(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Sheikh Ali Salman, Al Wefaq Secretary-General, held an open forum in Sitra, a few days ago in which he emphasized, “we want for our people to live normal lives and enjoy complete citizenship and basic human rights.” Adding, “we don’t blame our Sunni brothers for the crimes of the regime.”
Speaking about the children of Bahrain, who are the future of the country, he said, “We want for the children of Bahrain to enjoy good education, healthcare, accommodation and proper playgrounds.”
“We want for Bahraini children to feel safe and hopeful about their future. We don’t want anyone to deprive them of their rights as children.” He said.
Salman also praised Sitra as “it had a major role in the nineties uprising, as well as the so-called reforms that were talked about in 2001. When we come to the 14th February uprising, again the voice of Sitra is loud in calling for freedom and democracy. Sitra has set an example of patriotism over several historical milestones.”
He added, “We totally accept and tolerate our differences but that does not mean we should give up or forget our rightful demands.”
“We in Al Wefaq share our people’s agonies for the sake of a free and democratic Bahrain. Al Wefaq is ready to make sacrifices for the sake of the people’s rightful demands.” He said.
The Secretary-General emphasized, “The people have the right to elect their government and there is no way we can accept an appointed one anymore. This is unavoidable. Our pro-democracy struggle can’t be stopped by any means until we have realised real democratic transition.”
He said, “In America people demonstrate in front of the White House and nobody talks of public disturbances. Banning demonstrations in the capital city, Manama, is unacceptable. International conventions have given the people the right to freely express their views. Any local laws that contradict this genuine right are worthless.”
“This regime is using some incidents to damage the image of our peaceful movement and to justify the violence that is perpetrated against us. The challenge is to stick to our peaceful approach despite the official violence and they will be unable to prevent us from getting our rights.”
He stressed “as political societies, we look to the people as the source of all powers after analyzing local, regional and international input. The opposition societies do not demand the downfall of the regime, we demand an elected government, but whoever wishes to call for the downfall of the regime has every right to do so.”
Sheikh Ali Salman said, “we present the Manama Document as a realistic solution, but any solution must be agreed upon by all Bahraini’s through a referendum.”
He added, “Justice does not mean impunity. Whoever commits a crime must be held accountable and any kind of dialogue must include bringing criminals to trial. Day by the day the struggle becomes more active and therefore there is no way back at all.
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Speaking about the children of Bahrain, who are the future of the country, he said, “We want for the children of Bahrain to enjoy good education, healthcare, accommodation and proper playgrounds.”
“We want for Bahraini children to feel safe and hopeful about their future. We don’t want anyone to deprive them of their rights as children.” He said.
Salman also praised Sitra as “it had a major role in the nineties uprising, as well as the so-called reforms that were talked about in 2001. When we come to the 14th February uprising, again the voice of Sitra is loud in calling for freedom and democracy. Sitra has set an example of patriotism over several historical milestones.”
He added, “We totally accept and tolerate our differences but that does not mean we should give up or forget our rightful demands.”
“We in Al Wefaq share our people’s agonies for the sake of a free and democratic Bahrain. Al Wefaq is ready to make sacrifices for the sake of the people’s rightful demands.” He said.
The Secretary-General emphasized, “The people have the right to elect their government and there is no way we can accept an appointed one anymore. This is unavoidable. Our pro-democracy struggle can’t be stopped by any means until we have realised real democratic transition.”
He said, “In America people demonstrate in front of the White House and nobody talks of public disturbances. Banning demonstrations in the capital city, Manama, is unacceptable. International conventions have given the people the right to freely express their views. Any local laws that contradict this genuine right are worthless.”
“This regime is using some incidents to damage the image of our peaceful movement and to justify the violence that is perpetrated against us. The challenge is to stick to our peaceful approach despite the official violence and they will be unable to prevent us from getting our rights.”
He stressed “as political societies, we look to the people as the source of all powers after analyzing local, regional and international input. The opposition societies do not demand the downfall of the regime, we demand an elected government, but whoever wishes to call for the downfall of the regime has every right to do so.”
Sheikh Ali Salman said, “we present the Manama Document as a realistic solution, but any solution must be agreed upon by all Bahraini’s through a referendum.”
He added, “Justice does not mean impunity. Whoever commits a crime must be held accountable and any kind of dialogue must include bringing criminals to trial. Day by the day the struggle becomes more active and therefore there is no way back at all.
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