Bahraini King: Deterioration in Arab conditions threaten security

SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt, March 27 (KUNA) -- Bahrain's King Hamad bin Essa Al-Khalifa said that the nature of current challenges outline the need for Arab nations to acknowledge that there is an "evidently dangerous deterioration" on all levels.
"The deterioration of economic and security conditions, alongside a lack of joint Arab projects and initiatives have created a dangerous void, and this has provided an opportunity for regional and international interventions in our internal affairs," he said, upon arriving at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt to attend the 26th Arab Summit, to kick off Saturday.
"This has resulted in dangerous crises," he said ahead of talks with Egyptian President Abdelfatah Al-Sisi, such as "ideological fundamentalism, sectarian extremism, religious and ethnic fanaticism, and the spread of multi-faceted terrorism in an unprecedented manner." Bahrain, which is taking part in the Saudi-led 'Operation Decisive Storm' against Houthi militants in Yemen, has done so "in respect of our (Arab) historic responsibility towards regional and Arab national security, ensuring legitimacy, security and stability in Yemen and responding to the calls of President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi," explained the monarch.
The decision came after "all efforts and political tools were exhausted," he said. "There was no other option but military intervention to salvage the Yemeni people from the repercussions of the (Houthi) coup d'etat and foreign support of it." In the meantime, the King expressed hope that Yemenis would return to the negotiating table, and reengage in the political process based on the internationally-backed Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative. (end) ms.sd