(c) 2 following up the implementation of the policy relating to Universal Services, proposing any amendments in connection therewith and submitting such amendments to the Council of Ministers for approval. 3 promoting investment in the Telecommunications sector in the Kingdom and creating a competitive environment among Licensed Operators, so as to enable Subscribers and Users to receive state of the art Telecommunications services at the most suitable prices. 4 following up the fulfilment of obligations arising under international Telecommunications conventions to which the Kingdom is a party. 5 representing the Kingdom in regional, Arab and international organisations and committees that are concerned with Telecommunications affairs and co-ordinating with other concerned ministries and departments. The Minister may delegate such representation to the Authority. 6 proposing drafts of laws pertaining to the Telecommunications sector in co-ordination with the Authority. 7 working to remove obstructions from the Telecommunications sector, in co-ordination and co-operation with the Authority and the concerned authorities, and in such a way as to assist the Authority in carrying out its responsibilities. In order to avoid a conflict of interest and without prejudice to the provisions of Article 41 of this Law, the Minister shall not have any direct or indirect interest in a Licence, exercise management control over a Licensee or participate in the management of a Licensee; provided that this shall not prevent the government from holding shares in a Licensee as long as the Minister is not responsible for exercising rights over such shares. The restriction provided for in this paragraph applies to the senior officials of the Ministry and other officials with responsibilities for the Telecommunications sector. ARTICLE 16 INDEPENDENCE OF THE AUTHORITY The Minister may at any time advise the Authority in writing of his opinion on any matter of government policy relating to Telecommunications. The Authority shall study the proposals made by the Minister in this respect and shall act to carry out such proposals in such a manner as does not conflict with its responsibilities and powers as provided for under this Law. -18Translation dated 12 April 2009 This is an unofficial translation of the Law. It is provided for information purposes only. Reliance may only be placed upon the official Arabic version of the Law published in the Official Gazette of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Any comments on this translation will be gratefully received by the Authority. Please email any comments to: contact@tra.org.bh