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UAE Summons Swiss Diplomat over Bahrain Human Rights Statement | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Abu Dhabi- UAE’s foreign ministry has summoned the Swiss ambassador over a statement Switzerland made to the United Nations Human Rights Council on Bahrain.

Dr. Abdul Rahim Al Awadhi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Legal Affairs, summoned Ambassador Maya Tissafi, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

Awadhi expressed to the diplomat “UAE’s denunciation over the Swiss statement against Bahrain at the Human Rights Council, adding that it was better if such issues were resolved through established bilateral channels between Bahrain and Switzerland,” said the ministry.

“The statement was also perceived as not representative of the truth, as Bahrain has made numerous steps to improve its human rights record,” it added.

Awadhi informed Tissafi that the security and stability of Bahrain is an integral part of the security and stability of the UAE, saying “such statements give a pretext for committing destructive and terrorist acts.”

He added that the UAE is looking forward for Switzerland to review its position on this issue.

UAE’s move came after Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani expressed disapproval of GCC countries on the contents of the Swiss statement to the Human Rights Council.

“GCC states categorically reject the allegations made by the Swiss representative, ignoring the efforts made by the Kingdom of Bahrain for the protection and promotion of human rights in the Kingdom,” said Zayani.

He stressed that “Bahrain has made remarkable efforts for the maintenance and protection of human rights in accordance with international standards, and in line with national laws in force.”

Zayani expressed hope that the Swiss government reviews its position on this issue.