Foreign Officer Minister meets Bahraini opposition
\n29 November, 2012<\/p>\n
Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt: \u201cThe UK will continue to engage with all sides and help wherever we can to bring about the peace and stability Bahrain deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaking today, Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said: \u201cI was pleased to speak with members from Al Wefaq and the National Unity Assembly this week. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe discussed the current situation in Bahrain one year on from the Independent Commission of Inquiry\u2019s report and our shared concern at the recent bombings. I reiterated the UK\u2019s support for the Declaration of Non-Violence that was launched earlier this month by Al Wefaq and five other political societies. It is an important confidence-building measure and I encourage other leaders in Bahrain to declare publicly their support for this initiative. Violent protests are unacceptable and we condemn them unequivocally. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe also discussed recent actions taken by the authorities, such as the ban on protests and the withdrawal of citizenship from 31 individuals. I made clear that the UK is concerned about such steps which undermine potential reconciliation and that the UK is urging the Government of Bahrain to do more to create the right environment for meaningful political dialogue. I therefore welcome the Government\u2019s acceptance of a needs assessment team from the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights next week to discuss this alongside follow-up to the recent Universal Periodic Review of Bahrain by the Human Rights Council in Geneva.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe UK will continue to engage with all sides and help wherever we can to bring about the peace and stability Bahrain deserve.\u201d
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