Gulf Daily News: Parties to be part of Bahrain's political life

Bahrain's king, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, urged leaders of Bahrain's political societies during an audience at Al Safriya Palace "to submit their demands to the Shura Council and Parliament for discussion and eventual approval," the Gulf Daily News reported last week.

The king "stressed the need to enhance the political awareness of the people through lectures and symposiums" and that "there was a great need to turn over the page of the past because it was still impeding the march of reforms," Gulf Daily News reported.

The report said "The King warned against administrative and financial corruption, saying it was the worst blight on society. However, he said things were now improving thanks to the rule of the law and increased accountability. In the past, he said wrongdoers could escape with impunity. The King went on to say that the Shura Council and Parliament were now the right forum to address the issue of corruption." adding the king is against "closed door" policies.