Bahrain's parliament will continue to play its part in the development of the country, His Majesty King Hamad vowed last night.

He also blamed international media for creating a division among Muslims.

'Despite the reported differences between Arab countries and Iran, we try to reach out to our brothers in the Islamic Republic, to solve the issues,' His Majesty said.

He was speaking as he received, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, and Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, a number of clerics and judges at Al Rawdah Palace.

'I have not ordered the setting up of parliament for it to be dissolved every year or two, but to continue to play its vital role in promoting economic and social reforms.

'The highest honour for any individual is to enter parliament and represent the people,' he said.

The MPs have been given freedom to discuss key issues facing the country and propose laws for the betterment of society, His Majesty said.

'If MPs come up with sound proposals after consultations with committees set up by the government, the leadership will support them to achieve the desired goals.

'We do not have the power to veto proposals, put forward by parliament,' His Majesty said.

'The legislature, executive and judiciary are separate and independent and we respect their independence,' he said.

'We never interfere in the working of the judiciary,' he stressed.-TradeArabia News Service