Bahraini monarch urges national unity and forgiveness of recent unrest

Bahrain’s King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa called for national unity and dialogue to overcome the recent painful events that marked the start of the year, the state-run BNA reported.

Speaking in a televised address to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the king said he forgives those who criticized him and urged others to do the same.

He said that shunning division within the same nation were “good traditions that must be perpetuated.”

“Your agreements on further reforms are highly appreciated, deeply welcomed and greatly supported,” the Bahraini monarch told his people.

“We do hope that our beloved nation will witness a new stage of outstanding productivity, cohesion and stability as our reforms move forward.”

The Bahraini King proceeded: “Whoever contemplates the recent developments appreciates that the only way out and the ideal manner to resume progress is to achieve unity and shun divisions, as ordered by God, who said: ‘And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided’.”

“The last few months were painful for all of us, and even though we all live in the same country, some have forgotten about the inevitability of co-existence.”

“We must not swerve from our trust and faith in our common future, regardless of the diversity of our sects. Otherwise, we lose our trust in one another as brothers, colleagues and citizens in this beloved country … Our success is in our cordial co-existence with its various cultures but with its definite patriotism and civilization,” said King Hamad.

“Despite our full commitment to achieving security, safety and tranquility for our people, we do not want any prejudice to any of our citizens in their security, freedom, source of income or education, in a way that results in bitterness and that affects their contributions to the nation.”

“Our aspiration is for tolerance and for shunning violence, and not for excessive punishment that affects our unity, cohesion and national co-existence.”

The Bahraini king stressed that that all civil cases will have their final ruling issued in civil courts.

“We would like to emphasize that we do not anticipate putting everyone on trial. There are those who were charged with abusing us and senior officials in Bahrain, and we today announce that we forgive them as we hope that they understand that abusing us and others in fact offends everyone and achieves nothing.”

“There are security men who were martyred while they were on duty for the nation and we are responsible for them and for their families. There are those who got arrested and investigations proved that they were the victims of individual behavior and were ill-treated in custody. This is not tolerated by God and we do not condone it. The state has the responsibility to provide them with the necessary protection so that the law takes its course,” he said.

“The decision to set up the independent fact-finding commission is the best indication of our full commitment to knowing the whole truth and to giving people their rights,” he added.