Bahrain Mirror: British Ambassador to Bahrain Simon Martin said "we are concerned with the terrorists Bahrain is facing and we took a stance in this regards. This is not limited to Bahrain only, but to the neighboring states as well. We are facing a challenge in security threat and we have to face these challenges together, because terrorism has no friend. We also refuse Iran's threats to Bahrain and Gulf States."

Martin indicated in a press conference, held with the Bahraini newspapers on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at the UK Embassy in Manama, that there is a strong relation between Bahrain and Britain, highlighting that there is around 10 thousands British residents in Bahrain, some of whom are there temporarily and some hold the Bahraini nationality, adding that there are several British people who served Bahrain.

With respect to the Bahraini opposition in Britain, its influence and how Britain would confront it and limit its activism, Martin said "We are concerned with the terrorists Bahrain is facing and we took a stance in this regards. This is not limited to Bahrain only, but to the neighboring states as well. We are facing a challenge in security threat and we have to face these challenges together because terrorism will put an end to everyone."

He added "Gulf security is our security, thus, we have to confront these challenges together because terrorism has no friend. And as for whether we are going to change our dealing with the Bahraini opposition abroad, our policies towards the opposers and political refugees depend on international treaties, conventions and laws."

Martin stressed that he is unaware of the Bahraini opposition agendas in Britain, adding that they may be individual agendas.

Responding to a question whether there is an intention to organize the political asylum operations in Britain after the attack against London, Martin stressed that the attack was carried out by a British citizen who received his studies in British schools, explaining that there is no relation between the attack and the political asylum. He further stated that Britain organizes the political asylum operations in order to limit the threats it faces.

On the level of human rights, Martin stressed that Britain works with several organizations in Bahrain and there was a demand from the kingdom of Bahrain to help it in bringing in experts, emphasizing that Bahrain enjoys guarantees for human rights and this is something unique. He went on to say that bringing in experts from Britain to Bahrain does not mean that Britain is perfect, for perfection is not found. Ambassador Martin said that complaints against security men is something normal in all states including Britain, as there are many people who believe that violence is practiced against them.

Arabic Version