Bahrain's leading businessmen yesterday froze councils set up with Iran, Iraq and Lebanon in retaliation against interference in Bahrain's internal affairs.

"The panels won't be reactivated unless these countries reconsider their hostile stance," Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) said in statement.

A BCCI board meeting chaired by Dr Essam Fakhro took the decision, slamming continuing hostile statements made by senior Iranian, Iraqi and Lebanese leaders against Bahrain.

"We can't accept or keep silent about these provocative statements, as they contravene the principles of good neighbourliness and political relations," the chamber said.

It rapped hostile media campaigns orchestrated by Iran and Iraq and the way Tehran and Baghdad addressed the crisis in Bahrain.

It also slammed dubious diplomatic activities targeting Bahrain and other GCC countries, ignoring historic relations and their common destiny.

The chamber pointed to the dubious nature of certain Lebanese parties, which sought to fuel sectarian strife, drive wedges and sow chaos in Bahrain.

"These Lebanese parties were intent on fuelling sectarian sedition and inciting unrest and acts of sabotage by any means, particularly satellite TV channels," the statement said.

It condemned interference in Bahrain's internal affairs, which flouts international covenants, the charters of the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Conference.

"The BCCI and the nation's business community can never tolerate any defamation of Bahrain and its wise leadership and loyal people," the statement said. - TradeArabia News Service