‘Iran aids militants in Bahrain’

Manama : Bahrain has taken several procedures to combat foreign interventions, especially Iranian, into the security and domestic affairs of the Kingdom, stated Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa recently.

This came in the Minister’s reply to queries of MP Mohsen Al Bakri regarding the diplomatic procedures taken against foreign intervention in Bahraini affairs in the past five years, specifically naming Iran.

Shaikh Khalid confirmed in a written reply that Iran has been exploiting extremist individuals in Bahrain, sheltering fugitives who are wanted in the Kingdom and opening military camps to train terrorist groups, in addition to facilitating the smuggling of weapons and explosives into Bahrain.

“We have repeatedly called upon Iran to adhere to the principles of good neighbourliness, respect countries independency and sovereignty, not to interfere in others’ domestic affairs,” the Minister replied.

He added the Kingdom has taken several steps to stop Iranian intervention, in accordance with international pacts, and norms in such cases.

The Minister told the MP that around 20 official procedures were taken against Iran for interfering in Bahraini affairs between March 2011 and December 2015.

More details will be discussed during the House of Representatives’ weekly session on Tuesday in the presence of the Minister.