UAE’s Gargash criticizes Iraq for meddling in Bahrain’s internal affairs

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash has criticized the setting up of an office by the Bahraini opposition group, the February 14 movement, known also as Coalition Youth of 14 February Revolution, in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

In a tweet on Saturday, Gargash called Iraq’s move an interference in Bahrain’s internal affairs.

In the tweet, the UAE minister denounced the opening of the office saying this move sets a “serious precedent in interfering in internal affairs. We stand with Bahrain in its rejection of the legitimacy of the Coalition, which sought through violence to undermine its security. The rule of respecting sovereignty and refusing to meddlle in internal affairs is essential” among Arab nations.

Last Monday Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry summoned the deputy charge d’affaires of the embassy of Iraq to denounce a statement by former Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki which Bahrain said is a clear violation and interference in the country’s internal affairs.

Bahrain described Maliki’s statement as “blatant and unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of the country”, state news agency BNA reported.