Bahrain extends probe into foreign interference
Manama, June 18, 2014
A government probe into foreign interference in Bahrain's affairs has been extended.
The inquiry is underway to see whether individuals and institutions received foreign aid to carry out activities which violate the law, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.
His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday chaired a work meeting to follow up progress of the investigation.
His Majesty King Hamad directed the ministries and government departments to undertake the probe as he chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting last Sunday.
The inquiry was yesterday expanded to include other areas which may serve as cover to interfere in Bahrain's internal affairs.
Scholarships, training programmes and competence-building initiatives provided by foreign think tanks, institutes, centres or foundations for government and non-governmental establishments will also be scrutinised.
HRH the Premier ordered ministries to submit detailed reports which include a thorough political, technical and security assessment of such initiatives.
He also gave instructions to investigate the viability of foreign-funded programmes and scholarships and survey targeted categories.
Stringent regulations will also be enforced to ensure such schemes are not exploited as a cover to interfere in Bahrain's internal affairs.
The Foreign Ministry will be the only authority entitled to receive scholarships granted by foreign establishments. The Education Ministry has also been designated as the sole authority to approve lists of students who will have scholarships to study abroad.
The Supreme Council for Vocational Training has been assigned to scrutinise all training programmes and competence-building schemes to ensure their viability and avoid any irregularities.
"Citizens who are granted scholarships or training opportunities shall inform the relevant government authority about their sources," the Premier said. - TradeArabia News Service
