Bahrain hits out at Iran's interference

The Bahraini Ambassador to the UAE, Mohammed bin Hamad Saqer Al Moawda, has denounced the blatant Iranian interference in the kingdom's internal affairs.
The move follows the recent statements made by the officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the latest being the statement made by Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Bahraini ambassador said: "These statements represent a flagrant interference in the internal affairs of the kingdom of Bahrain and violation of all international norms, laws and charters of the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation," adding that the intention clearly was to stir up sectarian strife in the Kingdom, ignite tension and unrest in the region.
He said that the Iranian intervention was not confined to making such statements, but also backed subversion, terrorism and incitement of violence, whether through the Iranian media or supply of arms and explosives, as well as training to carry out terrorist operations inside the kingdom.
The Bahraii envoy said that the kingdom is keen to have normal relations with Iran in accordance with the principles of good neighbourliness and non-interference in internal affairs and respect for sovereignty and independence.
"The Kingdom is also keen to follow the diplomatic and legal means to defend its interests and enhance the security and safety of its people."
Al Moawda said that the Kingdom welcomed the recent nuclear agreement reached between Iran and the group "5 +1," adding that it has expressed the hope that "this agreement will be an important real step to stop Iran from interfering in the internal affairs of countries in the region and its rejected policies to destabilise the security and stability of our countries."
"But Iran has not changed its policy as it did not refrain from issuing statements and interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the region. Those policies still carry serious security, peace, regional and international threats that require a firm response from all, as they have reached unprecedented levels in violation of laws governing dealings among nations," he said.
He said the current nature of the challenges require a unified and strong Arab stance against such interventions.