New Emir to Keep Bahrain Pro-West

In his first address to the nation, the new leader of the Persian Gulf emirate of Bahrain pledged Saturday to follow his late father’s pro-Western policies.

Sheik Hamed ibn Isa Khalifa took power earlier this month after the death of his father, Sheik Isa ibn Salman Khalifa, 65, who ruled Bahrain for nearly 38 years. The emir, who met recently with U.S. Defense Secretary William S. Cohen, died March 6.

Bahrain is a key U.S. ally and hosts the regional base for the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet.

“With God’s blessings, we shall pursue the approach established by the great late leader,” Hamed, 49, said in a televised address.

The new emir, who led the nation’s military during his father’s reign, said there will be no discrimination in Bahrain, regardless of a citizen’s “origin and creed.”

“We shall extend the hand of love, support and cooperation to all those who seek goodness for Bahrain, inside and outside the country, and we shall protect Bahrain against any harm by means of determination and sacrifices,” Hamed said.

Shiite Muslims, who make up a majority of Bahrain’s 600,000 citizens, have complained of discrimination by the ruling Sunni Muslim minority and have been waging a campaign for reforms since 1994.