Bahrain’s democratic strides, pan-Arab stances

The Bahraini parliamentary delegation, led by the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mulla, has concluded its participation in the 137th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and related meetings, held here between October 14 and 18, with the participation of about 135 parliamentary delegations.

The Speaker lauded the great role played by Bahrain’s parliamentary delegation during IPU’s Assembly, especially regarding its keenness on raising Arab issues, particularly the Palestinian one, out of the kingdom’s deep belief in the common destiny and shared interests among Arab countries.

He affirmed the importance of such meetings in providing a platform for legislative councils to exchange experience and expertise.

Al-Mulla asserted that this year’s IPU’s Assembly coincided with the launch of the King Hamad Global Centre for Inter-Faith Dialogue & Peaceful Co-Existence in Los Angeles, USA, noting that HM the King is the mastermind of the kingdom’s comprehensive development march, and is aware that the progress of any societies cannot be enhanced without promoting the principles of dialogue, peaceful co-existence and tolerance.

The First Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council, and the deputy chairman of the Parliamentary delegation, Jamal Mohammed Fakhro, said that the parliamentary gathering was an opportunity to raise Arab and international issues, noting that topics, such as dialogue, cultural diversity and tolerance had taken centre stage during IPU’s Assembly.

Fakhro asserted that the delegation had highlighted the advanced democratic experience witnessed by the kingdom for many decades, and flourished under HM King Hamad’s Reform Project.

He added that the Kingdom of Bahrain had placed its name on the world map of human rights respect and religious freedom, and has become a role model for co-existence, tolerance and peace.

The kingdom is a state of law and institutions and its Legislature, Executive and Judiciary enjoy full independence, he said, highlighting Bahrain’s interest in availing of other countries’’ experiences to develop its legislative system.

During the 137th IPU Assembly, the delegation reiterated Bahrain’s firm stances in support of just causes, particularly the Palestinian one, calling for the immediate release of the Palestinian MPs from Israeli prisons.

Members of the delegation also affirmed Bahrain’s respect for the sovereignty of countries and peoples.

They also underlined the kingdom’s support for countries and peoples to be granted their rights.

Source: Fana News