MANAMA: The Kingdom of Bahrain on Sunday reiterated its strong condemnation of Israel’s settlement policies, aimed at swallowing up the Palestinian land and change its demographic structure.
“Considering such policies moral and human crimes that must be halted in order to reach just and permanent peace,” Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa told the audience during a conference held in Manama under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The Conference of Palestinian Ambassadors to Arab Countries was opened by the Deputy Premier Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa in the presence of Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyadh Najib Al Maliki, ministers and Heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Bahrain.
The conference focuses on a number of issues related to the Palestinian cause, and latest dangerous development in light of Israel’s atrocious assault on the Gaza Strip.
The Kingdom’s hosting of the conference re-affirms its firm stances in support of the brotherly Palestinian people and its inalienable legitimate right to establish an independent state with East Al-Quds as its capital.
The Foreign Affairs Minister delivered the following speech at the opening of the conference:
The Minister said that it was his pleasure and honour, to convey the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and to tell you that the Kingdom of Bahrain is pleased to host your conference on its soil and welcome you to your second country, as Bahrain is your country, in the same way the cherished Palestine is our country.
“Being your brothers, we haven’t spared any effort and we will never do, to support your legitimate demands from the International Community and we congratulate you on the many achievements you’ve made, including Palestine’s win of observer state at the UN, full membership in UNESCO and other international organizations and the conclusion of a number of international agreements and conventions, which reinforces its position as a state, and represents a step forward in the Palestinian people’s march towards gaining independence and have their own full sovereign state.
“This is one of the natural rights of the brotherly Palestinian people that cannot give up and that has been confirmed by International resolutions and agreements.
“What is happening, to our dear brothers in Gaza Strip; the flagrant assault, oppression and savage atrocities, at the hand of the Israeli Occupation Forces, and the bloodshed and killing of innocent people and destruction of infrastructure and property, stand proof on Israel’s flagrant aggression of all international laws and conventions.
“We, in the Kingdom of Bahrain, strongly condemn and disapprove of these criminal acts, as well as we stress the need for the international Community to assume its role in protecting the brotherly people of Palestine and to force Israel to halt its raids and heinous practices.
“And in continuity of its usual stance, the kingdom of Bahrain, is, as it has always been, at the forefront to support you, our brothers, and thus His Majesty the King, has given his directives to the Royal Charity Organization to continue with its efforts and assume its duties by doing what it is necessary to serve our Gaza brothers in all fields.
“Finally, I hope your conference will reach tangible decisions and a strategic vision that could push the national action forward and help the noble Palestinian people realize their aspirations.
“May God bless you and bless Palestine and its dear people with every security, stability and advancement.
“Peace and blessings of God be upon you.”
The Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyadh Al Maliki extended, on behalf of the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Bahraini leadership, government and people for hosting the conference, paying special tribute to HM the King, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier and the Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.
He said that the gesture was in line with HM the King’s policies in support of Arab causes, especially the Palestinian one, citing the Royal assertion that the Palestinian issue is the Arab countries’ central cause.
He added that Bahrain’s rejection of Israel’s brutal attacks against Gaza, constant supportive stances towards the Palestinians, hosting a Palestinian community and the repeated visits of official and popular delegation to Occupied Palestine reflects the policies of HM the King and the government towards the Palestinians.
Al-Maliki thanked all brotherly and friendly countries that stand by the Palestinian people, especially GCC countries.
He said that the importance of the Conference of the Palestinian Ambassadors to Arab Countries stemmed from the situation the Arab world was going through, the Israeli aggression on Gaza, stumbling peace talks and Israel’s settlement and Judaization policies.
He added that the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had asked the UN Secretary-General to take all necessary actions to protect the Palestinians.
The Palestinian Ambassador to Bahrain Taha Abdulqader extended sincere thanks to HM the King and the Bahraini government and people for their constant supportive stances towards the Palestinians.
He stressed that the Royal patronage of conference was a strong proof of HM King Hamad’s support for the Palestinian people and President.