Addressing the nation yesterday, the Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa vowed to restore the parliament which had been suspended since 1975. The vow is part of his plans to reform the country's political system and project what he calls a modern, democratic Bahrain to the world.

But Sheikh Hamad also pointed out that no swift changes would take place saying the turn-around would be achieved steadily but gradually. "Bahrain is to have a full elected parliament under a new two-chamber system," Sheikh Hamad said in his speech made to mark the National Day. His eight-page speech was distributed to newspapers and correspondents hours before he made the address.

"We view that the democratic and constitutional development around the world require the introduction of a two-chamber system," Sheikh Hamad said. "These are a parliamentary council with its members elected directly and freely by the citizens to carry out legislative duties and a Shura (consultative) council made up of experienced and professional members to give advice," he added. No time frame for the polls was given.

Bahrain elected its first parliament in 1973, but the late Emir, Sheikh Isa dissolved it two years later for meddling in the government's work, according to reports at the time. Restoring it has been a major demand for Bahrainis.

Sheikh Hamad also said "the way has been clear for full municipal council elections throughout the country." Sheikh Hamad praised the National Committee, which he created to map proposals for political changes, and described its work as a "monumental progress... in national dialogue."

The committee, comprised of six women, engineers, university professors, some ministers and other government officials, has been meeting every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday.

Some of the issues on their agenda are introducing greater freedoms like freedom of expression and publishing, granting immunity to the judiciary and giving Bahrainis a greater say in running the country. One of the proposals also floated is turning Bahrain into a kingdom.

"We should consider this (process) as the beginning and not the end of the path and will move gradually towards comprehensive development taking one step after another and developing a better future with experience," Sheikh Hamad said.