Bahrain denies mass naturalisation of pro-Baath Iraqis
http://archive.gulfnews.com/region/Bahrain/10107727.html
02/28/2007 09:11 PM | By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
Manama: Bahrain yesterday dismissed allegations of mass naturalisation as “mere rumours lacking truth and credibility”.
According to widespread claims fuelled by internet chat rooms, Bahraini authorities were engaged in a process to naturalise about 30,000 Iraqis who had links with the regime of former president Saddam Hussain.
According to the claims, the pro-Baath Iraqis would be given Bahraini nationality in a bid to alter the demographic composition of the kingdom where Shiites make up at least 60 per cent of the population. The authorities would also employ the naturalised Iraqis in the army and the police, according to the allegations.
Bahrain denies mass naturalisation of pro-Baath Iraqis
http://archive.gulfnews.com/region/Bahrain/10107727.html
02/28/2007 09:11 PM | By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
Manama: Bahrain yesterday dismissed allegations of mass naturalisation as “mere rumours lacking truth and credibility”.
According to widespread claims fuelled by internet chat rooms, Bahraini authorities were engaged in a process to naturalise about 30,000 Iraqis who had links with the regime of former president Saddam Hussain.
According to the claims, the pro-Baath Iraqis would be given Bahraini nationality in a bid to alter the demographic composition of the kingdom where Shiites make up at least 60 per cent of the population. The authorities would also employ the naturalised Iraqis in the army and the police, according to the allegations.
But Interior Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Shaikh Rashid Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said in a statement that the claims were mere rumours repeated by a few people and had no truth or credibility.
“Our doors are open for everyone to check these rumours or any other issue related to Nationality, Passports and Residence,” Shaikh Rashid said. “Those who are spreading the malicious rumours should have checked with the relevant authorities at the directorate instead of taking up the issue publicly without any shred of evidence.”
The Interior official warned that propagating “malevolent rumours” would harm national unity and would damage Bahrain’s reputation.
Bahrain’s opposition has often charged that the authorities were engaged in a process of “political naturalisation” to boost the number of Sunnis. But Bahraini officials have denied the accusations, saying that only eligible applicants were granted nationality.
