December 15, 2002	Sunday	Shawwal 10, 1423

MANAMA, Dec 14: Bahrain’s first National Assembly was officially inaugurated on Saturday by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa — but the first parliament in nearly three decades opened in the absence of opposition party leaders.

The 80 members of the appointed Shura Council and the elected parliament, ministers, ambassadors and heads of societies attended the opening of the National Assembly in Manama.

Parliament elections held in October were boycotted by four political societies including the influential Shia Al Wefaq National Society.

Most of the winning candidates were Wahabis, Salafis and independent candidates. While none of the six women candidates who took part in the elections have won a seat.

Parliament was dissolved in 1975, but was brought back by the king who promised democratic changes in the country.

The opening was attended by Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the Crown Prince and Commander in Chief of the Defence Force Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

“The parliament has been a dream that our grandparents and parents worked hard to accomplish. This moment has finally become a reality”, said the king.

He stressed that Bahrain should work for the unity of the Gulf region and the cooperation of the Arab nations.—dpa