Obama condemns violence against anti-gov't protesters in Bahrain, Libya and Yemen

Obama condemns violence against anti-gov't protesters in Bahrain, Libya and Yemen

2011-02-19 01:57:47 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday condemned the use of violence against anti-government protesters in Bahrain, Libya and Yemen.

"I am deeply concerned by reports of violence in Bahrain, Libya and Yemen," Obama said in a statement released by the White House. "The United States condemns the use of violence by governments against peaceful protesters in those countries and wherever else it may occur."

Obama said the United States expresses its condolences to the family and friends of those who have been killed during the protests. "Wherever they are, people have certain universal rights including the right to peaceful assembly," he said. "The United States urges the governments of Bahrain, Libya and Yemen to show restraint in responding to peaceful protests, and to respect the rights of their people.

Parts of the Arab world in North Africa have been thrown into chaos amid massive widespread protests against their governments, resulting in revolutions in Tunisia and most recently Egypt.

The protests in Bahrain, Libya and Yemen have in recent days claimed a combined total of more than 50 lives and injured hundreds more, while more than 600 others have been killed in protests in other countries.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-02-19