The security situation is stable in Bahrain despite a few incidents similar to ones that habitually occurred before the February-March unrest, said a senior government official.

"The work of Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) created following a royal decree is important as Bahrain finds itself the victim of an incorrect stereotype," said Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.

"There was a need to set up a neutral body to rectify any misdeeds. The unfortunate incidents left their impact on many citizens. Anyone who abstains from dialogue is mistaken as the dialogue process should be on-going amongst members of one family."

He said the National Dialogue attained unanimity on many issues and new powers had been vested in parliament.

On Iran, Shaikh Khalid said: "Relations are tense because the statements emanating from Iranian authorities could damage the roots of understanding and yield undesirable sensitivities."

He said the Peninsula Shield Forces in Bahrain today are now fewer than before. "There are joint forces in the GCC countries. It does not matter where they are stationed whether in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain or Oman or any other GCC country."

Referring to Syria, he said, "The incidents make our hearts bleed and we wish reforms will be launched so that everybody would reach a solution which leads the country to safety."

He said Bahrain's decision to withdraw its ambassador from Damascus was not a security issue, but "a political token stance following consultations with our brothers in the region".

This, he said, should send the right signal to those who would like to listen since Bahrain is keen on Syria's safety and security.

He hoped the decision would not be misunderstood as a hostile stance but considered a positive move for the sake of Syria's stability and better future.

On Al Jazeera's documentary on Bahrain's incidents, Shaikh Khalid said he considered the film one-sided, narrowly-focused, offensive, unfair and shunned by all Bahrainis but added that communications were made between both countries.

What purpose the film could serve at a time when Bahrain is restoring its national fabric and BICI is still doing its work, he pointed out.

"We're one family and Qatar is a brotherly country. We shall transcend this issue," he said, adding the broadcast was unacceptable to both peoples.

Shaikh Khalid said he was looking forward to seeing Jordan joining GCC gradually in a manner it deemed appropriate and that GCC foreign ministers would initiate measures during their meeting in Riyadh next month. – TradeArabia News Service