“There are disturbances, and they are youths who need to be handled and
led in a proper and right way,” Al Khalifa said. “They need to
know if they have concerns, problems, there are proper channels and
procedures that can deal with them.
“They will not achieve their goals by disrupting the lives of family,
friends, neighbours, or anybody who comes to the country. But then we’ve had
these youths doing what they are doing since 2004.
“There is a small element of society that has unfortunately been shown a
way to demonstrate in this form.
“Yes, the events of February 14 last year inflamed matters, but we’ve
never had an issue with Formula One, which has been visiting our country
since 2004.
“People keep asking me about Bahrain, and I appreciate their
apprehension, but anybody who has been there before and comes now will see
there is no difference.
“It is why I’m hoping for the race to come as quickly as possible, just
to let this (Formula One) community see and feel what is really going on in
Bahrain.
“I know all eyes are on us, but for me I feel there is a buzz going on in
the country to rally around Formula One.
“So my message to Formula One is ‘be part of unifying my country’.
“We’ve had our share of trouble, people have made mistakes, but it is
time to reconcile, to move on and come out stronger and more united.”
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone recently suggested if the protesters wanted to
make an impact all they have to do is – in a peaceful manner – block the
roads to the circuit and delay the race which would get them “more
coverage than they could dream of”.
Al-Khalifa is in agreement with Ecclestone as he can understand a desire to
protest, but is also urging it be done without the need to resort to
violence.
Al-Khalifa said: “Bernie is right. All they have to do is go through the
proper procedures and say ‘we intend to do this and this’.
“We have rallies every weekend that are authorised, so do what you have
to do and stand by the side of the road and have your placards. That’s no
problem.
“I’m happy for them to protest, but be peaceful and orderly, without
disrupting the lives of anybody around you. It’s their right.”
All it takes, however, is one petrol bomb, for instance, to hit and injure,
maim or kill anybody within F1 and the condemnation of Bahrain, and the
sport itself for agreeing to attend in the first place, would be universal.
In defence, Al-Khalifa said: “Any death is unfortunate or regrettable,
but no, I’m not worried at all.
“Of course, there are no guarantees in this world. You could be anywhere,
even Silverstone.
“All I can guarantee you is you will be as safe as at any other grand
prix.”
It means there will be no increase in security either throughout the weekend,
with Al-Khalifa adding: “No, absolutely not.
“It will be life as normal. We’ve never had any violence towards
foreigners simply because they are foreigners or in F1.
“There is no violence towards guests of the country, and I don’t think
there will be any disruption or danger to anybody coming into Bahrain.”