Page 10 - DIVA_1_2013

On the 23 November :ou, the Com- listening to the consensus
mission presented its report of more of society. We cannot just
than 5oo pages which relates the listen to one section of so-
beginning of the event. The last chap- ciety - - we have to take
ter of the report gives twenty-two into account the interests
recommendations and observations of everybody.
to the Government. The report does
criticize the Government for having Q: Bahrain is laiown
used force, but it also criticizes the for its liberty - - re-
opposition for not having accepted the ligious among other
invitation for dialogue and for not sit- issues - - and has
ting at the negotiation table. a small population,
b ut when you see the
When the report was presented, his images on TV you
Majesty the King annorinced that have the impression
we are committed and pledged to thatthewhole counh7
implement all of the recommenda- was on fire. Do the
tions listed in the report without any groups that have been
exception. He started immediately by demonstrating re-
setting up the National Implemen- present a minority of
tation Commission. By :g February the population or the
:oi: all of these recommendations whole population?
should have been implemented.
Bahrain has and still is
As we are a small nation, we would recognized as a very open
like to see our society and our country society, and has been re-
return to normal. His Majesty actually cognized for being a good
mentioned this in a historic speech on place for foreigners to
the :3 November :ou. He said: "We live, to relax, to visit, etc.
do not want, ever again, to see our We have always had this
corintry paralyzed by intimidation and kind of exchange. The demands made The Bahraini economy is very
sabotage. We do not want, ever again, last year do not reflect the opinion strong despite the crisis. Of course,
to hear that our expatriate work-force, of the whole population or even the Bahrain was affected by the crisis, but
which makes such valuable contribu- people's demands. We certainly have gradually the economy is getting back
tions to the development of our na- a mixture of people who have different to normal.
tion, has been repeatedly terrorized opinions of life, so we cannot say that
by racist gangs. We do not want, ever what happened last year reflects the Q: Nowthatwehavetalkedabout
again, to see civilians tried anywhere Bahrainis' demands. your country, can you tell us
else but in the regular courts...". what you would like to achieve
Q: Bahrain was becoming a while you are here in Geneva?
Bahrain feels very sorry about the very important financial centre,
events that happened, but we are a known for its transparency and I would first of all do my best to give
serious and coriscious people, very lack of corruption. 'What has back to Bahrain the same image it

determined to reach our goals and to been the impact of these events previously had as a very advanced

recover and reconsolidate our society. on the economy? country and a good example of de-
We are a monarchy, and we wish to mocracy in the region - - an open
continue our reforms on the right I agree that Bahrain is recognized society. Of course, the human rights
path. However, we cannot overnight in the region as a hub for the ban- issues come at the top of the agenda
become a monarchy like the ones you king and financial sector, simply be- and show again that Bahrain is setting
findin Sweden orthe United Kingdom. cause we liave very strict financial a precedent for the Arab Spring.
We have traditions and we are moving rules and regulations that go back to
step by step to reach this goal by again the ig7os. Q: If I understand correctly,
would it be right to say that you
are using this bad experience to
improve your society.
:4j ,'}
Yes, absolutely. As long as we are able
to encourage all sectors of society
and important elements within the
country - - the Government, civil so-
ciety, the citizens - - to work together
to solve problems andto overcome the
obstacles peacefully. This is the most
important example that can be shown
to the international community to be
shared by all.

18 International