(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - This is the full script of the Secretary-General of Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society –Shaikh Ali Salman during the mass gathering organized by the opposition parties on Friday 7th December,2012 in the Freedom Square in Al-Mugsha'a entitled "People are the source of decision-making ":
All thanks and gratitude to every citizen who has contributed in the peaceful revolutionary movement demanding democracy, the martyrs, those injured, arrested, displaced, dismissed people and all those who have been harassed and everyone present here or anyone who has been striving for the last twenty months.
We are gathering here to exercise our universal humanitarian right to protest, in turn guaranteed by all international treaties and covenants which are above the local law. However, we adhere to these conventions in exercising this right and anything that contradicts with these international treaties and covenants- and which are signed by the government of Bahrain- of being of no value thus worthless. Any law that has been made by any worthless council or made any minister is worthless if it restricts the right to protest, something guaranteed by international treaties and covenants.
We have a genuine humanitarian right to protest, to assemble and to express our rights freely to demand our rights and nobody has the right to restrict this right. We exercise this right in this place , in the streets, in the capital city of Manama and in any place, so long as we respect others' rights; this country is ours and nobody has the right to restrict our peaceful practices neither in the capital nor anywhere else.
We support all peaceful gatherings and protests whether arranged by the political societies or the coalition (a reference to the 14th Feb movement) or any other party.
Here we are exercising our genuine humanitarian right, and it should not be considered as a favor by someone. No, it is our right and depriving us from this right can only be considered as oppression, suppression and tyranny.
We insist on the principle of "people are the source of all powers." We want to transfer this into constitutional provisions and a constitutional and legislative reality and framework. We do not want for this rule to be in a standstill; we want to elect our legislative power, and we do not want anyone to assign our legislative authority or a government against our will, this era has ended for good.
The whole regime with all its executive, legislative, judicial, security, economy and media bodies should operate as servants of the people and should speak for the people rather than repress them. Anyone who is in the position of the premier or minister ought to the people. We welcome anyone who is ready to serve the people, to come forward for election, otherwise must leave the scene.
We, in Al-Wefaq and the political parties, are adhering to these demands; we are adhering to the principle that enables the people to have the final say, to speak of their approval or disapproval of any political consensus or any political form.Certainly, people are the ultimate decision makers and the the source of legitimacy.
At the same time our people should understand the need of the political maneuvering but sticking to the goals and principles, yet having a space for the political initiative to realize these aims without overlooking the regional situation. We need not have meaningless arguments. We should adhere to our demands and have faith in our political leadership as well its strife. Concurrently, the opposition should have enough space to maneuver, to engage in dialogue and to meet others, but with adherence to the goals, which should never be turned down and must be subjected to the people's will.
Some of our dear ones say, that we in the opposition are paying more attention to the outside and thereby could abandon our demands, and say you take the authorities into consideration. Conversely, the authorities and some of the opposition parties say you take the people into consideration more than anything else. Let me tell you that we at al-Wefaq do take into consideration everything, we will not show courtesy towards any side. Instead,we pursue Allah’s satisfaction in the first place, for we have spent our lives, and for our people's interests, Sunnis prior to and Shias, loyalists before and opponents. These are our principles and this is our leadership, you may find another leadership if you don't approve of ours. Our leadership is determined to protecting the interest of every Bahraini and every resident on this land who should have the right to be respected , live in peace and have the right to participate; that's how we look to God before anything, for your demands firstly as a people, and secondly for Bahrain and the interest of the homeland. Yes we do take into consideration all issues but we do not put them ahead of God's satisfaction, and we will never ever do that.
I just want to let you know, dears, that we the opposition powers and Al-Wefaq are ready to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of our beloved homeland Bahrain, and for the sake of our people.
