Bahrain is committed to protecting civil liberties and freedom of expression, HRH Premier Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said.

He stressed that these are guaranteed under the kingdom’s constitution and the National Action Charter.

He made the comments as he received at Gudaibiya Palace a delegation from the EU Parliament and the British House of Lords.

“Respect of human rights is a key pillar of the government’s policies,” he said.

He also affirmed the government's effort to protect rights of all citizens and expatriates and ensure decent living conditions for them.

HRH the Premier briefed the delegation on the recent events and how the government addressed them as part of its keenness to maintain security and stability and ensure people live in harmony.

He highlighted transparency and probity which marked the parliamentary and municipal elections, pointing out active participation of citizens in the decision-making process.

'This is evidence that popular will is the source of power in the kingdom. Bahrain's fledgling democracy is getting stronger and more mature,' he said, referring to His Majesty King Hamad's initiative to launch the National Dialogue.

He also spoke about the Royal Independent Fact-finding Mission and said, 'His Majesty's initiatives prove Bahrain's transparency in the international community and its civilised ways.

'Bahrain is open to the world,' he said, stressing its keenness to be an active player regionally and internationally by co-operating with all countries to benefit from global expertise in all fields.

HRH the Premier also highlighted EU-Bahrain parliamentary relations and said the kingdom's legislative strides aimed to anchor democracy and popular participation.

The delegation hailed HRH the Premier, Bahrain's effort towards more achievements, democratic strides, laws as well as commitment to international human rights criteria and decent living conditions. – TradeArabia News Service