Prince Salman calls for national solution to crisis

Manama: Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa on Monday expressed hope for a national solution to the crisis that has hit Bahrain, saying that Bahrainis have consistently succeeded in reaching national accords.

Bahrain and all the civil society organisations that believe in the country as a stable and prosperous nation can together achieve the solution that Bahrainis aspire to have and which will guarantee welfare and a bright future for all segments of the society, Prince Salman said as he received the British ambassador in Manama, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

The Crown Prince, who called for a national dialogue three days into the crisis last year but received no response from the opposition, said that all parties keen on their nation should be a responsible part of the solution. The lack of response eventually led to confrontations and to the imposition of emergency laws in mid-March. The laws were lifted in June and King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa called for a national dialogue that issued close to 300 recommendations.

Support from friendly countries will contribute to achieving the much sought-after solution, the Crown Prince said.

Prince Salman insisted that extremism and fanaticism have never been part of Bahrain's culture and traditions, and urged all parties to shun them regardless of their forms and to consolidate accords and respect for others.

Women should also boost their contribution to the deepening of democracy and to raising a generation that believes in openness, freedom and respect for other people and their rights, he said.

Bahraini women had an outstanding pioneering role in the past and helped Bahrain move forward and they should now assume their role to elevate their status and to consolidate their opposition to discrimination and divisions, Prince Salman said.