Bahrain refuses UN presence in National dialogue

The Government of Bahrain has today strongly rejected engaging the United Nations or any other foreign party in the National Consensus Dialogue. Education Minister Dr. Majid bin Ali Al-Nuaimi voiced the Government’s categorical refusal as he attended the seventh session of the National Consensus Dialogue. “The National Consensus Dialogue is a Bahraini internal issue and we refuse any external interference”, said Dr. Al-Nuaimi, who represents the Government at the table of dialogue. The Government underlined the importance of proceeding with the draft agenda, stressing the need to avoid tabling any pre-set conditions at the dialogue session. It also opposed any backtracking on the issues which have already been adopted by consensus during the previous sessions as it would prevent the dialogue process from moving forward. Dr Al-Nuaimi affirmed the Government’s keenness on ensuring the success of the National Consensus dialogue and proceeding with the draft agenda. The session discussed the points which were approved during the first meeting of the working group, which was convened last Sunday. The participants agreed to continue discussing the points featuring on the draft agenda when they convene for their eighth meeting on Sunday. Dr Al-Nuaimi reiterated the status of the Government as an essential part in the National Consensus Dialogue. He pointed out that the Justice Minister had been assigned to submit the outcome of the National Consensus Dialogue to His Majesty the King.