Alwasat (Translation) 11th April 2012 |
I. Headlines:
· HM the King: “the visit to Japan will usher in a new phase of bilateral relations.”
· First ever Constitutional Amendments endorsed by Parliament yesterday.
· A Japanese plan to build a Scientific Establishment in Bahrain.
· American, British, German and Islamic-Arab condemnations to the Eker Blast.
II. Political:
First ever Constitutional Amendments endorsed by Parliament yesterday.
Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Dhahrani, chairman of the House of Representatives, chaired yesterday the 4th Special Session of the Parliament devoted to the constitutional amendments. The Representatives Council has endorsed a draft law on amending 21 articles of the Kingdom’s Constitution and its explanatory memo attached to Royal Decree No. (12) of 2012. Following the vote, Justice and Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali delivered a statement in which he described the approval of the amendments as “a historic moment in the kingdom’s democratic march,” praising MPs’ willingness to enhance democratic action in Bahrain.
American, British, German and Islamic-Arab condemnations to the Eker Blast.
The Ambassadors of different Western and Islamic and Arab corps here in Bahrain have yesterday issued statements condemning the bomb attack in Eker last Monday night. They expressed their sympathy with those injured Policemen and their families. The American and British Embassies however expressed their deep concern at continuing violence on the streets in Bahrain and advised to put more efforts towards the political dialogue, reform and reconciliation which all recognize are needed in Bahrain. In a statement also, The Islamic Arabic Council in Lebanon condemned the terrorist blast that occurred in Al-Akr village and resulted in the injury of seven policemen.
MOFA briefs Diplomatic Corps on Bahrain blast.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Undersecretary Ambassador Abdullah Abdulatif Abdullah has yesterday met with ambassadors from Arab and foreign countries. The undersecretary briefed the ambassadors on the latest developments in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the terrorist explosion that occurred on Monday in Al-Eker Village that resulted in the injury of seven policemen three of which were serious.
III. Economic, Trade, Business:
HM the King: “the visit to Japan will usher in a new phase of bilateral relations.”
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa yesterday hailed strong bilateral relations bonding Bahrain and Japan in all fields in particular the economic and trade ones. He pointed out that his historic visit would bolster economic and trade cooperation and boost investments. “This landmark visit will usher in a new phase of bilateral relations as both countries strive to ensure their peoples further progress and prosperity”, he told the Japanese leading daily.
CAA Data shows improvement in the passengers and aircraft traffic at the Airport.
Recent official data, released yesterday from the “Civil Aviation Affairs” in the Kingdom of Bahrain, have shown positive improvement and growth in the passengers and aircraft traffic at Bahrain International Airport in January / February 2012. The data showed that there is increase to 3% after Bahrain has lost more than one million of passengers last year 2011, and that’s due to the unfortunate events of the political unrest hit the country last year.
Kanoo Travel signs Middle East-wide deal with Sabre.
Sabre Travel Network Middle East (Sabre or STNME), a global technology company serving travel suppliers and agencies, has signed a multi-year deal with Bahrain-headquarter Kanoo Travel (Kanoo), the largest American Express franchise holder in the world. As a part of this Middle East-wide agreement, Kanoo will continue to use Sabre as their primary Global Distribution System (GDS). Kanoo will also implement Sabre Red Workspace, Sabre’s end-to-end total travel solution across the agency’s branches in the region, including Egypt. Sabre Red’s portfolio of products will help Kanoo vastly improve customer service and increase its operational efficiency. Poised for regional expansion, Kanoo chose Sabre after much deliberation and painstaking negotiations.
IV. Social, Culture, Tourism:
A Japanese plan to build a Scientific Establishment in Bahrain.
His Majesty the King, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda held official talks, in the presence of the two countries’ delegations. On arrival at the headquarters of the Japanese Cabinet, HM the King was welcomed by the Japanese Premier. The two sides discussed cooperation in many fields among them was the Scientific, Educational and technological ones. During talks the two sides reviewed a Japanese plan to build Scientific Establishment in Bahrain in order to provide scientific and technological programmes and train Bahrainis on ways of availing of modern technology.
V. Other News:
HRH Premier Receives US Ambassador
His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received at his court yesterday the US Ambassador to Bahrain Thomas Krajesky who expressed his country’s strong condemnation of the heinous blast that targeted security personnel in Al Ekr Village. During the meeting, HRH Premier expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the US Ambassador for his country’s positive stances.
VI. Photo of the Day:
*HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa attends a banquet in Tokyo hosted by the Japanese Premier in honour of HM the King and his accompanied delegation during a visit to Japan.
Issued by:
Embassy of Malaysia
MANAMA,
11th April 2012.