Bahrain yesterday affirmed its ability to address its problems without any foreign interference at a key forum on "Human rights in Bahrain - Achievements and aspirations ... Future Outlook," said a report.

The Bahrain Institute for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) organised the symposium, which was attended by 19 Bahraini political and human rights associations, MPs and Shura Council members, according to the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Chairing the forum, His Majesty's adviser for diplomatic affairs and Derasat board of trustees chairman Dr Mohammed Abdulghaffar stressed Bahrainis' ability to overcome differences and settle their own problems.

He highlighted the importance of the forum as a step to removing obstacles hampering joint work and to cement national unity.

He also said such meetings would promote a joint platform to foster values of co-existence and tolerance.

"His Majesty King Hamad is keen on promoting efforts to heal rifts, cementing national unity and engaging all parties in the reform process," he said, hoping the forum would give a fresh start for all parties to transcend self-interest and work for national aims.

He stressed the need for projects to engage all components of the political spectrum to achieve success and promote democracy in an atmosphere of consensus. He underscored the crucial role of civil society organisations in nation-building efforts.

Dr Abdulghaffar also urged non-governmental organisations, watchdogs and think-tanks to take the initiative and foster civic culture to promote reform process.

Addressing the forum, Minister of State for Human Rights Affairs Dr Salah Ali urged all parties to contribute towards finding home-made solutions without any foreign interference.

Dr Ali stressed the need to build bridges of trust between all Bahrainis to promote a better future for future generations.

He underlined the need to strike a balance between rights and duties, dismissing any contradiction between the rule of the law and human rights.

He hoped Bahrain would soon emerge from the current political polarisation and renounce disagreements. Dr Ali urged gradual democratisation, warning against calls to "burn stages".-TradeArabia News Service