Bahrain is resolved to confront all forms of terror, the Prime Minister declared yesterday, calling for concerted efforts to foil attempts to drag the nation into a cauldron of sabotage and terrorism, a report said.

HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa was speaking at a meeting with editors-in-chief of local newspapers, columnists and journalists, according to the report in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

 He underscored the government's keenness to implement the recommendations of the National Assembly - vowing to protect Bahrain and its people from terrorism and prevent destruction, anarchy, instability and displacement which has hit other countries.

"What concerns me is the safety of the nation and its people as well as national security and stability," he said, adding that punishment will be toughened on terrorism and its instigators by enforcing the law decisively.

"Achieving security and protecting the national economy is one of the priorities of the current phase so that Bahrain becomes again an oasis of security and stability. The march of development we aspire for will continue."

The Premier described the National Assembly's recommendations as a popular demand, pledging to exert every possible effort to carry them out. He said steps had already been taken in this regard with the setting up of civil and security committees working for the sake of national safety.

He urged all institutions to condemn the recent explosions.

"We have to work on foiling the dangerous role played by the terror group which is seeking to destroy the nation and its achievements," he said.

He stressed the need to protect security personnel from the dangers they are exposed to, urging businessmen and traders to assume their role in guarding the nation and its economy as well as preserving Bahrain's reputation as a country with a glorious history and civilisation.

He also commended the role of the Press and journalists urging them to boost popular awareness of citizens' role in protecting their homeland.

Akhbar Al Khaleej editor-in-chief Anwar Abdulrahman said the nation is going through a critical phase of history, and "no one but the Premier has the ability to view and discern the actual reality of what is happening and steer the country out of the intricate issues we are facing.

"As I know your Royal Highness, you are a man who has always been able to challenge and overcome adversity. Therefore, in the name of the national Press and on behalf of your people and journalists, I request you to treat this chronic disease eating into the body of Bahraini society this year and not to postpone it for next year."

Delay will only aggravate the situation, he pointed out.

"The nation's trust in your Highness has no limits. The trust of His Majesty the King as well as the legislature in your Highness is overtly declared. The Constitution, the law, the conventions and all of us are with you. May God help you achieve your aims for the prosperity of our dear homeland," he said. – TradeArabia News Service