Manama: An Iranian plot underpinned by reckless plans to spread chaos and disrupt public order in Bahrain has failed, Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa has said.
“These foreign plots were adopted by groups of extremists in Bahrain who pretended to work within a peaceful political framework but their dangerous goals have been discovered,” he said. “We all know the slogan of the overthrow of the government that was mentioned on the stage [in 2011] when the crane was brought in, in addition to the placement of gallows and the attack against citizens, residents and police men. I do not know how such acts are justified as peaceful means or placed under the term freedom of expression,” the minister said at a meeting with scholars, parliamentarians, media figures, and rights activists.
Shaikh Rashid said the events were in fact “an attempt to drag the country into a civil war that is similar to what we are seeing in some nearby countries.”
“Today I wonder if those who joined Iran or sought out foreign embassies to discuss our national policies and sovereignty should be part of democratic life and political reform. Should they be legislators or judges? Are they worthy to hold key posts in the state or join military or security forces? They did not take their national responsibility to heart and therefore, they cannot be partners in the building of the future of this nation,” he said. “Such a role should be only for the patriots who put the interests of Bahrain above everything else and who respect the Kingdom’s laws and constitution,” he said.
The minister said Iran has tried to exploit Bahrain’s politics, economy and social fabric to achieve its expansion purposes.
“They have targeted the security and stability of the nation with weapons and explosives shipments. They have also attempted to destabilise the government and harm the economy. There are terrorist groups in Bahrain that have received training in Iran, Iraq and Syria and that are linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah. Iran offers financial support, weapons and explosives that are smuggled into the country. This includes training in bomb-making that has led to the death and injury of several policemen,” he said.
The minister added that the message to Iran is that Bahrain is an Arab state as decided by the United Nations committee in 1970, and would remain an Arab state. “Those who said Bahrain is the Gulf’s gateway to Saudi Arabia are correct. Bahrain is the fort in the Arabian Gulf that has stood against foreign greed in past, present and the future.
“Bahrainis know that their stability depends on their national identity, which is neither Sunni nor Shiite, but a Bahraini identity. By the grace of God, we live in a country governed by free will and the Arab will, not a foreign will.
“It is a will that believes in love, tolerance, goodness and reforms, not hatred or racism. We will not allow Bahrain to accept extremism or terrorism and we will not let go of the security and stability that we have achieved.”
Shaikh Rashid stressed the significance of patriotism and unity for the nation to move forward.
“By holding tight onto our patriotism, all forms of sectarian and extremism become manageable and our front lines become stronger against foreign interference and hatred.”
He said there would be no discrimination against anyone except those who let go of their patriotism.
“The best expression of our patriotism is the good feeling of Bahrainis in the celebration of the anniversary of the National Action Charter that represents the values of the reforms and the modernisation drives launched by HM the King,” he said.
