Bahraini information minister: Joint dialogue meetings underway

Consultations and meetings are on to press ahead with the all-inclusive national dialogue regarding political issues, State Minister for Information Affairs Sameera Ibrahim bin Rajab, the government's official Spokesperson said, noting that the Royal Court will update the public about all new things in this respect.
Speaking at the post-cabinet press conference today, she said political stances voiced by some societies directly to the media outside the framework of the ongoing meetings and consultations lack accuracy. She was responding to a question on some political societies' decision to boycott the next parliamentary elections.
Concerning banning the expatriates from driving which is included in the traffic draft law being processed by the legislative power and its compatibility with human rights and equal opportunities criteria, the minister questioned constitutionality of the relevant article, stressing that Bahrain always goes forward in its openness and standards.
On whether a location for the journalists' housing project has been determined, she said there is a final vision on one of the locations being studied. She added as soon as the final procedures are completed regarding that, a joint statement will be released by the three relevant parties on the whole plan for the project.
As for overcrowdedness in Bahrain and the lack of car parks, the minister stressed His Royal Highness the Prime Minister's directives in today's cabinet meeting to provide more car parks in Muharraq, pointing out that that will be carried out according to a strategic plan. As for the rest of the governorates, she pointed out an ambitious scheme that has been carried out since 2000 to rehabilitate Bahrain's infrastructure and alleviate traffic jams on roads.
Concerning a report on Isa Town Popular Suq fire that was discussed in the cabinet meeting today, she said the Interior Ministry will further investigate the reasons behind the second fire. She also added that all needed measures are being taken to avert recurrence of such incidents