person:hamad bin isa al khalifa

  • Bahrain faith group visits Israel amid Jerusalem tensions
    https://apnews.com/bba695f5b71546ba907d78e1b03dd1a0

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An interfaith group from Bahrain is visiting Israel amid turmoil there over U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital, angering some in the island nation who support the Palestinians.

    The group’s trip comes after two U.S.-based rabbis have said that Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa thinks that the longtime boycott of Israel by Arab countries should end.

    While organizers repeatedly described the trip as nonpolitical and unrelated to its government’s policies, the timing comes as Bahrain increasingly looks like the test case for other Gulf Arab nations in seeing what could happen if they recognize #Israel.

    #Bahrein #normalisation

    • Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa denounces the Arab boycott of Israel and allows the subjects of his kingdom in the Gulf to visit Israel freely.

      (...)

      In recent years, Bahrain has begun to slowly externalize its relations with Israel. Khedouri recently met Israeli Transportation and Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz at a conference of the World Jewish Congress, and the two were even seen in public together.

      Meanwhile, most of Bahrain’s pro-Israel activity takes place through the heads of the Jewish community in the United States, in order to stay close to Washington and earn points in the White House. Qatar is also very active in this sphere, as the country is under a Sunni blockade in the Middle East.

      Al-Monitor learned that the government in Bahrain recently contacted high-ranking officials in Israel with the suggestion to institutionalize mutual visits and trade between the two countries.

      #Bahrain #israel #Normalisation

  • Bahrain News Agency | Palestinian President leaves Bahrain
    http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/626660

    Manama, July 20 (BNA) Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas left Bahrain today after a visit during which he met His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and discussed with him the latest developments of the Palestinian issue.

    He was seen off at Bahrain International Airport by Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, ministers, Muharraq Governor, the Palestinian Ambassador to Bahrain and the embassy staff.

  • Bahrain: Parliament Moves to Curtail Basic Rights | Human Rights Watch
    http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/07/31/bahrain-parliament-moves-curtail-basic-rights

    The parliament specifically set out 22 recommendations calling for new restrictions on freedom of expression, and an indefinite ban on all public gatherings in the capital, Manama. It also called for the authorities to revoke the citizenship of Bahrainis who have been convicted of terrorist offenses, and proposed declaring a “state of national safety” in order “to impose civic security and peace.”

    • Manama, July 28. (BNA) – During the extraordinary session held here today in line with Royal Order 33 for this year issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on July 25, members of the National Assembly agreed on the following recommendations:

      1. Issuance of Decree Laws during parliament’s summer recess in order to toughen penalties in the terrorism law and, if necessary, to implement such recommendations, in order to face any event requiring expediting the adoption of measures that brook no delay, and need swift actions to protect national security and stability, in line with Article 38 of the Kingdom’s Constitution.

      2. Revoking the citizenship of those who carry out terrorist crimes and their instigators.

      3. Inflicting tough penalties on those who incite all forms of violence and terrorism.

      4. Inflicting severe punishment on all kinds and forms of violence and terror crimes.

      5. Drying up all sources of terrorist financing.

      6. Banning sit-ins, rallies and gatherings in the capital Manama.

      7. Taking all necessary measures, including the declaration of the State of National Safety, to impose civic security and peace whenever law is violated, the security of the citizens is compromised and private and public property is under threat.

      8. Taking legal actions against some political associations which incite and support acts of violence and terrorism.

      9. Amending Law 58 of 2006 with respect to protection of the community of against terrorist acts so as to inflict punishment on those who instigate and support terrorism.

      10. Granting the security bodies all required and appropriate powers to protect society from terror incidents and prevent spreading them.

      11. Requesting Ambassadors to Bahrain not to interfere in the kingdom’s domestic affairs, in line with International Law and regulations.

      12. Toughening penalties on those who involve children and exploit them in acts of terrorism and vandalism of private or public facilities.

      13. Total commitment to applying all punitive laws related to combating violence and terrorism.

      14. Adherence to a balanced moderate discourse in order to preserve the social fabric of the Bahraini society.

      15. Direct relevant state bodies to activate the necessary legal action against those who use social networks in an illegal way, and toughening penalties against those who use those networks to disseminate false information to foreign sides which plot against the country’s security and stability.

      16. Basic liberties, particularly freedom of opinion, should be affected so as to strike a balance between law enforcement and human rights protection.

      17. Examination of the educational policies of the kingdom and review and change educational curricular in a way that protects society from violence and terrorist actions and improves the behavior of students.

      18. Using the media to shed light on the dangers of terrorism and its negative impacts on national stability and economy.

      19. Backing the loyal efforts of HM the King to encourage national dialogue and push it forward, as serious national dialogue is the best means to resolve all issues and maintain national cohesion.

      20. Those involved in terrorist acts shall not be covered by Royal pardon on crimes.

      21. Devising an integrated national security strategy in order to be able to face all developments and supporting the efforts of those in charge of it and ensuring their protection.

      22. Launching programmes to rehabilitate youths who were exploited in various crimes.

      At the end of the session, the National Assembly decided to submit its recommendations to HM the King.

      http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/573207

  • Bahrain News Agency | HM King Hamad Receives UK Designate Chief of Defence Staff
    http://bna.bh/portal/en/news/565442

    Manama, June 13. (BNA) – His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, received at Safriya Palace today the UK Designate Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nicholas Houghton and his accompanying delegation, currently on a visit to the kingdom.