Ruler of Bahrain calls for convening Arab summit

Ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Issa Bin Salman al-Khaleifa has called for convening an Arab summit, noting that it is ripe time for an Arab meeting that can restore inter-Arab solidarity.

The Gulf News Agency reported that Sheikh Issa stressed in a speech he addressed on Wednesday to Bahraini citizens on the occasion of the Bahrain's national day the need for a forum in whcih, "Arab brothers will meet to achieve national detente and to open a new page of joint Arab work based on frankness and open dialogue."

He added that his country could consolidate security stability under the rule of law and order and that his country is working to build an economic base on diversified income sources within an integrated development plan based on various economic activities, especially non-oil ones.

He praised the results of the Gulf Cooperation Council summit recently held in the United Arab Emirates.

Commemorating Bahrain's National Day, Sheikh Issa issued a pardon to several prisoners.