Bahrain: Opposition parties’ initiative for the second round of the national dialogue

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - We, the National Democratic Opposition Parties, strongly belief in the necessity of a fundamental solution to the political constitutional crisis in Bahrain for over decades now. However, considering the worsening living conditions for the Bahraini people as a result of the absence of comprehensive development strategies, and the widespread financial and administrative corruption and malfunctioning, added to the poor performance of administrative state institutions…- And based on our letter to the Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs, through which we defined our thorough vision of a national dialogue, and in wich we included dialogue vision, principles, mechanisms and agenda for a successful national dialogue…- And welcoming the patriotic honest calls to enter the second round of the National Dialogue, based on common ground that reflects the desire of all the factions of the Bahraini people and its active political and civil parties, to enjoy freedom, dignity and respect of human rights as per the universal International bill…- After nearly 25 sessions of the National Dialogue in its first round, where the negotiators came out with poor results that do not rise to the level of the aspirations of the Bahraini people…-And given the dangerous security and political deterioration our country has suffered during and after the first round of the dialogue, resulting in outrageous human rights violations and drawback in social stability and civil peace…-And to prevent our country from the consequences of the turmoil in the region, with all the happening conflicts and the hard pressures that could have further impact and deteriorate the local situation through hatred rehotics that do not serve our country and encourage foreign interference in our internal affairs…- As we approach the start of the second round of the National Dialogue, the National Democratic Opposition Parties participating in the dialogue, have studied all issues relevant to its direction and current situation, the opposition parties affirm the importance of the principle of dialogue as a civilized and strategic choice. The serious pursuing of the dialogue announced agenda and principles, capable to transfer our country from the current polarisation and bickering to bear national responsibility for the good of our people, today and in the future…- From this national premise, the National Democratic Opposition Parties propose the following initiative based on related documented terms to the crisis, and means for solution to make the second round of the dialogue be successful:1- To stop the incitement in the media and start building confidence bridges between parties to foster national unity. And to open the media for all civil and political powers without discrimination or exclusion.2- To free all prisoners of conscience according to the report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry.3- To achieve the required security detente by easing local tension and ending violations, illegal arrests and home raids by the security apparatuses. And condemn violence and counter-violence from any side.4- Allow all participating parties in the dialogue access to media.5- The Government must implement the pledges it has made before the international community, especially the recommendations of both the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry and the United Nations’ Human Rights Council.6- Stop the driven attempts to categorize the society on sectarian and tribal basis, and stop the systematic discrimination against citizens.Tuesday 27th August 2013- ManamaThe National Democratic Opposition Parties/129