MANAMA: Bahrain is beginning to see political and social recovery, even while the region continues to endure uncertain times, according to the Interior Minister.
However, the Minister noted that those on the front lines should be kept strong and should proactively take steps to face future challenges.
As part of negotiation and coordination with the legislative authority, the Chairman of the Council of representatives, Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al Mulla met on Sunday Interior Minister Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.
Members of the council’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee, MPs, the Chief of Public Security, Major-General Tariq Al Hassan, the General Inspector, Major-General Ibrahim Habib Ghaith and the Assistant Undersecretary of Legal Affairs, Major-General Mohammed Buhamood also attended the meeting.
The Chairman welcomed HE Interior Minister, expressing his appreciation for keeping the council informed and mentioned the importance of interaction between the legislative and executive authorities. He expressed also his thanks to the Interior Ministry for protecting the security and stability of the nation. He said he values the Ministry’s implementation of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s reform process.
The Chairman stated that the Ministry of Interior and the police have the continuing support of Parliament. He commented that the region is facing transformative conflicts and challenges and said the Interior Ministry is capable of protecting homeland security and the public.
HE Interior Minister thanked and appreciated the Chairman and MPs and commended their national spirit. HE stated that the last parliamentary and municipal elections were one of the most important achievements of HM the King’s reform project. “We worked hard for these successful national elections, and this goal was achieved,” he said.
“It is time for unity and bonding, there is no chance to spread disunity and sedition.” He said priority must be given to legislation that promotes security and stability and the protection of a free political life. He also congratulated the First Deputy Chairman on the strong membership of the Human Rights Committee in the International Parliamentarian Federation.
HE Interior Minister then gave an overview of the security situation, including the precautionary measures that are being taken as part of the Decisive Story military operation.
The brief included statistics from 2012 to 2014 that indicated an increase in general order and a reduction in political unrest. There was also reduction in number of injured policemen because of the experience they have gained over the past few years and the new state-of-the-art safety equipment now being used.
He briefed the Parliament on a number of cases, in which most of the suspects were arrested as result of on-going coordination between security authorities. He also noted that additional fugitives are being pursued in cooperation with Interpol.
The Minister stressed the importance of a police and community partnership and outlined the Ministry’s 2015-2016 strategic goals.
In closing, HE Interior Minister discussed the important role that MPs play, as partners in the protection of the nation through their support of national strategies that bolster security and stability.