Pan-Arab parliament blasts Iran over statements against Bahrain

The speaker of the Arab Parliament has condemned Iran's blatant interference in the domestic affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and other Arab countries and the statements made by the top Iranian leaders on Eid al-Fitr against the Arab Gulf state.

"The Iranian leadership's statements are a blatant aggression against the sovereignty and domestic affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and are in violation of the principles of international law and respect for the sovereignty and independence of states," Ahmed Mohammed Al Jarwan said in a statement, adding that the Arab Parliament stresses that all Arabs are dissatisfied by these provocations and reject the poisons of sectarianism and takfir (the practice of declaring others apostates).

The speaker of the Cairo-based pan-Arab body demanded that Iran stop its statements and interference which reflect "acting in bad faith" and contradict the requirements for regional rapprochement and partnership and good-neighbour principles.

Commenting on Bahrain's announcement yesterday that its authorities had disrupted an attempt on 15 July to smuggle high-grade explosives, automatic weapons and ammunition into the country by sea and arrested two Bahraini suspects, Al Jarwan denounced terrorist groups' activities aimed at damaging security and stability and stoking sectarian strife in the Gulf kingdom with support from "neighbouring countries"

The two suspects had admitted receiving the shipment from Iranian handlers outside Bahrain's territorial waters, it said, adding that one of them had received funds and military training in Iran by its Revolutionary Guard Corps in 2013.

Al Jarwan demanded that the international community put pressure on Iran to put an end to its interference in the domestic affairs of Arabs and support for "groups seeking to damage the security and stability of Arab countries."