Bahrain has dealt with the recent unrest in a civilised way and applied the same standards adopted by developed countries, HRH the Premier said yesterday (November 15).

He reaffirmed the country's commitment to freedom of expression and human rights, despite the challenges it confronted.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa made the comment as he received UN secretary-general's special envoy and International Peace Institute president Terje Rod-Larsen.

'No country in the world can ignore disruption of its security, stability and public order,' he said.

He reiterated Bahrain's firm resolve to continue the march of development and reform, without any complacency, building on democratic strides already achieved.

'In Bahrain, the voice of people is heard through elected representatives in parliament, which enjoys prerogatives comparable to developed countries,' he said.

The Premier cited the initiative of His Majesty King Hamad in launching the National Dialogue, pointing out that doors of reform will always remain open.

He described the establishment of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry as an historic precedent reflecting the sincerity of the reform momentum.

He also lauded the crucial role of UN agencies in promoting development issues and launching initiatives. – TradeArabia News Service