29th July 2013

BAHRAIN MEDIA ROUNDUP

Bahrain struggles to get economy back on track
Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) is a striking landmark built on seafront reclaimed from the Gulf - two elegant towers in the capital, Manama, that leap into the sky, green clad and shimmering in the heat. Bahrain Financial Harbour commands the Manama skyline The Financial Harbour was supposed to kick-start a bid to locate Bahrain as a key hub for the multi-billion dollar regional banking industry. The project, begun in 2004 and completed ve years later, was controversial from the beginning. It was built at a cost of $1.5bn (980m) on land that the Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa had allegedly acquired for 1 Bahraini dinar. Sheikh Khalifa is the world's longest serving prime minister. Unelected, he has been in place since 1971. Read More implementation", the ofcial BNA news agency said.

Bahrain king endorses 'anti-terror' powers

Bahrain's King Hamad ordered the government on Monday to implement a parliamentary call for tough measures against what the authorities are calling an upsurge in "terrorism" linked to Shiite-led protests. The monarch forwarded to the government recommendations adopted on Sunday by parliament, ordering their "quick

The loyalist-dominated parliament, which is boycotted by the Shiite opposition, gave authorities powers to revoke the citizenship of anyone "recognised as guilty of committing or inciting an act of terrorism". At an extraordinary session requested by the king during a parliamentary recess, MPs also recommended "a ban on gatherings and rallies" in the capital Manama. Read More tiny kingdom's capital, Manama.

Crown Prince praises parliaments terror action

A series of recommendations by Bahrains parliament for tougher legal action against those who incite or carry out acts of terror drew mostly praise among the countrys leaders and several political formations. This step by the parliament is highly responsible and we look forward to seeing the recommendations implemented through close cooperation between the

legislative and executive branches to protect society from acts of terror, Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa said. We do reiterate our full commitment to implement the directives of His Majesty the King to deal with all current national issues and to overcome challenges and obstacles at all levels. Bahrain needs the efforts of all its men and women to tackle present and future challenges and to boost the progress of the national through constructive dialogue aiming to achieve reforms and progress, he said. Read More

Bahrain enacts stiff laws against 'terrorism' before opposition protests

Lawmakers in Bahrain have passed tough new laws for "terrorism acts" ahead of massive protests planned by the opposition next month. The National Assembly, in a session Sunday, approved new penalties for those who commit or incite "terrorism," including stripping Bahrainis of citizenship. Legislators also banned any demonstrations in the

The anti-government opposition bloc has called for mass protests on August 14. According to BNA, Bahrain's National Institution for Human Rights praised the efforts "to protect the Kingdom's gains and future generations and (face) the recent dangerous escalation that aim at pushing the country to unrest and political tension, which is contrary to the Islamic values and international norms, conventions and treaties." Read More