Praise for Bahrain's reforms drive
Bahrain, Politics, 3/4/2002

Bahrain yesterday pledged a fair government under the coming two-chamber parliament, which will follow the elections in October, Bahrain's Gulf Daily News reported today.

"His Majesty promised that the appointed chamber would complement and not hinder the elected body, said United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson", the paper reported.

"I was emphasising that it would be important that the elected legislative chamber would be the strong deciding chamber, as directly elected by the people," Robinson said.

Robinson said that the king told her that "the second chamber would be selected in a manner that would seek to be representative of all components of Bahrain society that should be included in a legislative council, but may not be represented in the legislative structure...The second chamber, His Majesty emphasised, is to bring in different kinds of expertise and he proposed to have a selection process to encourage this. This will certainly assist in reinforcing democratic legitimacy." Robinson said, Gulf Daily News said.

"I have found the civil societies here vibrant, with different voices and different emphasis. It is a healthy sign," she said adding "I was impressed there was an openness both in being able to discuss these issues with them and represent them to the authorities."

Robinson praised the king for his openness to hold contacts directly with the civil societies, the paper reported.

Previous Stories:
  Congressman Paul Findley to give talk on Israeli lobby in the US   (3/1/2002)
  Prince Moulay Rachid congratulates king of Bahrain   (2/26/2002)
  US to found a central leadership base in Bahrain   (2/19/2002)
  Bahrain dissolves Shoura council to prepare for parliamentary elections   (2/18/2002)

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