AhlulBayt News Agency

source : Almanar
Friday

13 April 2012

2:07:00 PM
308400

Bahrain Formula One Race to Go ahead

The world governing body of Formula One said on Friday that Bahrain Grand Prix would go ahead as planned, despite ongoing unrest in the Persian Gulf Kingdom.

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) said safety concerns had been addressed following year-long protests which caused the race to be called off last season.

"Based on the current information the FIA has at this stage, it is satisfied that all the proper security measures are in place for the running of a Formula One world championship event in Bahrain," a statement on its website said.

"Therefore, the FIA confirms that the 2012 [Persian] Gulf Air F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain will go ahead as scheduled."

The race in Bahrain, which is on April 22, was postponed last year after protests against the regime erupted, and was later removed from the 2011 schedule.

The Regime assures that the situation in Bahrain is secure for the race, which offers the kingdom hundreds of millions of dollars, to be held.

Circuit chairman Zayed Alzayani said last month that the race contributes $220 million directly to the local economy and $400-500 million indirectly.

ESCALATING REPRESSION

Earlier on Wednesday, Bahraini regime announced it was escalating repression against peaceful protesters who have been demanding change in the Kingdom.

The situation has been more tense across the country as the regime forces were brutally curbing any attempt by people to protest against the regime, calling for the release of the prominent human rights activist Abdulhadi Khawaja.

Khawaja’s health has been deteriorating, as he has been going on a hunger strike for more than two months.

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