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Bahraini Interior Minister: We Overcame a Critical Security Epoch | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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A wheel dozer is seen removing road-blocks set up by anti-government protesters in the village of Karanna, west of Manama, February 13, 2014. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed)


Manama – Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa stated that his country has overcome a critical security epoch, stressing that the regulatory and security procedures taken by Bahrain against some parties and individuals are not retaliatory and are not against any group.

Interior Minister said that the major guarantee of security is to protect “our political foundations” topped by the reform project led by King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Rashid said that the security bodies are working on handling security spots that might affect the security of Bahrain, adding that the Iranian interferences in the Bahraini internal affairs represent a security challenge in the current time and the future as well.

“We can’t neglect the Iranian threat on our internal security because the Iranian interferences have become clearer through the offensive statements made by Iranian officials towards Bahrain,” said the minister.

He continued, “From January until August 2016, up to 124 statements were made, not to mention sheltering the wanted, plus funding, planning, training and smuggling weapons and explosives.”

Shaikh Rashid showed some indicators and documents that prove the success of the security work carried out by Bahrain since the incidents of 14 February 2011; the data revealed a clear increase in the economic growth averages.

“I can say that a critical security epoch is now behind us,” he assured.

He also showcased a series of security challenges facing Bahrain: sectarianism, extremism, terrorism, Iranian threats, drugs, nuclear and chemical threats, cyber-attacks and the human rights.

Speaking on terrorist attacks, the Interior Minister stated that “This threat is growing and becoming global; we are internationally committed to cooperate in the field of fighting terrorism.”

He hailed the sacrifices of the Bahraini security officers who risked their own safety for the sake of maintaining security in the country.