Shafaei to CNN:

The Report is a way out for Bahrain
and not for political rivalry

On 28 November 2011, the CNN Arabic website conducted an interview with the President of the BHRM Hasan Moosa Shafaei in which he discussed many issues relating to the recommendations of the BICI’s report. Shafaei highlighted the importance of implementing the report’s recommendations saying that: ‘it represents a way out of the political and sectarian predicament for Bahrain’s Government, opposition and people in order to recover socially and politically’.

Shafaei stressed the fact that the value of the report ‘depends on its implementation as soon as possible and with the cooperation of all parties including the opposition and civil society organizations’. He said that the details and the recommendations of the report proved that the BICI is impartial, independent and professional. The BICI was eager to publish a transparent report because this represents one of the most important steps for correcting the accumulated mistakes which led to political and sectarian confrontations’. Shafaei hoped that the report will be a good beginning for a more secure, stable, free and united Bahrain in which human rights is respected’. He warned against looking at the report with the eyes of a group’s interest or as part of a political and sectarian conflict or as a means for political rivalry. For this will reduce the report to a tool for inflaming conflict instead of means for solving the crisis.’

Shafaei also added that ‘the King of Bahrain has ordered that the investigation of the events be conducted publicly as part of his national and historic responsibility. This is important so that everyone knows the truth and so that the country remains united and on the path of justice. On the other hand, those in opposition to the report should appreciate this step, build upon its recommendations and sincerely participate in the implementations. They should also work to build social unity and join in building the country politically through reconciliation that rebuilds trust between all parties and all sects’.

With regards to the expectations of the opposition such as Al Wefaq, Shafaei said that ‘there is need for political solutions but the report cannot discuss political issues because this is outside its mandate’. He added that political readings of the report are possible and it is clear to the opposition, the Government or any observer that what took place was connected to politics and human rights. National reconciliation requires correcting the mistakes on the ground. I think improving human rights will be the best first step to solve political disagreements’.