Interior Minister Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa led the Bahraini delegation at the 35^th session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council in Algeria today.

During the meeting he said the region faced ever-increasing forms of organised crimes committed through innovative methods, in addition to the dangerous development of cross-border crimes, especially in an environment that aids the spread of extremism.

He said this made terrorism a common threat to people in various areas in the world.

He also highlighted Iran’s systematic interference in Bahrain’s affairs that has targeted the country’s internal security and stability.

“Today, Iran has become a place of shelter for criminals and fugitives,” said Shaikh Rashid.

“The country breaks all international conventions and norms and has no commitment to the Interpol or its Red Notices.

“It has set itself above the law and offers its land and camps to train terrorists and traffic in weapons and explosives.

“This has been documented based on solid evidence.”

He also detailed how Iran’s interference in Bahrain’s internal affairs took various forms, such as:

• Investments are made to provide cash in Bahrain to promote its power through individuals or organisations, or to give it to those committing terrorist acts.
• The Iranian schools work to promote the Persian culture and lay the groundwork for the youth who believe in the principles of the Khomeini Revolution and the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist (Wilayat al-Faqih) and thus remain loyal to Iran.
• The culture of sectarianism and extremism is spread on the excuse of protecting Shiites against the spirit of nationalism through the control of charity organisations and religious centres (Hawzat). This creates a base of the extremists loyal to the Iranian leadership and includes all sections of society, men and women, politicians, religious scholars, capitalists, professionals, writers and media personalities.

“Iran had wanted to ignite a sectarian crisis but by the grace of God we didn’t give it any opportunity to achieve its dangerous goal though their plots to achieve their aims are long-term ones,” said the minister.

“We have dealt with their interference at various levels through the solidarity and co-operation of all.”

Shaikh Rashid also thanked the council for approving the Arab Security Agreement project, which was submitted by Bahrain.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Shaikh Rashid met with the Saudi Interior Minister and congratulated him for his appointment as the council’s honorary president.

Shaikh Rashid also met with Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, as part of security cooperation between the two countries.

They discussed cooperation to improve police operations as well as issues of common interest.

He also met his Lebanese counterpart Nouhad Machnouk and appreciated the keenness of the two countries to continue to develop cooperation in facing regional and international security challenges, mainly terrorism.

Shaikh Rashid also met with Jordanian Interior Minister Samir Mubaid to discuss security cooperation and Iraqi Interior Minister Qasim al-Araji to discuss security issues of common interest.