A message to those sharing this homeland with us:
This message is to our dear loved ones but not to the naturalized mercenaries. The naturalized mercenaries are not welcomed. Yes, we respect you as human beings but you are not citizens of Bahrain; a citizen is not one who has gained passport but not deserving, and at the same time carries a gun to kill the people of Bahrain. This is no citizenship, and does not deserve the citizenship rights of the country by virtue of conducting a dirty mission to prevent the people from exercising their rights. However, I am addressing the people of this homeland Sunnis and Shia' as , loved ones , who I consider them as my family and household.
Come and let's build up a real democracy capable of leading to peace and prosperity for Bahrain and for us all. Let's leave the security square, which the authorities had put into and have made us revolve in an empty circle every ten years. Our blood is shed, our security is absent and our economy is collapsed, why? For a group of people who are dominating decision-making in the country!
Let's build a democratic state where the popular will is respected and cannot be crossed. Democracy does not mean that the majority represses the minority, but it means ruling of the political majority that respects the political minority. To all sectors we say, all sectors and religions are respected, and on my dead body that any Sunni would be harmed whilst I am living in this country.
We at Al-Wefaq have no intention of establishing a religious state or a sectarian one; instead,, we are looking forward to constructing a modern democratic state capable of guaranteeing the rights and the interests of all people. Let us build this country together; it is for you and for your sons.
Some individuals of the authority who are not in favor of democracy and who do not favor to share power with the people, such individuals do not accept it from you or me, as they just want us to be act as slaves and servants.
We reach out to anyone in the authority who believes in citizens’ rights. But anyone who thinks that Sunnis and Shias are just marginal numbers should stay away from running this country, as this person lacks capacity of administering the state. Anyone in the administration of the country should be legible and approved by the people, should care for the people and respect them all and should appreciate humanity and dignity for all people.
Do not believe anybody warning you that your rights would be violated by presenting other models to you.Undoubtedly, you know your people in Bahrain and you know how much oppression we have gone through for the last years, have you ever seen anyone attacking your interests? Many shops here are owned by our Sunni brothers, have they been attacked by anyone? If so we will not approve of such act against a brother's interests and thereby consider them as sinful hands.
Dear loved ones, the political societies are keen to avoid adverse consequence of any peaceful event. My message to all is that you make your best to ensuring that political events, held by the political societies succeed and avoid making it failing their objectives.
In this way we respect the efforts of each other as we complement our roles in the democratic change which we are pursuing. You may disagree with me regarding a slogan or the means but I have all respect to you. And I hope that this speech is going to be the last and that should not be repeated again. During events held by the societies, the slogan ‘down with Hamad’ is unwelcomed, and it is not accepted to raise the slogan of ‘death to Al-Khalifa’, and writing graffiti on walls. We should not give the authorities frail justifications to ban the events, under the pretext that events held by the societies usually end up in violence whilst not true; as such, we must start peacefully and leave peacefully.
You may say whatever slogans you want at other events, which I respect, and I don't restrict anyone's right of expressions and nobody has the right to weakens anyone's events.
Such events are important and the people are aware of this. The capital is the main place for protests. Also, nightly peaceful events are important. Nobody should weaken the coalition, Al-Wefaq, Haq or other societies. Anyone who peacefully seeks democracy deserves to be supported.
This way, we respect each other’s efforts as we complement each other in realizing the democratic change. I thank you for your contribution and for your support to all past and coming events. I hope that we adhere to all instructions issued by the organizers.
Some opposition forces may have critical viewpoints on our methods or demands, and this is a positive, acceptable, essential and crucial to be on the right path. We are not saying that the political societies are not to be criticized; however, they should be criticized positively together with positive action on ground. I appreciate the positive spirit of Nabeel Rajab, criticizing the political societies and at the same time he taking to the street in his own way.
Your dear, lets us be honest to each other and cooperate, support and complement each other, and each individual contributes to the movement for a pluralistic democratic system and state of freedoms and democracy. Every individual and all forces shall bear responsibility to finish what we have started. There is no chance for frustration; together, we bear the responsibility to push forward and continue this movement.
