‘No mediation’

V L Srinivasan
Manama (Bahrain), April 6:

Turkey will not mediate in the domestic affairs of Bahrain but will do everything to bridge the gap between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member state and Iran, its Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said yesterday.
Addressing a joint news conference in Manama with Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Mr. Davutoglu said the present problem in the Kingdom was “absolutely a Bahraini issue” and that there would be no intervention from their side in the matter.
“Our position with regard to Bahrain is very clear. Our ties with Iran do not affect the relations vis-a-vis Bahrain. Whenever I visit Bahrain, I feel that I am a Bahraini and our destiny is Bahrain’s destiny. During such visits, I also meet with political representatives like I did in Egypt. But in the case of Bahrain, it is Bahrain’s domestic policies and there will be no intervention from our side,” he said.
“We will do everything to ease tension as we have good relations with the GCC and Iran. If such a demand (seeking Turkey’s mediation) comes, Turkey is always helpful,” he said.
Mr. Davutoglu said Turkey has a historic relationship with Iran and approached all issues in a friendly manner with that country. “We will try to help in minimising the misunderstanding. In  the case of Bahrain, Turkey is of the opinion that the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bahrain is essential. The reforms being implemented by the Kingdom should be supported as they make Bahrain stronger.
“For us, Bahrain is a good example of different religions living together. Security, stability and prosperity of Bahrain are important as the GCC is the key region for world’s economy.
If there is tension in the region, global crisis may emerge and since Bahrain is the backbone of the stability of the region, we do not want any disturbance,” he added.
While praising Turkey’s support of Bahrain’s security and stability, Shaikh Khalid said Iran should realise that what was happening on the ground in Bahrain was different to what they expected.
“We are aware of the sectarian tension and we do not want other states to intervene in the issue,” he said.
The Foreign Minister also took objection to the remarks by Iran comparing Saudi Arabia troops entering Bahrain with Iraq invading Kuwait.
“This cannot be compared as what happened in Kuwait is different from the ground reality in Bahrain. Such a statement is not pleasing and Iran should understand that it will not help,” he added.