Gulf | Bahrain
Bahrain defends call for 'all inclusive' forum
Bahrain has defended the call of its foreign minister to form a regional forum that includes Arab countries and Israel.
- By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:43 October 7, 2008
- Bahrain's Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa (right) with Shaikh Khalid following the weekly cabinet session.
- Image Credit: Image courtesy: BNA
Manama: Bahrain has defended the call of its foreign minister to form a regional forum that includes Arab countries and Israel.
"The government commends the efforts of the foreign minister and stresses that Bahrain supports all efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East with the participation of all concerned parties," the Cabinet said at the end of its weekly session on Sunday.
Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Al Khalifa used his address to the United Nations on September 26 to call for the creation of a regional forum that brings together all Arab countries, Turkey, Iran and Israel in order to address the problems in the Middle East.
In an interview with Al Hayat newspaper, the minister said that the forum grouping all the countries in the region was the only way within the next 200 years to solve the pending issues.
However, his call has split Bahraini society, earning him both praise for his vision and criticism for seemingly normalising relations with Israel.
"Our real problem is that we have been cursed with some people that can only protest against any projects and initiatives regardless of their merits," said Salah Al Jowder, an activist.
For Fareed Ahmad, the Editor-in-Chief of Al Waqt, 'the minister's call stems from the reality on the ground while those who oppose it are steeped in emotions and sentiments.'
However, veteran journalist Ali Sayyar condemned the formation of the forum, saying that no deal should be arranged with Israel.
'This entity is still occupying Palestine and meting out suffering on its people,' he wrote.
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