To the youth I say, take the initiative to participate in all types of peaceful action that demands freedom and democracy, and stay away from rifts. Many individuals may criticize to cause tension rifts, but they have no presence on streets. Take to the streets in peaceful action, show advice and encourage each other. I advise you to look for Allah's mercy in every small and big action assumed.
We say to the authority, stop the siege on Mehazza and Sitra and all other areas; stop the house raids; stop your suppression of freedom of expression' release prisoners of conscience; open the Pearl Roundabout and let the people protest freely and peacefully there instead of having the police there for no reason.
Stop arresting dissidents for their political opinions; stop arresting women; stop your spiteful prosecutions; stop discrimination on the basis of religion and belief and political approach; stop the naturalization process that is destroying the country; and stop frightening and terrifying citizens. Surely, there is no chance for fear now, our children and women before our men do not fear you and will not bow to anyone but Allah.
It’s been more than 20 months, and more than 50 kinds of violations documented by the Bassiouni report were perpetrated against the people. Have you seen anyone retreating from their demands? You have gained nothing but shame and more steadfastness from the people; we will not give in and we will continue in our movement.
Stop..the people will neither accept totalitarian rule nor to be marginalized in managing their affairs. Stop your attempts to circumvent the people’s demands, as they have become only more aware and experienced and will not be tricked in any way.
Let us agree on a political consensus that realizes citizenship, equality, social justice and a democratic state. You will win and so will this homeland. Whenever you resolve to justice and equality you will find our hands reaching out and our hearts open to building this homeland, and we have not stopped building it despite your grievances against us.
On the political dialogue:
Before the revolution and today, we remain serious and fruitful and honest for unconditional political dialogue as a method to resolve political conflict and reach consensus. Yet, with confidence in Allah and our people and our just cause, we are strong and not running after show dialogues; and we are confident that the course of history in democratic transitions will not exclude Bahrain. We remained committed for dialogue as ever.
To participants at the Manama Dialogue:
Welcome to Bahrain, the Bahraini people are kind and understanding civilized people, but we hope that you do not ignore what’s happening near you, like our state media which sees what’s happening in the far end of Africa but giving a blind eye to what’s happening here.
You have come to a people with demands and a revolution, so please don’t give a blind eye to what’s happening here. When you talk about security in the Gulf and the region, include the security of Bahrain and its people in your agendas.
You come to dialogue in Bahrain, while a serious and real dialogue is rejected. The opposition is demanding it and the authorities running away from it. Tell the authority that it must engage in dialogue with its people and hear their demands. Say it publicly and behind closed doors, and make your presence contribute to finding a political solution in Bahrain based on the universal principles of humanity. We welcome you, as long as your presence is positive, and do not be counterfeit witnesses, do not disregard the demands of the people. We wish you a pleasant stay in Bahrain.
Where things are heading in our homeland?
We have trust in Allah, and we are confident that our demands will be achieved today or tomorrow. But we hope that this would be reached with minimal losses and sacrifices from everyone. It hurts us to lose any human being whether citizens or security policemen.
We want to accomplish the necessary process of change with minimal losses in the economy and social relations, for the country to start the strongest degrees of cohesion for development.
There are two ways ahead of us:
The first is a continuation of the repression and refusal of demands and insistence on marginalizing the people, and this way will only lead to more losses and costs to all. This method will not succeed in making the people giving up. Instead, it will give ground for more violence because of the official violence. We have clarified our stance in the Non-violence declaration by refusing and condemning violence from any side. However, the authorities had started the violence and it is the one practicing it fundamentally, as it bears the largest responsibility for violence, that’s how we see the reality of the situation.
The second way is serious dialogue and negotiation in order to come out with a democratic political resolution that respects everyone and saves Bahrain. This method provides for permanent security and stability and real development for Bahrain and its people. We are working on this option, and we are endeavoring to prevent the first option from continuing because we fear for the future of our country and people.
