Bahrain's new municipal councillors should shoulder their constitutional responsibilities to develop the kingdom's cities and villages and promote them to the level of those of the developed world, His Majesty the King of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday, said.

The King, who yesterday received the chairmen and members of the recently-elected five municipal councils in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, urged the councilors to balance their act while working for the development of the kingdom's five governorates.

"You have a responsibility to develop the governorates structurally and culturally, so that the cities and villages of Bahrain are promoted to the level of their counterparts in the developed world, and also to protect (the urban areas) against whatever contradict our Arab and Islamic values and traditions while securing the refinement of the civilised manners that characterise our society," he was quoted by the official news agency, BNA, as telling the councilors.

Sheikh Hamad pointed out the constitutional municipal act provides a great deal of support for the councillors to do their job, "which is in fact one of the most benefiting services" offered to citizens and residents of the kingdom.

Meanwhile, the premier called for the cooperation of all relevant bodies in order to facilitate the councillors' mission and ensure its success.

Sheikh Khalifa also thanked the King for his initiative, which, he said, was meant to further encourage the newly-elected members.

The fifty councillors, 10 each in every municipal council, were directly elected over two round of voting in May. They will formally start their four-year term in September.