Bahrain yesterday celebrated the 10th anniversary of the National Action Charter, proud of its fledgling democracy and a decade laden with achievements.

"This great national event is reminiscent of the day on which Bahrainis endorsed the National Action Charter by a sweeping majority," His Majesty King Hamad said, at a ceremony at Sakhir Palace.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander attended.

He paid tribute to citizens who voted on that memorable day and contributed to ensuring the success of the charter.

"The charter has laid the foundations of work in our dear kingdom and embodied our drive to embrace modernism and cope with the contemporary concept of leadership and governance," he said.

He cited the fundamentals endorsed in the charter - the separation of powers, the establishment of viable institutions and the promulgation of rights and duties in a modern state.

"You all played a pioneering role in the achievement," His Majesty said.

The King then presented the Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Bahrain and Proficiency medals.

Celebrations were held across the kingdom to mark the day. Families took to the streets to take part in festivals in Busaiteen in Muharraq, Exhibition Avenue in Hoora, Estiqlal Walkway and the Children and Mothers Welfare Society in Isa Town, the Hunainiya Park in Riffa and Adhari Park.

They hailed the charter which they said paved the way for the country's Constitution and was behind all the developments seen in the past 10 years. - TradeArabia News Service