End item/ 149-129
All thanks and gratitude to every citizen who has contributed in the peaceful revolutionary movement demanding democracy, the martyrs, those injured, arrested, displaced, dismissed people and all those who have been harassed and everyone present here or anyone who has been striving for the last twenty months.
We are gathering here to exercise our universal humanitarian right to protest, in turn guaranteed by all international treaties and covenants which are above the local law. However, we adhere to these conventions in exercising this right and anything that contradicts with these international treaties and covenants- and which are signed by the government of Bahrain- of being of no value thus worthless. Any law that has been made by any worthless council or made any minister is worthless if it restricts the right to protest, something guaranteed by international treaties and covenants.
We have a genuine humanitarian right to protest, to assemble and to express our rights freely to demand our rights and nobody has the right to restrict this right. We exercise this right in this place , in the streets, in the capital city of Manama and in any place, so long as we respect others' rights; this country is ours and nobody has the right to restrict our peaceful practices neither in the capital nor anywhere else.
We support all peaceful gatherings and protests whether arranged by the political societies or the coalition (a reference to the 14th Feb movement) or any other party.
Here we are exercising our genuine humanitarian right, and it should not be considered as a favor by someone. No, it is our right and depriving us from this right can only be considered as oppression, suppression and tyranny.
We insist on the principle of "people are the source of all powers." We want to transfer this into constitutional provisions and a constitutional and legislative reality and framework. We do not want for this rule to be in a standstill; we want to elect our legislative power, and we do not want anyone to assign our legislative authority or a government against our will, this era has ended for good.
The whole regime with all its executive, legislative, judicial, security, economy and media bodies should operate as servants of the people and should speak for the people rather than repress them. Anyone who is in the position of the premier or minister ought to the people. We welcome anyone who is ready to serve the people, to come forward for election, otherwise must leave the scene.
We, in Al-Wefaq and the political parties, are adhering to these demands; we are adhering to the principle that enables the people to have the final say, to speak of their approval or disapproval of any political consensus or any political form.Certainly, people are the ultimate decision makers and the the source of legitimacy.
At the same time our people should understand the need of the political maneuvering but sticking to the goals and principles, yet having a space for the political initiative to realize these aims without overlooking the regional situation. We need not have meaningless arguments. We should adhere to our demands and have faith in our political leadership as well its strife. Concurrently, the opposition should have enough space to maneuver, to engage in dialogue and to meet others, but with adherence to the goals, which should never be turned down and must be subjected to the people's will.
Some of our dear ones say, that we in the opposition are paying more attention to the outside and thereby could abandon our demands, and say you take the authorities into consideration. Conversely, the authorities and some of the opposition parties say you take the people into consideration more than anything else. Let me tell you that we at al-Wefaq do take into consideration everything, we will not show courtesy towards any side. Instead,we pursue Allah’s satisfaction in the first place, for we have spent our lives, and for our people's interests, Sunnis prior to and Shias, loyalists before and opponents. These are our principles and this is our leadership, you may find another leadership if you don't approve of ours. Our leadership is determined to protecting the interest of every Bahraini and every resident on this land who should have the right to be respected , live in peace and have the right to participate; that's how we look to God before anything, for your demands firstly as a people, and secondly for Bahrain and the interest of the homeland. Yes we do take into consideration all issues but we do not put them ahead of God's satisfaction, and we will never ever do that.
I just want to let you know, dears, that we the opposition powers and Al-Wefaq are ready to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of our beloved homeland Bahrain, and for the sake of our people.
