'2011 coup attempt will not affect Bahrain's political future'

Manama : All those involved in the 2011 coup bid will not take part in the political future of the Kingdom, said Interior Minister Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. 

“Anyone who conspired to overthrow the government or to carry out a coup is not in a position to be part of upcoming Bahraini politics or our country’s political future,” stressed Shaikh Rashid during an open meeting held at the Public Security Officer’s Club in Gudaibiya yesterday.

“We have put a difficult phase behind us, and now face a significantly more stable environment with fewer surprises. However, as law enforcement officials, we always keep an eye out for emerging challenges,” he remarked.

“The main cause behind the security disturbances in the country is the factional political activity from some parties that tried to dominate by pretending to fulfil the demands of people,” the Minister told the audience comprising dignitaries and notable figures of the Bahraini community. 

Economic progress on right track

Shaikh Rashid also noted the milestone accomplishments attained in the fields of economic development, attributing it to the efforts of Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

While reviewing a few statistics indicating the progress achieved in reviving the economy since 2011, the Minister underlined the success of the First Government Forum 2016, which was held two weeks ago.

“As mentioned by the Crown Prince, growth indications in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the increase in the number of hotel stays, the issuance of visas and establishment licences as well as Commercial Registers, clearly reflect economic growth since 2011.  His speech reinforced confidence in the government’s performance and indicated strong economic growth for the future,” Shaikh Rashid explained.

Commenting on public security, the Minister highlighted that crime rates had noticeably dropped recently. 

He mentioned that theft cases decreased by 2,000 cases between 2008 and 2014. Shaikh Rashid added that similar wilting rates were recorded in regards to other felonies, such as narcotics and fraud cases.

“There is a direct relation between economic development and security.  One can say that security is the umbrella of development and prosperity,” he commented.