The Arab world is pressing to open a new era in their relations with European countries that will work towards the non-politicisation of human rights.
Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Al Asoomi took part in a meeting in France’s eastern city of Dijon that was attended by senior officials and European interest groups.
“We are discussing a new strategy in our relations with the European countries to support Arab issues, and more importantly end the politicisation of human rights challenges,” said Mr Al Asoomi, who was elected Arab Parliament speaker last year, becoming the first Bahraini to hold the post. The Arab Parliament is a legislative body that includes MPs and Shura Council members from across the Arab League.
“It is important that our new approach with the different nations and the European Parliament is effective and clearly communicated to decision makers, public opinion influencers and businessmen,” he added.
The meeting in France follows Bahrain’s rejection of the European Parliament (EP) resolution on the human rights situation in March, where it expressed its concern of the human rights situation in Bahrain among other false accusations.
The GDN reported that editors-in-chief of Bahrain’s leading Arabic newspapers sent a joint strongly worded letter to the European Parliament president David-Maria Sassoli expressing their ‘disappointment’ over the resolution the institution passed containing ‘absurd accusations’ about the kingdom.
They further condemned the fallacies in the resolution that blatantly ignored wide-ranging facts and realities.
The media men even extended an invitation to Mr Sassoli to send delegates from the European Parliament to learn more about the reality of the Bahraini Press and gain insights into their experiences.
The controversial resolution was condemned by the National Institution of Human Rights urged the European Parliament to communicate with them for hard facts.
GCC secretary general Dr Nayef Al Hajraf said he was shocked the European Parliament resolution ignored all efforts of Bahrain and its achievements to promote and protect human rights.
The GCC rejected the resolution, citing false allegations and fallacies based on dishonest sources seeking to harm Bahrain’s human rights reputation.
Communication
“We want to present the correct and true picture of Arab countries that highlights the ground situation as well as development in several fields,” said Mr Al Asoomi.
“Our plan is to strengthen communication networks by parliamentarians from both sides to portray the right image.”
Also attending the meeting with Mr Al Asoomi was Dijon Mayor Vincent Scattolin, Saudi Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva Abdul Aziz Al Wasel and other key officials.
Mr Al Asoomi said high on the agenda of the meeting was human rights issues and attempts by some regional organisations to politicise them. “We cannot have some regional organisations and parliaments, including the European Parliament, mixing politics with human rights.
“This tool to pressure Arab countries is completely rejected and unfortunately the European Parliament relies on false information as it portrays itself as guardian of human rights situation in the Arab countries.”
Mr Al Asoomi said the ‘blackmailing’ tactic should stop and urged constant dialogue between Arab and European countries with regards to human rights challenges.
“There are several achievements and challenges dealt by Arab nations that are often overlooked by international groups or parliaments, who need to have a balanced approach rather than one-sided.”
The Arab Parliament is the legislative body of the 22-nations Arab League that was formed in 2002. It was based in Damascus, Syria until 2012 but due to the ongoing civil war was moved to Cairo, and is now preparing to move the headquarters of the parliament to Baghdad.
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