between media and official institutions.
“The open-door policy is an approach that has been inherent in the Kingdom of Bahrain in thought, action and practice, where senior officials are keen to meet with citizens, journalists, members of the legislature, the clergymen, businessmen and men of thought. This policy constitutes a platform for freedom expression in the pursuit of all that would respond to the aspirations of Bahraini citizens and establish a brighter future for the Kingdom,” the BJA Chairman reiterated.