Bahrain opposition shows initiative, government stands ever critical

Even though, al-Wefaq – the main party of the opposition – has renewed its offer to an open and all-inclusive national dialogue with the regime, al-Khalifa’s men continue to stubbornly refuse to work toward a political truce, bent on crushing all political resistance through the use of force.

A Bahraini court on Monday rejected a request by a prominent human rights activist that Nabeel Rajab be freed after serving three quarters of a prison term for taking part in unlicensed protests.

Lawyer Mohammed al-Jishi said leading rights activist Nabeel Rajab, sentenced last year to two years in prison for cases related to organising and participating in protests, had a legal right to an early release after spending a year and half in prison.

"But the court rejected the request to release him without giving any reasons," Jishi told Reuters by telephone from Manama after the ruling, which was attended by representatives of several foreign embassies.

An official of the government's Information Affairs Authority confirmed the court had rejected his request.

Determined to offer a viable solution to an expectant nation, Bahrain opposition put forward a project. Speaking to the press the Bahraini National Democratic Opposition noted:
The National Democratic Opposition Societies in Bahrain are seeking to avoid a further deterioration in the political, human rights, and economic, social and cultural aspects of Bahrain. We are pursuing a permanent stability for the country, in which national unity; civil peace and citizens' rights are all protected.

Further, we seek to the push the development of Bahrain with the participation of all Bahrainis, united around a national agenda in order to prevent our beloved homeland from being negatively affected by the rapid regional changes. We see Bahrain as a potential example in the region of harmony and peace for all, rather than as a battlefield.

Additionally, we are intent on achieving a national political consensus that is based on respect for human rights, freedoms, social justice, equal citizenship, participation and shared responsibility, to produce a fair political system, to the benefit of all citizens from all political and social factions.

In light of the above mentioned, we the National Democratic Opposition Societies, announce our readiness to engage in a genuine political process that puts a clear roadmap and timeline to reach an inclusive political solution for the political problems that make up the real basis of this crisis. This can only be achieved in association with the authorities' responsibility to resolve the political crisis through a national dialogue.

The undersigned opposition societies stress on the following:
To create a restorative political environment, that inspires to a successful political process, through real reconciliation and led by full implementation of the recommendations of both the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) and UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR), starting with:
The release of all prisoners of conscience, beginning with those yet to be prosecuted, children, women and those with chronic disabilities, special needs or those suffering from severe health conditions.

To immediately stop the escalation of the security crackdown and systematic media incitement against the opposition societies, as well as stopping the current politicized trials.

The formation of a committee, that has fair representation of the opposition, to follow up on the implementation of the BICI, as recommended in paragraph 1715 of the report itself.

To agree on a clear roadmap for the dialogue and its outcomes that must be legitimized by the people through a popular referendum that ratifies any final agreement. There must also be agreement on a transitional stage between the dialogue and the execution of its outcomes.

To engage in a genuine and meaningful dialogue with those who hold the decision making powers within the ruling family, and all actives parties in society that have an impact on the political life. Dialogue must directly discuss the formation and powers of the main components of the political system (executive, legislative, judicial, security and electoral system), on the grounds of a stable constitutional rule, under the principle that “the people are the source of all powers.”

The Authority must present its project to resolve the political solution in Bahrain, in order to find common grounds with that proposed by the opposition and to agree on a solution in the dialogue.

To invite a representative of the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Secretary-General of the United Nations to attend the dialogue sessions and provide the necessary technical assistance.

The National Democratic Opposition Societies call on all concerned parties to accept this initiative. We have taken the decision to propose this initiative to the political leadership in the country, as well as the active parties in society and indeed all peace-seeking parties. We remain open to discuss the terms of this initiative with all in order to both develop it and activate it into practice.

Bahrain Minister of State for Media Affairs Samira Rajab was immediately critical of the initiative, saying that the opposition only sought to spread mischief and insecurity. “The opposition does not have enough political will to engage in a real dialogue,” she told the press.