Bahrain Confirms Committing to Principles of Anti-Terror Countries

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Reuters
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Reuters
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Bahrain Confirms Committing to Principles of Anti-Terror Countries

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Reuters
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Reuters

The King of Bahrain has hailed the efforts of the anti-terror Quartet and the current boycott of countries supporting terrorism headed by Qatar, underscoring the Kingdom vital role in fighting terrorism in the region.

“The Kingdom affirms its adherence to the basic principles declared by the countries calling for the fight against terrorism and uncovering the supporters and funders of terrorism, who adopt political agendas that aim to fabricate crises, divide ranks and threaten the security and stability of the region,” King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said.

The King’s comments came during the opening of the final session of the fourth legislative term at a special ceremony held at the Isa Cultural Center premises in Juffair.

Deputy Prime Ministers, Bahrain Defense Force(BDF) Commander-in-Chief Field Marshall Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, ministers, senior officers of the BDF, Interior Ministry and National Guard, Members of Parliament and Shura Council, Ambassadors and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The King mentioned the headlines of Bahrain’s internal and foreign policy as he stressed the reform requirements and development in light of this changeable world.

“The requirements of reform and development in our changing world, with its opportunities and challenges, call for a clear vision to ensure a smooth development process,” King Hamad said.

“On this level, the Kingdom of Bahrain has been able to meet these requirements, proceeding from our comprehensive national project, from which stems Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and its principles that instill justice, competitiveness, and sustainability to attain leadership in performance and achievement,” King Hamad added.

Praising the efforts paid by the two branches of the Legislative Authority, the House of Representatives and Shura Council, King Hamad highlighted the main legislations passed during the previous three years, serving the people of Bahrain and their interests.

He commended the initiatives of the legislature that aim to boost the level of social stability, especially the Family Law, which came in the “form of a consensus and unified formula, stemming from the provisions of the Islamic Shari'a, and in support of the tremendous attention the Kingdom accords to the status of the Bahraini family in general and women in particular, who deserve all respect.”

It’s a matter of pride that Bahraini women today exceed the traditional stages of empowerment to reach the higher status they now enjoy as they represent a high percentage of the country’s public and private sector employees,” the King said.

In the field of foreign policy, King Hamad stressed that his country will remain, as it has always been known in the Arab world, faithful to its causes, protecting its security and defending its interests.

"It will mobilize all its military, security and diplomatic capabilities to confront any illegal interference and deal with any crises that aim to destabilize its Arab region,” the King added.

"In this regard, we will continue our efforts in support of the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people to establish their independent State, with Jerusalem as its capital, as a prerequisite for the establishment of security and stability in the region.”

In this context, Speaker of the Council of Representatives called upon Qatar to return to the Gulf House and the Arab Ranks and to adhere to the bonds, ties of closeness, religion, history and common destiny and to stay away from the Iranian policies.



Sudanese FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Reject a ‘Libyan Model’ with Formation of Parallel Government

Egyptian Foreign Minister receiving his Sudanese counterpart in Cairo on Sunday (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister receiving his Sudanese counterpart in Cairo on Sunday (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
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Sudanese FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Reject a ‘Libyan Model’ with Formation of Parallel Government

Egyptian Foreign Minister receiving his Sudanese counterpart in Cairo on Sunday (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister receiving his Sudanese counterpart in Cairo on Sunday (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)

Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef Al-Sharif expressed firm opposition to what he described as the “Libyan model” being replicated in Sudan, emphasizing that any moves aimed at forming a parallel government are unacceptable.

He warned that such efforts would “weaken Sudan and complicate efforts to resolve the current crisis.”

Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in internal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), labeled a “rebel militia” by the government. The war has claimed thousands of civilian lives and displaced millions both internally and externally.

In exclusive remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Cairo, Al-Sharif cautioned against the dangers of consultations being held by some political and civil actors to form a “parallel government,” describing such efforts as targeting the division and fragmentation of Sudan.

In recent weeks, Sudanese political forces, including figures from the “Tansiqiyya Taqaddum” coalition, have held discussions in Nairobi, Kenya, to explore the formation of a “peace government,” a move welcomed by the RSF.

The foreign minister described these initiatives as “a new conspiracy against Sudan,” alleging the involvement of external actors motivated by the military’s advances against the RSF. He emphasized Sudan’s reliance on countries that support its unity and stability to thwart these moves and ensure they are not legitimized. Al-Sharif highlighted that Egypt is at the forefront of nations on which Sudan depends in countering these efforts, adding that his country maintains strong relations with key Arab states and international powers, including Russia and China.

During talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdel Aty, the two ministers agreed that attempts to establish a parallel government would complicate Sudan’s internal situation. Al-Sharif praised Egypt’s support for Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and national institutions.

On warnings of famine in Sudan, the official dismissed claims by some international forces about the country facing famine, accusing these actors of trying to pressure the UN Security Council to intervene. He clarified that Sudan is experiencing a “domestic food crisis” but not famine.

Russia recently vetoed a British-sponsored resolution in the Security Council calling for the implementation of the Jeddah humanitarian agreement signed in May 2023. The resolution also proposed creating a regional protection force in coordination with the African Union and international partners to safeguard civilians in Sudan.

The minister linked international focus on the famine narrative to calls for a parallel government, describing these as part of a “unified conspiracy targeting Sudan’s resources and capabilities.”

He criticized the international community’s “weak response” to crimes committed by the RSF against civilians, asserting that the documented violations are sufficient grounds for the International Criminal Court to prosecute RSF leaders.

Sudan has taken legal measures through international organizations such as the UN Security Council and the African Union to classify the RSF as a terrorist group. Al-Sharif also criticized the global community for ignoring Sudan’s crisis while focusing on the war in Gaza. He urged action to restrict the movement of RSF leaders and hold accountable the states providing them refuge.

Regarding the resolution of the ongoing war, Al-Sharif asserted that military resolution is the only viable option at present. He highlighted the army’s progress toward military victory, attributing delays to the RSF’s strategy of using civilians and civilian infrastructure as shields.

The foreign minister insisted that a political solution cannot be pursued while the war continues, arguing that political issues must be left to civilian forces to discuss after a ceasefire is achieved. He emphasized that any lasting resolution must involve a ceasefire followed by the complete disbandment of the RSF, as Sudan cannot tolerate the existence of armed forces parallel to the national military.

On Sudan’s potential reinstatement to the African Union, Al-Sharif stated that restoring the country’s membership requires the formation of a civilian government in line with a constitutional document. He did not rule out the possibility of such a government being formed in the near future. “It is possible,” he said.