Iran must stop interfering in ME affairs : UK Minister

Manama : The United Kingdom will continue to provide support to Bahrain’s ambitious reform programme, with particular focus on strengthening human rights and the rule of law, said Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Tobias Ellwood yesterday.

“This year marks 200 years of the bilateral relationship between the UK and Bahrain. The two countries continue to enjoy the warmth of a long-standing friendship,” Ellwood remarked during a press conference here on the sidelines of the seventh meeting of the Bahraini-British Joint Working Group. “I am pleased to see that UK expertise is continuing to help to make a real difference.” 

Ellwood stressed the need to unifying international efforts to stand against extremism and terrorism. He noted Daash effect on the Middle East and the world countries. 

He urged Iran to halt interference in the internal affairs of the region’s countries, which causes unstable internal situations as in Bahrain for instance. He said Hezbollah is part of the Lebanese government which needs reconciling with the other parties of the government and not to re-form its military wing to implement Iranian orders.

Earlier, the meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary, Ambassador Dr Abdullah Abdullatif Abdullah, and Tobias Ellwood.

The UK-Bahrain Joint Working Group was established in March 2013. It is a forum for discussing issues of mutual interest across the bilateral relationship, including regional and trade issues, with a focus on reform and human rights.

The meeting discussed a wide range of issues including co-operation on key trade and investment opportunities, recent political and security developments within the Middle East, and co-operation and assistance on defence, security and counter-terrorism.

It also discussed progress on the Kingdom of Bahrain’s reform programme and the implementation of the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review. 

Ellwood added that the UK remains committed to providing support and practical assistance to Bahrain’s reform programme. This will include continuing to build the capacity of the Ombudsman’s Office and the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission, working with the Special Investigation Unit and the Public Prosecution Department to establish Victims and Witness Support Units, assisting the Government of Bahrain to move towards an independent Prison Service, engagement with the judiciary, support to the reform of juvenile justice, technical assistance to court administration and civil service capacity building.

UK Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain Simon Martin; Head of the Public Security Chief Major General Tariq Hassan; and officials from Ministries of two countries were present.