“We have a very stringent policy to check the sales of arms contracts to the Middle East allies and many licences have been revoked this year following the information that British arms have allegedly been used against the pro-democracy activists. Since the popular Arab Spring early this year, we have restricted arms export and take into account the internal repressions, being committed by any country, prior to issuing arms sales permits,” Minister Alistair explained.
The Minister, who was joined by the UK Ambassador Iain Lindsay, said the British Government had welcomed the Government of Bahrain’s unprecedented decision to establish an Independent Commission of Inquiry and accept its findings.
During his two days visit the Minister will discuss recent developments, in particular the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, and how the UK can work with Bahrain across a range of issues, from supporting implementation of the BICI recommendations to increasing trade relations.
The UK, he said, is ready to help the Bahraini Government including transfer of expertise in Judicial, Policy and Security enforcement areas through a mutual co-operation.
“The BICI report has set a new benchmark in the Arab World and opposition parties should be a part of the reforms spelled out in the recommendations of the Commission report,” he said.
The British Ambassador in Bahrain Iain Lindsay said the UK wants to see justice was served against police officers through the public prosecution in a transparent manner.
The Ambassador was referring to cases already referred to the Public Prosecution by the Interior Ministry against those officers who allegedly used excessive force including killings, and tortures against political detainees.
“We also want see a fair treatment to the fired workers and demands reinstatement of such Bahrainis according to the local laws,” the Ambassador said.
Talking about Syria, the Minister maintained that the UK would continue to seek pressure building against a regime responsible for killing of thousands of its own citizens. “UK along with the global community facing difficulties in adoption of a UN resolution on Syria due to support to Bashar Al Assad regime by Russia and China and we demand tougher sanctions against the repressive regime and further isolation in the days and weeks of ahead,” he explained.
During his stay, the Minister will also meet number of senior members of the Government and host a series of round tables discussions with representatives from businesses, the media and civil society. He will also meet members of the British community living and working in Bahrain.
“My visit to Bahrain is an opportunity to build on His Majesty King Hamad’s visit to the UK earlier this week. I look forward to discussing the steps it has taken so far, making clear the importance of swiftly implementing the report’s recommendations, and finding ways that the British Government can provide practical assistance. I urge all groups in Bahrain, in particular the opposition, to engage fully to seize this moment for reconciliation and broader reform. As Bahrain looks to the future the UK will continue to stand with it as a close friend and ally,” the Minister said.