Bahraini PM chairs wekly cabinet meeting

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting at the Gudaibiya Palace today, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. After the meeting Dr. Yaser bin Essa Al Naser, Secretary General of the Cabinet, released the following statement: At the outset of the Cabinet meeting, HRH the Prime Minister confirmed that the Government of Bahrain welcomes initiatives that transform dialogue into a strategic process that can resolve all issues in the region, while making it the only tool that can ensure security, peace, and stability, and dedicating it as the sole method for dealing with disparities and political differences between countries, regionally and internationally. The Cabinet stressed that the challenges the GCC countries are facing confirm the necessity and urgency of establishing the GCC Union and inevitably recognize this union as the best strategic option in the face of the threats and risks confronting the Gulf States. In this regard, the Cabinet noted the importance of the Manama Dialogue, currently hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, as a global gathering that establishes the proper environment for influencing international parties to come together in security matters and agree on common understandings that positively reflect peace and global stability. The Cabinet then welcomed the Parliament’s decision to tighten penalties on those who offend His Majesty the King, the Kingdom’s flag, or its national emblem in any public way through an amendment to Provision 214 from the Penal Code issued by Decree Law 15/1976. The Cabinet decided to take the necessary constitutional and legal measures in preparation for submitting it to HM the King for ratification. In the context of the Cabinet’s interest in security and safety programs in public facilities (including educational facilities), the Cabinet reviewed plans made by the Ministry of Education for educational facilities and especially schools. They, then, decided to empower the programs being provided in these facilities that are suitable with the nature of the governorates and their projects, in a way that enhances the security and safety programs. The Cabinet then directed all specialized ministries and government entities to reward, encourage and motivate employees by activating bonuses as a measure of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. The Cabinet stressed these evaluations and rewards be implemented according to the Kingdom’s laws and regulations. The Cabinet then moved to discuss the memorandums listed on its work agenda and made the following decisions: First: The Cabinet adopted a national emergency plan to combat pollution through petrochemicals and other harmful substances. According to this plan, a center will be established that will include a group of experts and whose main mission is coordinating an immediate response to any oil slick or harmful substances, by containing and disposing of them as they happen. The plan also includes hiring companies specialized in cleaning up oil spills and other chemicals that will be ready to respond rapidly when needed, in addition to the purchase and rental of the necessary equipment to respond to such industrial accidents immediately. Second: The Cabinet discussed the role the exhibitions industry plays as one of the pillars of the national economy, noting the results of the Arabian Jewelry Exhibition held under the patronage of HRH the Prime Minister. A memorandum submitted by the Minister of Industry and Commerce noted comparisons between this year’s exhibition and last year’s event, including the volume of sales in this exhibition which reached 11.1 million Bahraini Dinars, representing an increase of 51% in sales compared to last year. Moreover, the Customs revenue collected increased by 37%; the number of visitors this year increased by 29%; and the number of participating companies increased by 9%. Third: The Cabinet instructed all ministries and government entities to cooperate with the organizing committee of the Bahrain Air Show and dedicate all efforts to its successful preparation, in a way that enhances the reputation of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the exhibitions industry in general and specifically aviation exhibition. The Cabinet then took note of a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Transportation on the preparation for the 3rd Bahrain Air Show to be held January 16-18, 2014. Fourth: The Cabinet discussed and referred to the legislative authority a draft law bill that has been composed in response to a suggestion submitted by the House of Representatives on the use of medical technology for artificial insemination and fertilization that also included a memorandum with the Government’s opinion. Fifth: The Cabinet discussed eight suggestions and approved the following seven: (1) a suggestion organizing the best workforce based upon the nature and type of work done by customs employees; (2) a proposal on bonuses related to military custom officers; (3) a suggestion dedicating a website for every school; (4) a provision on neo-natal incubators; (5) a proposal enforcing the status of legal minority in medical procedures for anyone under the age of 18; (6) a suggestion for DNA testing on imported meat and recycled meat products; and (7) a provision for training administrative and educational authorities and students to deal with emergency situations and natural disasters, as well as preventative safety measures. Sixth: The Cabinet took note of the Parliament and Shura Councils approval of Decree Law 29/2011 to amend some provisions of Law 15/1977 to issue development bonds.