Brussels, 17/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - During the evening of Wednesday 16 March, Catherine Ashton held a telephone conversation with Bahrain's foreign minister, Al Khalifa, to express the EU's “deep concern” at the situation in the capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama, where the regime, supported by troops sent from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, has violently repressed Shiite opposition protests against the Sunni dynasty. A state of emergency and martial law has been declared for three months and the opposition encampment on Pearl Square, Manama, was dismantled by force on Wednesday 16 March, killing at least five people.
“There is no alternative to dialogue. The government must do all it can to initiate a political process with concrete steps that answer the legitimate demands and aspirations of the Bahrainis. This is the only way forward to restore lasting stability and security”, the EU high representative for foreign affairs said in a statement dated 17 March. Ashton also calls on all parties to show restraint, going on to conclude: “I regret the violence and this loss of life. The human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Bahrain's people must be respected”. On Thursday 17 March, repression against the dissidents continued with the arrest of several opposition leaders. (H.B./transl.jl)