U.S., Wefaq Welcome Bahrain Prince’s Dialogue Call

Photo Credit: REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

After Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa called for talks with the opposition, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Michael Posner welcomed the invitation and “encourage[d] all political societies and civil society to engage with the Government of Bahrain.” Posner also condemned violence perpetrated by protesters and police, adding that in order to “create a climate where dialogue and reconciliation is possible, the government needs to prosecute those officials responsible for the human rights violations that occurred in early 2011.” He went on to say, “The United States’ concern about human rights and reform is rooted in our longstanding partnership with the government and people of Bahrain.  Governments that respect rights are more stable strategic allies and partners, and the United States remains committed to supporting all leaders in Bahraini society—government officials, political leaders, and civil society—to take needed steps toward reform that will help realize the legitimate aspirations of all Bahrainis.”

Opposition party al-Wefaq also welcomed the call from the Crown Prince for dialogue, saying “We welcome the [Crown Prince's] call for dialogue, and we call for this is to be a serious [dialogue], in which its parties, agenda, time-frame and decision-making mechanism are all agreed upon. We announce our readiness to engage in this dialogue. However, its outcomes [ought to] be approved by the people of Bahrain who must be the source of all powers.”

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland echoed Secretary Posner’s sentiment, and she acknowledged “that Al Wefaq has given a constructive response to that, as have other opposition groups, and have made clear their readiness to engage.”

Finally, Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain issued a statement coinciding with International Human Rights day calling for the ”Government of Bahrain to demonstrate its commitment to human rights by freeing all political prisoners; ending the prohibition on peaceful protests; eliminating an exception for state-sanctioned torture under domestic criminal law; investigating allegations of torture and abuse by police and security officials and holding perpetrators accountable; and prohibiting police and security forces from using excessive force against civilian populations.”