A message to those sharing this homeland with us:
This message is to our dear loved ones but not to the naturalized mercenaries. The naturalized mercenaries are not welcomed. Yes, we respect you as human beings but you are not citizens of Bahrain; a citizen is not one who has gained passport but not deserving, and at the same time carries a gun to kill the people of Bahrain. This is no citizenship, and does not deserve the citizenship rights of the country by virtue of conducting a dirty mission to prevent the people from exercising their rights. However, I am addressing the people of this homeland Sunnis and Shia' as , loved ones , who I consider them as my family and household.
Come and let's build up a real democracy capable of leading to peace and prosperity for Bahrain and for us all. Let's leave the security square, which the authorities had put into and have made us revolve in an empty circle every ten years. Our blood is shed, our security is absent and our economy is collapsed, why? For a group of people who are dominating decision-making in the country!
Let's build a democratic state where the popular will is respected and cannot be crossed. Democracy does not mean that the majority represses the minority, but it means ruling of the political majority that respects the political minority. To all sectors we say, all sectors and religions are respected, and on my dead body that any Sunni would be harmed whilst I am living in this country.
We at Al-Wefaq have no intention of establishing a religious state or a sectarian one; instead,, we are looking forward to constructing a modern democratic state capable of guaranteeing the rights and the interests of all people. Let us build this country together; it is for you and for your sons.
Some individuals of the authority who are not in favor of democracy and who do not favor to share power with the people, such individuals do not accept it from you or me, as they just want us to be act as slaves and servants.
We reach out to anyone in the authority who believes in citizens’ rights. But anyone who thinks that Sunnis and Shias are just marginal numbers should stay away from running this country, as this person lacks capacity of administering the state. Anyone in the administration of the country should be legible and approved by the people, should care for the people and respect them all and should appreciate humanity and dignity for all people.
Do not believe anybody warning you that your rights would be violated by presenting other models to you.Undoubtedly, you know your people in Bahrain and you know how much oppression we have gone through for the last years, have you ever seen anyone attacking your interests? Many shops here are owned by our Sunni brothers, have they been attacked by anyone? If so we will not approve of such act against a brother's interests and thereby consider them as sinful hands.
Dear loved ones, the political societies are keen to avoid adverse consequence of any peaceful event. My message to all is that you make your best to ensuring that political events, held by the political societies succeed and avoid making it failing their objectives.
In this way we respect the efforts of each other as we complement our roles in the democratic change which we are pursuing. You may disagree with me regarding a slogan or the means but I have all respect to you. And I hope that this speech is going to be the last and that should not be repeated again. During events held by the societies, the slogan ‘down with Hamad’ is unwelcomed, and it is not accepted to raise the slogan of ‘death to Al-Khalifa’, and writing graffiti on walls. We should not give the authorities frail justifications to ban the events, under the pretext that events held by the societies usually end up in violence whilst not true; as such, we must start peacefully and leave peacefully.
You may say whatever slogans you want at other events, which I respect, and I don't restrict anyone's right of expressions and nobody has the right to weakens anyone's events.
Such events are important and the people are aware of this. The capital is the main place for protests. Also, nightly peaceful events are important. Nobody should weaken the coalition, Al-Wefaq, Haq or other societies. Anyone who peacefully seeks democracy deserves to be supported.
This way, we respect each other’s efforts as we complement each other in realizing the democratic change. I thank you for your contribution and for your support to all past and coming events. I hope that we adhere to all instructions issued by the organizers.
Some opposition forces may have critical viewpoints on our methods or demands, and this is a positive, acceptable, essential and crucial to be on the right path. We are not saying that the political societies are not to be criticized; however, they should be criticized positively together with positive action on ground. I appreciate the positive spirit of Nabeel Rajab, criticizing the political societies and at the same time he taking to the street in his own way.
Your dear, lets us be honest to each other and cooperate, support and complement each other, and each individual contributes to the movement for a pluralistic democratic system and state of freedoms and democracy. Every individual and all forces shall bear responsibility to finish what we have started. There is no chance for frustration; together, we bear the responsibility to push forward and continue this movement.
