Brussels, 09/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 8 July, the EU noted “with grave concern” the twin blasts from home-made bombs which left one policeman dead and three injured in Sitra (Bahrain) on 6 July, said Michael Mann, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton. Recalling Ashton's statement of 1 July which called the parties to calm and to work together (see EUROPE 108787), Mann stated that the “solution to the current difficulties in Bahrain can only be found through constructive dialogue”.
Mann said that the expression of peaceful opposition, including the right to demonstrate, must remain legitimate but resorting to violence is “clearly unacceptable and will only create additional obstacles to a long-term solution”.
The European Union reiterates its call to all parties to bridge the gap between communities and to work towards genuine national reconciliation. (CG/transl.fl)