Manama: Bahrain’s interior ministry said that Iran should focus on the welfare of its own people instead of interfering in the domestic affairs of other countries.

“Iran does not care more about Bahrainis than HM the King and the Bahrain government,” Shaikh Rashid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said. “It is better for Iran to care about its citizens as we are, by the grace of God, leading normal lives here, while Iran should respect neighbouring countries rather than interfering in their affairs,” he said at a meeting with the editors of the local media and columnists on Saturday.

Shaikh Rashid also dismissed statements made recently by Hassan Nasrallah, the head of the Lebanese group Hezbollah, about the situation in Bahrain.

“There is nothing new in his statements, and we are not surprised by them,” the minister said. “He should confine himself to his own affairs rather than interfere in Bahrain’s affairs. Hezbollah is a terrorist organization because of their practices against us and others,” he said.

Shaikh Rashid said that statements that referred to the “peaceful movement” in Bahrain were without foundation on the ground.

“They talk of peacefulness despite the fact that 14 Bahraini policemen were killed in the line of duty and 2,886 have been injured since 2011. However, when one US policeman died there was a security alert and deployments in the streets,” he said.

Referring to the detention of Ali Salman, the General Secretary of Al Wefaq National Islamic Society, the minister said that his violations had been made in public and that although he was aware of the extent of the law, he made illegal statements.

Regarding the timing of his detention, he said that since 2011 Bahrain has witnessed a political test. “We won thanks to HM the King, the wise government and the citizens,” he said.

Shaikh Rashid highlighted the significance of the National Dialogue in encouraging encourage all segments of society to reach a solution.

The Dialogue resulted in many recommendations, including constitutional amendments, of which five were proposed by Al Wefaq, he said.

The minister added that the National Dialogue reached a dead end and that initiatives were rejected by some political societies.

According to the minister, Al Wefaq held 76 events calling upon citizens to boycott elections, but the turnout on the days of the polls on November 22 and 29 was positive.

Shaikh Rashid said that the developments that have been going on since 2011 have resulted in many successes, including the parliamentary and municipal elections.

“There is a need to build on national consensus, as Bahrain is a country of love and tolerance. Our hands are always open to goodness. We do not believe in disunity. We believe in the participation of all and the general interest of society is our supreme goal,” he said.

Comparing statistics in 2014 with those in 2012 and 2013, the minister said the data indicated a reduction in outdoor political activities as well as a reduction in the number of participants. The data also showed a reduction in arson, the blocking of roads and sectarian clashes. The number of injured policemen also went down, due mainly to increased experience and security preparation.

He attributed the overall decrease to political reforms, the intensified security measures by the interior ministry and the swift response to lawbreakers, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

The minister cited 26 serious investigations that resulted in arrests through cooperation with security authorities, while fugitives are being chased in cooperation with the International Police (Interpol). He added that compelling evidence was collected in those cases.

Shaikh Rashid said the interior ministry has taken steps against individuals who are participating or have participated in fighting abroad.