His Majesty King Hamad last night (February 13) called for cohesion and reconciliation between all sections of Bahraini community, while vowing to continue the reforms, development and modernisation drive.

'There is no doubt that everyone is looking to achieve this objective and we are pleased to see the sincere and honest calls from those who are keen on the unification and cohesion of Bahraini society,” he said.

His Majesty King Hamad congratulated citizens on the 11th anniversary of the National Action Charter.

It was the result of a vision of broader popular participation through the elected council, which oversees government action, based on endorsed national values, he said.

'We are pleased to address you today, as always, with an open heart, feelings of compassion and aspiration to work together with you for the benefit and progress of our nation,' His Majesty said.

'We pray for the success of efforts to overcome the phase experienced by our beloved country and to start a new phase of hard and honest work for the benefit of the homeland and the citizens.

'We remain committed to the reforms that we launched a decade ago with the consensus of all the sons and daughters of our loyal people through the unprecedented referendum on the National Action Charter, an auspicious occasion that we celebrate today.

'It marked the launch of a development and modernisation process, which is still moving forward to meet the aspirations of our loyal people in all areas.'

His Majesty King Hamad last night pardoned 291 prisoners after serving part of their jail terms. The gesture, marking the anniversary of the Charter, reflects the King's keenness to provide the pardoned convicts an opportunity to reintegrate into society and participate in the march of nation-building and progress. – TradeArabia News Service