To the youth I say, take the initiative to participate in all types of peaceful action that demands freedom and democracy, and stay away from rifts. Many individuals may criticize to cause tension rifts, but they have no presence on streets. Take to the streets in peaceful action, show advice and encourage each other. I advise you to look for Allah's mercy in every small and big action assumed.
We say to the authority, stop the siege on Mehazza and Sitra and all other areas; stop the house raids; stop your suppression of freedom of expression' release prisoners of conscience; open the Pearl Roundabout and let the people protest freely and peacefully there instead of having the police there for no reason.
Stop arresting dissidents for their political opinions; stop arresting women; stop your spiteful prosecutions; stop discrimination on the basis of religion and belief and political approach; stop the naturalization process that is destroying the country; and stop frightening and terrifying citizens. Surely, there is no chance for fear now, our children and women before our men do not fear you and will not bow to anyone but Allah.
It’s been more than 20 months, and more than 50 kinds of violations documented by the Bassiouni report were perpetrated against the people. Have you seen anyone retreating from their demands? You have gained nothing but shame and more steadfastness from the people; we will not give in and we will continue in our movement.
Stop..the people will neither accept totalitarian rule nor to be marginalized in managing their affairs. Stop your attempts to circumvent the people’s demands, as they have become only more aware and experienced and will not be tricked in any way.
Let us agree on a political consensus that realizes citizenship, equality, social justice and a democratic state. You will win and so will this homeland. Whenever you resolve to justice and equality you will find our hands reaching out and our hearts open to building this homeland, and we have not stopped building it despite your grievances against us.
On the political dialogue:
Before the revolution and today, we remain serious and fruitful and honest for unconditional political dialogue as a method to resolve political conflict and reach consensus. Yet, with confidence in Allah and our people and our just cause, we are strong and not running after show dialogues; and we are confident that the course of history in democratic transitions will not exclude Bahrain. We remained committed for dialogue as ever.
To participants at the Manama Dialogue:
Welcome to Bahrain, the Bahraini people are kind and understanding civilized people, but we hope that you do not ignore what’s happening near you, like our state media which sees what’s happening in the far end of Africa but giving a blind eye to what’s happening here.
You have come to a people with demands and a revolution, so please don’t give a blind eye to what’s happening here. When you talk about security in the Gulf and the region, include the security of Bahrain and its people in your agendas.
You come to dialogue in Bahrain, while a serious and real dialogue is rejected. The opposition is demanding it and the authorities running away from it. Tell the authority that it must engage in dialogue with its people and hear their demands. Say it publicly and behind closed doors, and make your presence contribute to finding a political solution in Bahrain based on the universal principles of humanity. We welcome you, as long as your presence is positive, and do not be counterfeit witnesses, do not disregard the demands of the people. We wish you a pleasant stay in Bahrain.
Where things are heading in our homeland?
We have trust in Allah, and we are confident that our demands will be achieved today or tomorrow. But we hope that this would be reached with minimal losses and sacrifices from everyone. It hurts us to lose any human being whether citizens or security policemen.
We want to accomplish the necessary process of change with minimal losses in the economy and social relations, for the country to start the strongest degrees of cohesion for development.
There are two ways ahead of us:
The first is a continuation of the repression and refusal of demands and insistence on marginalizing the people, and this way will only lead to more losses and costs to all. This method will not succeed in making the people giving up. Instead, it will give ground for more violence because of the official violence. We have clarified our stance in the Non-violence declaration by refusing and condemning violence from any side. However, the authorities had started the violence and it is the one practicing it fundamentally, as it bears the largest responsibility for violence, that’s how we see the reality of the situation.
The second way is serious dialogue and negotiation in order to come out with a democratic political resolution that respects everyone and saves Bahrain. This method provides for permanent security and stability and real development for Bahrain and its people. We are working on this option, and we are endeavoring to prevent the first option from continuing because we fear for the future of our country and people.
End item/ 149-129