101. The Committee requests the State party to provide, within one year, information on its response to the Committee’s recommendations contained in paragraph 97, subparagraphs (h), (i), (j), (n) and (o) above. 102. The State party is invited to submit its next periodic report, which will be considered as the second, by 25 June 2008. BAHRAIN 103. The Committee considered the initial report of Bahrain (CAT/C/47/Add.4) at its 653rd and 656th meetings (CAT/C/SR.653 and 656), held on 12 and 13 May 2005, and adopted, at its 663rd meeting (CAT/C/SR.633), the following conclusions and recommendations. A. Introduction 104. The Committee welcomes the initial report of Bahrain although it regrets that the report, due in April 1999, was submitted with a five-year delay. 105. The Committee notes that the report does not fully conform to the Committee’s guidelines for the preparation of initial reports and lacks information on practical aspects of implementation of the Convention’s provisions. 106. The Committee welcomes the opportunity to discuss the report with a large delegation knowledgeable about diverse matters addressed in the Convention, and the full and constructive dialogue that resulted. B. Positive aspects 107. The Committee notes the following positive developments: (a) The extensive political, legal and social reforms on which the State party has embarked, including: 44 (i) The adoption of the National Action Charter in 2001 which outlines reforms aimed at enhancing non-discrimination, due process of law and the prohibition of torture and arbitrary arrest and stating, inter alia, that any evidence obtained through torture is inadmissible; (ii) The promulgation of the amended Constitution; (iii) The creation of the Constitutional Court in 2002; (iv) The establishment of a new bicameral parliament with an elected chamber of deputies; (v) Decree No. 19 of 2000 giving effect to the new constitutional provision establishing the Higher Judicial Council, drawing a clear dividing line between the executive branch and the judiciary and thereby reinforcing a separation of powers stipulated in the Constitution;