“The massive recruitment scheme will benefit job-seekers who meet employment terms”, the Minister said.
The initiative follows directives from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to boost employment in all ministry’s departments out of Royal keenness on people’s safety. “We hope this step will have a positive impact on people’s safety and security”, he said.
Shaikh Rashid was speaking as he met with the chief editors of Bahrain’s local newspapers. He pointed out that the recent security mission was to enforce order rather than cause any bloodshed.
“Our first sublime duty consists in protecting lives”, he said, describing the death toll in the recent regrettable incidents as an unequalled heart-rending loss for the whole nation. He also extended sincere condolences to the bereaved families, praying Allah Almighty to rest the souls of their beloved ones in eternal peace.
He stressed the importance of the national dialogue initiative launched by HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander.
“The national dialogue is the path to achieve political stability and table demands”, he said, describing the initiative as a civilised way that earned international recognition and respect. Pointing out to the critical regional security situation, he urged national interest transcend all consideration. “The importance of the events required us to think seriously to avert such devastating tragedies”, he said. “We are all required today to put the interest of the nation and citizens above all other personal, partisan or sectarian considerations. The national interest must be Bahraini”, he added.
Quoting HM King Hamad, he stressed that all parties would get their dues and rights would be established. He asserted that the probe committee which was established in the wake of the regrettable incidents would assume the duties it has been vested to achieve justice and define responsibilities.
He pointed out the devastating repercussions, which proved detrimental to citizens’ lives, businessmen, traders and even owners of small business and crafts. He described security and stability as essential cornerstone for national economy to develop and prosper, warning that lingering stalemate would only cause economic stagnation and damage all people’s interests. He also appealed to all parties to rise up to their responsibility in assessing extent of the damage caused by ongoing sit-ins and massive protests. He stressed keenness to de-escalate the situation and avoid any clash, despite deliberate attempts to provoke the security forces into confrontation so that other lives would be lost.
He described national security and stability as a collective responsibility engaging all parties. “We did not imagine the recent incidents could ever happen in our motherland”, he said, pointing out that the regrettable incidents were not in line with the security duties or the citizens’ fraternal bonds. He warned against the detrimental impact of the current sectarian polarization on citizens’ fraternal feelings and social bonds. “The recent clashes which erupted represent a dangerous index endangering all citizens, he said, stressing the urgent need to enforce order and containing the situation before spiraling out of control.”We have stepped up security measures in that area round the clock to maintain civil peace and clam down emotions”, he said, warning that excessive emotions and feelings of anger would only fuel acts of violence. “The repercussions of such violence be unknown and would be detrimental to national interests. We all realized the danger of any internecine infighting regardless of motives and devastating impact on our social fabric”, he said, urging wisdom and reason to calm the situation and avert any escalation for national interests not to be disrupted, particularly health and education. “Demands aim essentially to improve services and provide decent housing and rewarding employment”, he said.
He warned that school strikes manipulating students into rallying in the streets would only spark fears among school children and their families, stressed the importance of HRH Prince Salman’s national dialogue initiative to achieve political stability and table demands. Citing his vision for the future, Shaikh Rashid said that he would focus all his efforts on cementing peaceful co-existence so as to allay fears, foster hope and ensure security reigns. He said that he would seek to achieve these goals thought a national programme that ensures people’s dignity and mutual respect.
“We need those writers who bridge the divide, transcend rifts, advocate national unity as much as we need opinions that propose solutions beyond any sectarian polarization”, he said, warning against the danger of being drawn by dubious internal and external instigative calls. “Our dangerous security responsibilities have now become greater than ever amid these events”, he said.