Bahrain Emir to meet returning exiles

The Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, will meet shortly all those who have returned from exile under a general amnesty. This is part of an overall reconciliation programme under which Sheikh Hamad plans to meet all sections of the community to build national unity, implement the National Action Charter and bring about political, economic and social changes to modernise the country.

State Minister for Amiri Court Affairs, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, stated here yesterday that the forthcoming meetings will span every section of Bahraini society without discrimination."Under this programme he will meet all those who returned home after long years of exile and entered the mainstream to join hands with others to play their role in the current modernisation programme."

"This programme is part of a drive to establish direct contact with all his people, strengthen national cohesion and consolidate the one family spirit which Sheikh Hamad has been advocating as a prerequisite to his vision to develop the country." In this regard, Sheikh Khalid pointed out that Sheikh Hamad had already met, during Eid Al Adha, a number of people who returned to the island following the general amnesty.

"They were unanimous in hailing Sheikh Hamad's initiatives which overnight changed the political, economic and social environment in the island. Besides, they all voiced support for these initiatives to ensure a brighter future," stated Sheikh Khalid. National dialogue at this stage will be within the framework of the National Action Charter which was overwhelmingly approved by the people at the two-day referendum on February 14 and 15.Sheikh Khalid said: "Society in Bahrain is based on the one family spirit without any discrimination or exclusion."

The mood in the country changed early last month following a pardon announced by Sheikh Hamad of all those convicted, accused or detained following political unrest which rocked the country since December 1994. In his address to mark the 33rd anniversary of the Bahrain Defence Forces, Sheikh Hamad also announced on February 5 that Bahrainis living abroad would be allowed to return home.

Since then, there has been jubilation in the island. Political prisoners were pardoned and those living abroad were allowed to return. That apart, Sheikh Hamad's visit to different parts of the island, including the predominately Shiah area of Sitra, won the hearts and minds of all. The situation today is such that the entire nation stands behind him in his drive to implement National Action Charter.