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UK denies ‘political campaign’ claim
By GEOFFREY BEW
Published: 5th August 2008
BRITISH officials have hit back at allegations that the UK is being used as a launch pad for a political campaign against the Bahrain government.
MP Jassim Al Saeedi claimed on Sunday that a number of Bahrainis in the UK had acquired British nationality and were waging a propaganda war to undermine the country’s development.
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UK denies ‘political campaign’ claim
By GEOFFREY BEW
Published: 5th August 2008
BRITISH officials have hit back at allegations that the UK is being used as a launch pad for a political campaign against the Bahrain government.
MP Jassim Al Saeedi claimed on Sunday that a number of Bahrainis in the UK had acquired British nationality and were waging a propaganda war to undermine the country’s development.
The allegations come less than two weeks after His Majesty King Hamad warned Bahraini societies, associations and individuals against forming external allegiances.
But British Embassy officials yesterday described Mr Al Saeedi’s comments as “inaccurate” and a “gross distortion of the UK-Bahrain relationship”.
“The UK does not offer support to committees and organisations that are against Bahrain and its leadership,” the embassy said in a statement.
“Nor does it support violent groups that cause public disruption by terrorist acts.
“The UK does not tolerate incitement of violence and will act according to the law against those who do so.”
The statement also rejected Mr Al Saeedi’s claims that a number of Bahrainis in the UK alleged “political persecution”, saying all applications for asylum, regardless of nationality, were handled on a case-by-case basis.
Officials said they would welcome a meeting with the MP, from the pro-government Al Asala bloc, and would be interested to see if he has any documentary evidence to support his claims.
“There is a long history of mutual co-operation and friendship from which both our countries have benefited,” the statement added.
“Such a meeting would reflect this and the growing relationships between the Bahraini and UK parliaments, which are strongly supported by the British Embassy.
“The strength of our relationship with Bahrain is also seen in areas of commerce, travel and tourism, study and co-operation in facing the challenges of the 21st century.
“The UK government will continue working to ensure that this relationship remains a success.”
Mr Al Saeedi was unable to say how many people were using the UK to stage anti-government activities.
However, it is not the first time Bahraini officials have sought a meeting with British Ambassador Jamie Bowden regarding opposition activists in the UK.
Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa summoned the envoy for a similar meeting in March – accusing Bahrainis of using the UK as a platform from which to orchestrate unrest at home.
It was also alleged that some could have forged illegal contacts with compatriots in Lebanon and Iran.
The embassy’s former Deputy Head of Mission Stephen Harrison later said colleagues had taken the accusations seriously and informed security officials in the UK.
He added the embassy had listened to the concerns of the Interior Minister and reported them to the UK, including to the Home Office. geoff@gdn.com.bh
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