Brussels, 13/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 10 January, the European Union, speaking through Michael Mann, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, noted “with disappointment and concern” that national consensus dialogue talks were officially suspended in Bahrain the previous day after the withdrawal of opposition political societies in September. Believing that a Bahraini solution based on “mutual trust and compromises” is the only solution to the current crisis, the EU “hopes that discussions can resume soon with a view to achieving genuine and sustainable national reconciliation”, said Mann. He added that the efforts must “involve all segments of Bahraini society”. The EU welcomes the commitment of other participants to the national dialogue to keep the door open to resume discussions with the opposition.
Mann again called for the Bahraini authorities and political societies to consider a combination of moderation and concrete confidence building steps to create the necessary conditions for lasting reconciliation. He recalled that implementation of the recommendations from the independent commission of inquiry is “of utmost importance”.
The EU will continue to support Bahrain's stability and development, which can only be achieved through long-term political and socio-economic reforms, Mann concluded. (CG/transl.fl)