Foreign aid for 'training' probe launched in Bahrain
Manama, June 16, 2014
An inquiry was yesterday launched into individuals and institutions who might have received foreign aid for "training" in Bahrain.
His Majesty King Hamad directed ministries to start the probe into receipt of money from foreign sources in violation of national laws, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.
It may have been used to interfere in Bahrain's internal affairs.
Chairing the weekly Cabinet meeting at Sakhir Palace, His Majesty gave orders to submit a report in this regard for legal action to be taken.
Recipients of foreign money will be held accountable to avert the recurrence of such violations.
His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, attended.
Based on the royal directives, the Premier instructed all ministries and government departments to submit results of their inquiries within a month to the Cabinet. It will then be referred to the King.
The move comes in the wake of the publication of documents and reports which revealed the controversial interference of international institutions, organisations and think-tanks in Bahrain's internal affairs, under cover of training programmes.
The Premier outlined the government's strategy to protect the kingdom's sovereignty and stave off any interference in its internal affairs under any pretexts or practices.
Addressing the session, His Majesty said Bahrain has managed to overcome the crisis and embark on wide-ranging development. He paid tribute to loyal Bahraini people who refused to put their destiny in the hands of those who are preying on the homeland and the whole region.
The King emphasised that Bahrain will remain strong and secure and is on the right track to develop further.
The current developments unfolding in Iraq were also high on the Cabinet's agenda.
The King expressed hope that Iraq and its people regain their security and stability without any foreign interference. - TradeArabia News Service
