I. Headlines:
· During the UPR Bahrain 2012: Representatives from several developed countries rain the Gov. of Bahrain with a barrage of harsh criticism.
· Deputy of HM and the Premier: “regional international challenges make from the union immunity.”
· Bahrain continues upgrading its refining, exploratory capacity.
· Prince Salman meets cross section of society at his Majlis.
II. Political:
During the UPR Bahrain 2012: Representatives from several developed countries rain the Gov. of Bahrain with a barrage of harsh criticism.
The representatives of various Member States of the Human Rights Council in the UN have yesterday rained the Government of Bahrain with a barrage of harsh criticism concerning the human rights violations which have started and escalated since the beginning of last year, and its repercussions continued without serious treatment until this day, according to them. During the Universal Periodic Review held in Geneva to discuss the file of HR in Bahrain, most countries have shown their deep concern to, what they called, the widespread culture of impunity and serious lack of accountability for officials in Bahrain. Criticism was poured mainly from these countries’ representatives: the U.S and the U.K, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan, Korea, the Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Latvia, Sweden, Australia, Norway, Denmark, Spain, Mexico and other countries.
Deputy of HM and the Premier: “regional international challenges make from the union immunity.”
Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain and Deputy of HM the King paid a visit yesterday to HRH the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. During the meeting, both emphasised the importance of expediting the launch of the Gulf union to confront political, economic and security challenges facing the region and meet the aspirations of the GCC people. They pointed out the common responsibilities and duties that should be shouldered by all Bahrainis voicing confidence in citizens’ awareness and their ability to protect the tightly-knit social texture and protect it from extremism and sectarianism.
Stop anti-Bahrain drive, Arab League tells Iran.
The Arab League called on Tehran on Monday to halt what it described as a media campaign against Bahrain over a proposal for political and military union between Gulf States. “The Iranian government must stop its media escalation campaign and provocative statements from Iranian officials regarding the situation in Bahrain,” Arab League Secretary General Nabeel Al-Araby said in a statement. “Any union steps between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are a sovereign issue of the two states and other Gulf countries and no other country has the right to interfere in it,” he affirmed.
III. Economic, Trade, Business:
Bahrain continues upgrading its refining, exploratory capacity.
Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa patronized the 8th edition of the Middle East Refining and Petrochemicals Conference and Exhibition known as Middle East Petrotech 2012, stressed the need of ongoing expansion of refining and petrochemical industry in Bahrain by conducting more excavation and exploration operations in different areas. His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa delegated Shaikh Khalid to in to open the event being held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIEC). Deputy Premier said the move is in line with the government’s programmes aimed at boosting investments in the energy field so as to cater to growing demands for power.
IV. Social, Culture, Tourism:
Prince Salman meets cross section of society at his Majlis.
Deputy King HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the Crown Prince, received at his weekly Majlis in Riffa Palace, members of the Ruling Family and senior officials, ministers, dignitaries, Shura Councilors, MPs, Municipal councilors, clerics, leading business and social figures, academicians, national and Arab journalists, diplomats and prominent ladies. They paid tribute to HRH the Prince for hosting the weekly Majlis, following in the steps of His Majesty King Hamad and his forefathers. They also lauded the diversity of the Majlis, which reflects the identity of the one-family Bahraini society under the wise leadership of HM the King.
Over 1000 attends US National Day reception.
Over 1000 guests, ministers, head of diplomatic missions and people from all walks attended the reception hosted by US Ambassador Thomas Krajeski marking the 236th United States National Day at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa. The US Ambassador expressed deep thanks and appreciation to all attendance, in particular HRH the Premier who was represented by Minister of State for Follow-up Affairs Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Mutawa. The Ambassador showed his keenness on promoting bilateral relations and bolster cooperation.
V. Photo of the Day:
* Deputy Premier Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa with Mr and Mrs US Ambassador Thomas Krajeski and US Deputy Head of Mission Stephanie Williams at the US National Day reception at the U.S Embassy in Manama. 21st May 2012, Al-Wasat.
Issued by:
Embassy of Malaysia
MANAMA,
22nd May 2012