MANAMA: The cabinet has requested the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs to investigate the accusations made by a local newspaper against the Minister of State for Information Affairs.
Speaking during the weekly post-cabinet meeting press briefing, the Minister of State for Information Affairs and the Official Spokesperson of the Government Sameera Ebrahim bin Rajab said that the cabinet had taken the decision upon her request.
Responding to a question on plans to develop the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in the coming period in order to achieve greater economic gains for the Kingdom, she said that the development process of BIC had already begun, citing the state-of-the-art lighting system across BIC.
She added that those who would attend tonight’s race would be informed about the landmark developments introduced marking BIC’s tenth anniversary.
“We are still holding bilateral negotiations in order to work out a consensual agenda based on the visions submitted by all parties,” the Government’s Spokesperson said.
Regarding today’s regular weekly cabinet meeting, chaired by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the Gudaibiya Palace, the Minister of State said that the cabinet had commended the efforts of the Bahrain Grand Prix organisers to ensure its success, and wished the kingdom continuous success in hosting mega international events.
The cabinet discussed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Bahrain and the UK on facilitating visiting visa application procedures to holders of diplomatic and special passports, she added.
The cabinet also discussed and approved a memorandum presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the establishment of a Bahraini diplomatic mission in Brazil, the Government’s Spokesperson said, explaining that the move aims to enhance bilateral friendship and develop mutual bilateral cooperation in various political, economic, cultural, educational, sports and health fields.
On transportation, the cabinet reviewed a memo presented by the Minister of Transportation on a draft air transport agreement signed with Tunisia, and referred it to the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs for further study, she also said, adding that the agreement aims to develop regular air transportation between the two countries and beyond their respective territories.
Regarding issues related to the Legislative Branch, Sameera Ebrahim said that the cabinet had been informed about the approval of the Representatives and Shura Councils of the following decree laws and laws:
1. Decree-Law No. (22) for the year 2013 to replace Article No. (11) of Decree-Law No. (18) for the year 1973 on public meetings and rallies.
2. Decree-Law No. (20) for the year 2013 amending some provisions of Decree-Law No. (58) for the year 2006 on the protection of society against terrorist acts.
3. Decree-Law No. (20) for the year 2013 amending some provisions of Decree-Law No. (23) for the year 2013 amending some provisions of Decree Law No. (17) for the year 1976 concerning Juveniles.
4. Draft Law to approve law on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in the GCC countries.