MANAMA: HM the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Sunday emphasized the necessity of protecting the path of democracy and preserving an atmosphere of co-existence, moderation and acceptance of others.
HM King, who presided over the 2013’s last Cabinet meeting at Sakhir Palace in the presence of the Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and HRH Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, said that Bahrain is known for by dealing firmly with the attempts to brainwash and propagate animosity, sectarian polarization and fanaticism through precautionary measures that will protect the cohesion of the community in Bahrain from those who call for hate and divisions based upon rejecting others.
“These messages are unfortunately being broadcast by some of those who speak from religious platforms in cooperation with some media figures and outlets, as well as social and political organizations,” HM King, added.
HM King Hamad directed the government on the importance of building effective strategies to stop extremism by spreading a culture of moderation, as well as making sure issues raised from religious and various other platforms are in alignment with the legitimacy and national values accepted by the people of Bahrain and its leadership and upon which the National Action Charter was based.
During the session HM the King reviewed the domestic situation and updates on the regional and international level, noting within this context that throughout history the Kingdom of Bahrain has faced extremely hard challenges with great courage, and acted as a model of inspiration in its ability to reject choosing violence. In order to develop the Kingdom, the nation has chosen to resolve challenges in a civil manner based on the pillars of dialogue and tolerance derived from Bahrain’s history which has been strengthened by the diverse community that places tolerance, good will, national unity and human interdependence above narrow exclusionary affiliations.
His Majesty stressed that there was no alternative for coexistence and accepting each other as Bahrain is for everybody. He reaffirmed that public participation, freedom of speech and the protection of human rights are the starting point provided by the Kingdom’s reform project and thus directed all national forces to continue to drive development and maintain the gains already achieved, motivating all to combat hate and instigation.
HM King Hamad urged community, political and religious leaders, as well as the media, to reject hatred and call upon all to take the path of nonviolence, while contributing to instilling stability and hasten the Kingdom’s development, drawing upon the history of Bahrain’s rich cultural values of tolerance, love, and respect. His Majesty emphasized his confidence that public awareness will prevail and everyone will engage in spreading national unity as a priority, while rejecting violence and terrorism.
HM the King stressed the importance of establishing tolerance as a key element of resolving problems, instilling its values, and using it in civil and social practices. He called for the adoption of tolerance and caring as a principle in resolving disputes and facing challenges on the National, Islamic, and International fronts, especially considering its importance to international relations as the strongest values of peace and reconciliation. Moreover, he noted that the international community must create the appropriate atmosphere to exterminate intolerance, extremism, and hate.
On this occasion with the new calendar year approaching, HM the King wished that 2014 will witness more achievements and prosperity in a safe and stable environment which will be accomplished by everyone united in the renunciation of violence and the promotion of coexistence and love for humanity.