Bahrain Mirror: In an interview with RT Arabic, the head of Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, denied media reports that there are political prisoners in Bahrain, stressing that there is no policy of "silencing voices" in the island kingdom.

"There are no prisoners of conscience in Bahrain, and those who have been imprisoned are individuals involved in the murder of policemen and terrorist bombings," the minister claimed adding that "there are evidence and facts that prove the involvement of terrorist groups backed by Iran in terror operations committed in Bahrain."

With regards to relations with Moscow, the FM explained that Manama "has come a long way with Russia in the field of energy, also concerning big opportunities offered in various fields of trade, as well as tourism which is witnessing development."

"We are also looking forward to greater openness in areas of military cooperation," he further stated.

The Bahraini FM reiterated denying his country's intention to send ground troops to Syria, stressing at the same time on Bahrain's stance to fight terrorism on the international level. He also refused describing the Saudi-Emirati stance on sending ground troops to Syria as an escalation.

"We take great interest in the stability of the brother nation [of Syria] and the expulsion of terrorists from its land. In this regard, the international community must have full mutual understanding, and understand our position on the need to fight internationally recognized terrorists of all colors," the FM concluded.

Arabic Issue