A veteran US congressman highlighted the importance of the strong strategic alliance between the US and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
“There is no doubt that both countries are strong allies”, U.S. Representative (R) for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District Dan Burton said. “The US maintains the 5th Fleet Headquarters in Bahrain and backs the Kingdom firmly. Those who seek to destroy Bahrain should realize this”, he added.
In a statement to Bahrain News Agency (BNA), the veteran Republican congressman described Bahrain as a friendly country and important US trade and security partner.
“Some differences may emerge between both countries from time to time but I hope that long-term partnership and cooperation will continue”, he said.
He pointed out the long-dating co-existence between the Government and Bahraini people, describing the existence of the osmosis between sects and religions as a positive facet of Bahraini society.
“We acknowledge however the existence of some problems- which is normal as all people may confront problems within the same family”, he said.
Mr. Burton hailed the initiative of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, and his calls on all Bahraini parties to sit at the table of negotiation.
He described the initiative and highly important, urging such moves to be exploited – rather than squandered.
He lauded the wisdom of Bahrain’s leadership and the spirit of peaceful co-existence characterizing its people.
He hailed HRH Prince Salman for his call to enforce the law – without resorting to excessive force – and bring officials who committed mistakes.
The US congressman said that students and protestors who violated the law should be brought to justice to face charges.
“We have to admit that protestors have no right to use cocktail Molotov bombs and other dangerous tools – as they won’t solve any problem”, he said, deploring deadly attacks on policemen.
He stressed Bahrain’s independence and sovereignty, pointing out that he didn’t come to Bahrain to advise its Government – as he has no right whatsoever to do so.
“I made it clear in lecture before Bahrain University students that law must be enforced without falling in chaos”, he said.
He urged students not to resort to violence not to prompt the Government to order policemen to restore order and enforce the law.
“Students may have legitimate demands. However, a handful of lawbreakers have not right whatsoever to resort to violence in a bid to oblige the Government to cave in to their demands”, he said.
He pointed out that US policemen do step in to disperse protestors whenever things deteriorate as students resort to violence.
“I am a congressman and I can tell you that those who have claims and demands can approach their representatives and seize any chance of dialogue”, he said adding that chaos, disorder and violence lead nowhere and achieve nothing.