Bahraini state minister: The Government is essential in the dialogue

Minister of State for Information Affairs Samira Ibrahim bin Rajab has today rejected any attempt to sideline the state, marginalize official institutions and contravene the law. In a statement issued tonight, she affirmed the status of the government as an essential party alongside other components engaged in the national consensus dialogue. She said that the participants had reached a consensus in the second session on February 13 to consider the government as a key participant in the dialogue. The minister rejected the attempts undertaken by one party to marginalize and exclude other sides by sending one-sided messages, which contravene the issues which have already been endorsed by consensus at the table of dialogue. Referring to the statement issued by the Royal Court ministry, she affirmed that His Majesty is not represented at the table of dialogue, standing equidistant from all parties. The minister underscored the necessity to commit to the constitution and renounce violence, being the cornerstone to ensure democratic development. She rejected the detrimental role of religious platforms in fuelling and inciting the street, warning that this mantra would subvert derail the fledgling democratic process, undermine the civil state and establish a sectarian-based state, "We strongly reject the incitement and direct negative interference of religious platforms and sectarian-tainted and rogue organisations which are operating outside the law", she said. However, she reiterated keenness on conducting a serious national dialogue to meet the ambitions of all parties and honour people's aspirations for further development and progress.