Bahrain's defense minister stresses his country's refusal to use its lands for striking Iraq
Bahrain-UK, Politics, 2/11/1999

Bahrain's defense minister and deputy commander in chief of the Bahraini Army, Sheikh Khaleifa Bin Ahmad al-Khaleifa, has said that his country opposes striking Iraq or changing its current government.

He asserted that, "Bahrain did not and will not allow the use of its lands or skies to achieve these objectives."

In a statement he made on Wednesday in Manama following his meeting with British Defense Minister George Robertson, Sheikh Khaleifa Bin Ahmad Khaleifa reiterated that, "Bahrain condemns international aggressions in all its forms, regardless of its reasons and motives, because it constitutes a danger threatening all humanity and in contradiction with doctrines of Islam which regrets violence and terrorism and calls for tolerance, integration, security and peace."

Sheikh Khaleifa has called upon "certain countries" to reconsider their policies concerning people given sanctuary in cases of terrorists. He asserted the need for collective international efforts to eliminate this phenomenon. He asked these countries not to give sanctuary to extremist groups or terrorists in using their territories to practice activities threatening the security and safety of other countries.

On Wednesday, Bahraini Emir Sheikh Issa Bin Salman, Prime Minister Sheikh Khaleifa Bin Salman al-Khaleifa and Crown Prince Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa discussed with Robertson the latest developments and current conditions in the region and on the Arab and international arenas as well as issues of mutual concern.

The ruler of Bahrain stressed his country's desire to strengthen security in the Arab Gulf region. He highlighted the role played by Britain in maintaining the region's security and stability.

For his part, British defense minister stressed cooperation with Britain especially in military training.

Previous Stories:
  Saudi-British military talks in Riyadh   (2/10/1999)
  Britain's Robertson in Kuwait after Qatar, determined to contain Iraq   (2/9/1999)
  Bahrain PM meets with British PM   (1/6/1999)

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