Bahrain Committed to Progress, Development and Liberties, HRH Prince Salman said

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, today met with UK Defence Secretary, Rt Hon Liam Fox MP, at the UK’s Ministry of Defence.

 After the conclusion of the meeting, the Crown Prince issued the following statement:  “I would like to thank Dr. Fox for his time and for the opportunity to clarify the position of the Bahrain Government regarding recent events and, most importantly, on our plans for the way ahead. “Today marks the final day of the State of National Safety in Bahrain and the military forces have begun their withdrawal from the streets. 

As a nation, we face several challenges ahead as we seek to address issues of concern, while continuing efforts to prevent extremism and sectarianism taking hold in Bahrain. “We are seeking to fairly balance out the need to maintain law and order with the desire for freedoms.  This will require responsible actions on both sides.

  Alongside this, the government will be seeking to address key areas where recent events have shown a need for investigation, accountability and change. “I re-emphasised to the Secretary of State for Defence, that Bahrain is fully committed to the reform programme initiated by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa ten years ago. 

In reiterating this commitment, I also made clear that in Bahrain for this process to be sustainable, the speed of progress must be guided by the ability to achieve consensus. “To this end, His Majesty King Hamad today announced the commencement of National Dialogue in Bahrain at the beginning of July; a process that will involve all sections of society, will be fully inclusive and allow the people of Bahrain to participate in their vision for country’s future-both consolidating and deepening Bahrain’s reform agenda.

“Britain is a highly valued ally of Bahrain and we welcome its continued and ongoing support as Bahrain enters this new chapter of reform.”