The Cabinet also pledged that the government will carry on its efforts in order to optimize national accomplishments, calling for the need to adhere to the principles and spirit of the National Action Charter through consolidating national unity and preserving the kingdom’s deep-rooted social fabric in order to safeguard national cohesion, security and safety, under the wise leadership of His majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the guarantor of Bahrain’s continuous progress and prosperity.
This came as His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa chaired, at the Gudaibiya Palace, the Cabinet regular weekly meeting.
The Cabinet said that the inauguration of the milestone King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH) by HM King Hamad recently will reinforce the Bahrain’s efforts to upgrade the health services provided for the citizens and enhance complementarities between health institutions, praising the efforts exerted by those in charge of the KHUH, led by State Minister for Defence Affairs Lieutenant-General Doctor Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, to prepare and equip it in record time.
The Cabinet also reiterated the government’s support for all initiatives aiming to enhance national industrial development and bolster GCC industrial cooperation, in light of the positive atmosphere and facilities provided for investors, hailing the endeavours made by the organisers of the Gulf Industry Fair 2012, inaugurated by HRH Premier recently.
Regarding the launch of the function of Manama as Capital of Arab Culture, 2012, under the auspices of HM King Hamad, the Cabinet asserted that the event re-affirms the prestigious cultural and civilizational position enjoyed by the Kingdom across the Arab World and testifies to its capability to continue playing its role as a hub of cultural and civilizational rapprochement.
Then, the Cabinet approved and referred to the Legislative Branch a draft law amending some provisions of Law (26) for the year 2005 regarding political associations, as recommended by the National Consensus Dialogue.
The amendment aims to enhance transparency in political work, especially regarding funding, prevent political associations from engaging in any activity that harms the national economy or fuels sectarian tensions, separate religious platforms from political activities, the financial disclosure laws on the Board Members of those societies and reduce the minimum age of their accession so it to similar to that of political eligibility.
The Cabinet also endorsed and referred to the National Assembly a draft law amending some provisions Decree-by-Law (3) /1982 on Public Security Forces, in line with the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) to adopt procedures requiring the Public Prosecutor to investigate into allegations of torture and all forms of mistreatment or degrading punishment.
Under the amendment, the above crimes will no longer be considered as military crimes, and will be under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Public Prosecution or civil courts.
Another draft amending some provisions of Decree-by-Law (46) for 2002 on criminal procedures was also approved and referred to the Legislature, in order to implement BICI’s recommendations that the same provisions of the decree by law regarding arrest should remain valid even during the state of national safety and that those punished as a result of alleged mistreatment or torture claims should be compensated.
After that, the Cabinet approved ten reports issued by Quality Assurance Authority for Education and Training (QAAET) and its third annual report for 2011.
The Cabinet also reviewed a memo submitted by the Industry and Commerce Minister on the need to support small and medium businesses and requested him to take the necessary actions, in coordination with the concerned sides, in order to solve the problems facing them.
Then, the Cabinet issued instructions to continue attracting investors and called for the need to come up with more procedures that ensure easy issuance of urban licences.
Another decision to establish a National Commission to Combat Chronic Diseases was also endorsed during the session.
The panel, to be chaired by the Health Ministry, will include representatives from representatives from ministries, state departments and NGOs, will have to draft a national plan to combat those diseases.
The Cabinet also discussed the Human Rights and Social Development Ministry’s memo on setting up a High Human Rights Coordinating Committee and referred to the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs to study it.
The Cabinet also endorsed the kingdom’s hosting of the International Congress of Development and Administrative Institutes in 2013.
The Cabinet also approved the Memorandum of Understanding on Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation signed between Bahrain and Georgia and tasked the Finance Minister to take the necessary procedures and sign it on behalf of the Government of Bahrain.