Bahrain slams UK, US 'interference'

Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday said the statements of the UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and the US Department of State criticizing the dissolution of the Shiite Al-Wefaq association was a clear case of unacceptable interference. (Courtesy photo)

DUBAI: Bahrain on Monday rejected as “unacceptable interference” US and British criticism of its decision to dissolve the main Shiite Muslim opposition party.
Bahrain said a court’s decision on Sunday to dissolve the Al-Wefaq opposition group, accused of helping foster violence and terrorism, was “just” and “transparent,” state news agency Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
The move against Al-Wefaq was one of several steps taken by the Sunni-led government against its opponents that have drawn international criticism, including revoking the citizenship of the country’s Shiite spiritual leader Ayatollah Isa Qassim.
“Bahrain expresses its deep regret at the statements from the British foreign secretary and US State Department and considers them as unacceptable interference in its internal affairs,” said BNA, citing a statement of the kingdom's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Such statements and positions are unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and in the decisions of the Bahraini judicial process, which provides all necessary standards of justice, fairness, transparency and independence," the ministry statement said.
Close ally Britain expressed deep concern at Sunday’s ruling and a statement by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson urged Bahrain to guarantee political freedoms for all its citizens.
The US State Department said the government’s recent steps to “suppress nonviolent opposition” undermined Bahrain’s and the region’s stability, and strained America’s partnership with its Gulf ally.
Bahrain said it wanted to take into account the interests of its allies and partners to preserve “distinctive and historical relations” with them.
Bahrain’s justice ministry rejected the charges by Bahrain’s four main Shiite Muslim clerics that they were being eliminated. The ministry vowed to keep up measures against what it said those who would try to divide the country on sectarian basis and finances terrorism.
“Everybody must support the measures taken by the state against those who violate the law, incite violence and are linked with forces abroad,” the ministry said in a statement.
The country has been gripped by political tension since 2011, with Shiites complaining of discrimination and demanding reforms that would give them a bigger say in government affairs.
Bahrain denies any discrimination and says a minority inspired by Iran are trying to foment sectarian unrest in the kingdom.