Bahrain FM blasts Iran’s ‘evil’ policies

New York : Foreign Affairs Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa yesterday lashed out at the ‘evil’ and ‘destructive’ policies followed by Iran in supporting terrorist organisation and sowing unrest in the region. 

Shaikh Khalid told the United Nations that Iran is wasting people’s resources to feed violence and undermine the region’s security by supporting Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria and the militias in Yemen or the terrorist cells and groups in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq as well as in other countries. 

Speaking on behalf of Bahrain at the 72nd UN General Assembly, the Minister affirmed that “establishing normal ties with Iran is subject to the latter dropping its hegemonic, sectarian, and ideological policies”.

Calling on Iran to end its occupation of the three Emirati islands (Greater Tunb, Smaller Tunb and Abu Mus), the Minister said: “Iran must abide by the principles of good neighbourliness and non-interference in the internal affairs.”

Expressing his support to the US President Donald Trump in this regard, the Minister stressed that the world is “obliged to confront this regime and to stop it from pursuing its policies and its support for terrorism and obliging it to respect its neighbours’ sovereignty”. 

Trump has threatened to bin the nuclear agreement, saying Iran is developing missiles that may be used to deliver a nuclear warhead when the deal’s restrictions are lifted in 2025.

Backs Iraq, Yemen

Shaikh Khalid reaffirmed Bahrain’s support for Iraq in its fight against Daesh. “We reaffirm our constant support for all efforts aimed at restoring peace and security throughout Iraq and preserving its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Referring to the situation in Yemen, the minister said Bahrain firmly support the legitimate government under the leadership of President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi, President of the Republic of Yemen. Shaikh Khalid told the General Assembly that Bahrain is supporting Yemen through its participation in the “Arab Coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen”. 

Syrian crisis 

On the situation in Syria, the Minister urged the international community to exert greater efforts towards protecting civilians and saving their lives by compelling all parties to abide by the cease-fire decision. “The solution should also see the abolition of all terrorist organisations and provide peace and security to all Syrians.” 

The minister, also reaffirmed the General Assembly, Bahrain’s support for the Astana talks and the action of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Staffan de Mistura in this regard. 

The Minister also expressed his concerns on the situation in Libya, Morocco and regarding the plight of Muslims in Myanmar. Deploring the excessive use of force against Rohingya Muslims, the Minister called on the Myanmar Government to assume its responsibilities in protecting the Rohingya Muslims and facilitate their access to all forms of relief and assistance. 

In this regard, the minister pointed out that “terrorism is no longer confined to terrorist organisations that we can confront and eliminate.”

“It has become a tool in the hands of states determined to create crises in other countries in pursuit of their own agenda,” he said adding: “Bahrain remains faithful to its consistent policy of enhancing partnerships with the United Nations and its various bodies and entities in achieving a more stable and prosperous world.