The Chairman,
Your Highness and Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
First, I have the pleasure to present many thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Essa Al Khalifa, God save him,
I also would thank His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister,
And His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, the Command in Chief of Bahraini Defence Force for the kind hospitality we have been enjoying, and for hosting the Manama Dialogue for the third successive year, which confirms the kingdom’s continuous attempts for the stability of our region which is still suffering from issues of instability and insecurity.
This summit coincides the GCC Supreme Council twenty-seventh session in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We all agree that the issues of security and stability in the region are the main concern of their majesty and highness, the presidents of the GCC countries.
It is very demanding today, than it has ever been before, to discuss with the countries of both our region and alliances, with more frankness, sincerity and transparency so that we may be able to find solutions for regional issues. The issues discussed last year are still listed on the agenda of the regional countries, and even getting more complicated than before.
Distinguished attendants,
The situation in Iraq, as known by all, is getting worse. Violence and terrorists’ acts are increasing. They are turning to be of sectarian nature and that would lead to a civil war affecting the other countries in the region. On the other hand, the debate among the US political officials concerning reviewing the US policy in Iraq, and the attempts made to find solutions and alternatives to leave Iraq in the current circumstances before it is time for such leaving is against the interest of the Iraqi people; there will be more violence and instability. Furthermore, militias and terrorists groups will seek for filling the security vacancy when the allied forces depart from Iraq before security is established there.
Therefore, as the United States is reviewing their policy in Iraq and thinking of finding solutions, the choice of the withdrawal from Iraq should not be one of the suggested choices. We would rather prefer to see more support for the national interests and the Iraqi government to accelerate efforts of development and reform. Such efforts will, as we in the whole region hope, result in the stability of Iraq.
As we mention the risks of a civil war in Iraq, we have as much concerns about another friend country, which is Lebanon. This country is suffering from internal political conflicts and has become an area of settling political issues among internal and external parties. The absence of cultural dialogue among the Lebanese political parties will make Lebanon face horrible results. We urge all the concerned parties in Lebanon to resort to dialogue and make the future of Lebanon their ultimate goal.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Under the recent attempts of imposing sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran if they continue in their incomplete and non-transparent cooperation with the international community, matters are likely to worsen. As we emphasize that Iran has all the right to use nuclear technology for civilian peaceful purposes, we also emphasize that Iran has to deal with the International Atomic Energy Agency with transparency in order that the regional and international countries trust the Iranian nuclear intentions.
Kuwait has the right to be worried about the Iranian nuclear plants as Bushahr Plant is nearer Iran than any other major Iranian city. In case a nuclear calamity or leakage occurs from such plants, Kuwait will be the first country to be affected with the worst effects.
Therefore, we ask the Iranians to take actual steps for building confidence with the regional and the international countries through dealing transparently with the international community concerning their nuclear file.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In view of the aforementioned, and as factors of instability are increasing, we should not forget the issue of the first priority, the Palestinian issue. Torture against the Palestinians should stop, and there should be complete compliance with the international resolutions. At the same time, we hope that the different Palestinian groups be unified and settle all the disputes among them in order to form a consolidated national government that encompass all the political Palestinian groups. We urge everybody to offer all types of support for the Palestinian people who are suffering from the worst forms of injustice and poverty.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I should mention terrorism and its danger against all the countries. The international community is required to have more cooperation to stamp out all the onsets of terrorism. Cooperation among security apparatuses through exchanging information of the terrorists’ organizations and their movements is very vital.
Finally,
I would emphasize that in order to be able to understand the factors and causes of political insecurity and instability that our region suffers from, this region should be viewed with reality and impartiality. Then, it would be possible to find suitable and ideal solutions to establish pillars of security and stability in our region. This will certainly benefit the whole world as this region has always played a key role in the global economic development.
At last,
I once more time present many thanks and appreciation to His Majesty, the King of Bahrain, Shaikh Hamad bin Essa Al Khalifa, God save him, for the kind and generous hospitality.
I would also thank Dr. John Chipman and the staff of the IISS who have exerted every effort in organizing this summit to make it a success. Such summit is key point for gathering the countries of the region with every party that has contribution to security and stability of our region with the purpose of addressing the issues friendly and openly.
Thank you.
