Let's have victory for all

HIS Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, has expressed confidence in the chances of Bahrain reaching a political settlement, despite some government opponents setting out a list of preconditions prior to talks.

In his first interview on national TV since he interrupted a show on February 18, he called for calm, striking a solemn, but optimistic tone.

Sunday's interview came after two weeks of discussions with political societies, community leaders and leaders and representatives of GCC nations and key allies.

In response to a question regarding a list of demands put forward by some political societies, HRH Prince Salman made it clear that no one party, or grouping, should dictate the terms of the national dialogue, he said: "No party should define the scope or purpose of the dialogue before we even start.

"It is important, very important, that we talk about these issues. We have no problem talking about these issues and discussing them in depth. The popular will today is, as everybody can see, stronger than everything else.

"My goal is that through the dialogue, we can create this culture, this respect for principle as the basis for change and continuous development within His Majesty the King's reform programme."

Going further, the Crown Prince made it clear that the dialogue would bring real change to Bahrain, adding: "I can assure you that Bahrain will not go back to its former state because the one thing that is certain in life is change."

While avoiding specifics before the dialogue has begun, the Crown Prince went on to estimate that, through the submissions he has received, that 70 to 80 per cent consensus had already been achieved. He said: "Around 70 to 80 per cent of the demands are shared by all the people. Everybody wants better services. Everybody wants dignity. Everybody wants to be heard. Everybody wants accountability."

Addressing the issue of the timescale for the dialogue, he explained: "It may take us a long time. Some people talk about three weeks or two weeks or one month or two months. In whatever case, let our outcome be a situation that is better than our current one.

"Let us tell ourselves first that our country is more significant than the narrow viewpoints claiming we are ready to take our country into turmoil, vacuum, unrest or any other negative situation.

"We can take the country to a better situation for all. Instead of having winners and losers, let's have victory for all, security and stability for all, and respect for all."

Asked about details of the Gulf Co-operation Council's proposed development programme, the Crown Prince said: "At this point, there is a general blueprint, but we hope that the details will be available in the near future."

On how the money might be spent the Crown Prince made it clear that there would be full transparency in the spending, but that the focus would be on development. He said: "There are several ways to spend the money. But let us say it should be in the service of the citizens, not for consumption."

Commenting on recent announcements including the cabinet reshuffle and the announcement of 20,000 more employees in the Ministry of Interior, the Crown Prince said: "Such initiatives should not be linked to the dialogue. This dialogue will put in place a framework and goals that are much bigger than any immediate policy. Today we are drawing the future of a country. A policy that may be followed today may not be needed tomorrow. Let us try not link the two."

Regarding the issue of the continuing protests, the Crown Prince expressed his continuing support for the right to freedom of assembly and the right for people to live their lives free of obstruction as well as warning against those who wished to sow sectarian violence. He said: "Everyday I seek to further the rights of Bahrainis to public assembly or peaceful rallies. This is enshrined in the Constitution and we must support it. However, these rallies must not infringe upon the freedoms of other people. This is a basic principle.

"I urge all parties not to escalate matters or to slide into sensationalism. Some people do want this to happen, so we have to be fully committed and speak out bravely against it."

Outlining the challenges ahead, the Crown Prince made it clear that while dialogue was difficult, it was the only viable solution: "I hope that everyone will be brave, patient and optimistic and motivated to engage actively in the dialogue."