UN welcomes end of state of emergency in Bahrain

[News_Editor]

UN welcomes end of state of emergency in Bahrain

2011-06-02 06:30:12 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations on Wednesday welcomed the lifting of the state of emergency in Bahrain and the call made by King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa for a national dialogue on July 1.

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his desire that the national dialogue could lead to an inclusive reform process aimed at meeting the political, economic and social aspirations of all Bahraini people, according to his spokesperson Martin Nesirky.

"In this regard, he appeals to all national stakeholders to work constructively towards creating a conducive environment for such a dialogue to take place," added the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General.

On May 8, King al-Khalifa signed a decree to lift the state of emergency on June 1. The decision was made after Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) troops arrived to Bahrain to help protecting the country following weeks of violent protests.

Bahrain has witnessed a violent crackdown by the government against protesters. Social unrest began after protesters called for a "Day of Rage" on February 14 to mark the 10th anniversary of the National Action Charter, which returned the country to constitutional rule after the 1990s uprisings.

Initially, people took to the streets to demand reform and the introduction of a constitutional monarchy, but later they began to call for the removal of the royal Sunni Muslim al-Khalifa family, which has ruled the country for almost 40 years.

The Middle Eastern country has been ruled by a 200-year-old Sunni dynasty. However, two-thirds of Bahrain's population is Shiite. The government's crackdown on protesters have reportedly killed 20 people.

Previously, the UN voiced deep concern about the continued detention of hundreds of activists, including teachers, lawyers, journalists and bloggers, medical professionals, artists, activists and members of political bodies.

According to Bahraini government, the number of people in detention was listed at 400, but the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said it reports indicate that more than 1,000 people were arrested and over 50 over remain unaccounted for.

Secretary-General Ban called on the Bahraini authorities and the security forces "to act in accordance with relevant international norms and standards with regard to human rights and fundamental freedoms."

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-02