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Bahrain parties find common ground for long-term stability

MANAMA, September 20, 2014

Bahrain's Crown Prince and First Deputy Premier HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa said political parties had identified five areas of "common ground" including potential parliamentary and judicial reforms, to help increase long-term stability in the Kingdom.

In January, following a year of protracted discussions where the parties were unable to achieve an agreed agenda, His Majesty King Hamad instructed the Crown Prince to overcome existing obstacles and accelerate the resumption of dialogue.

The Crown Prince subsequently conducted a series of meetings with the heads of all major political societies and a number of independent MPs. These meetings outlined a set of key topics from which bilateral talks progressed under the stewardship of the Royal Court Minister.

This series of bi-lateral talks has now resulted in the delivery of a framework consisting of areas of common ground identified during the talks.

Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa presented the five topics to King Hamad as a framework for dialogue intended to increase "long-term stability" in the country, a statement from his court said.

These address major demands including re-defining electoral districts to ensure greater representation; measures to enable parliament to question the actions of ministers, including the prime minister and his deputies; and granting parliament new rights to approve the cabinet. Judicial and security reforms were also part of the package.

Over the past 48 hours, the Crown Prince has conducted a series of meetings with community leaders and key figures to discuss the outcomes of the current phase of National Dialogue, the statement added.

While achieving welcome support, the meetings also saw the call for active participation in the forthcoming general election, reflecting the role and constitutional authority of the National Assembly’s elected representatives in enacting the Dialogue’s major outcomes.

Over a decade ago His Majesty King Hamad initiated a process of wide-ranging political and economic reform, underpinned by the National Action Charter laying down the main principles of Bahrain’s reform programme.

The delivery of the framework today by the Crown Prince, is a continuation of Bahrain’s ongoing political development and reform, advancing individual rights, justice and increasing long-term stability in the Kingdom.

Six opposition groups, including the main al Wefaq organisation representing the Shi'ite community, have been participating in the talks alongside government officials, pro-government associations and several independent lawmakers.-Reuters and agencies




Tags: Bahrain | Crown prince | Crisis |

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