AhlulBayt News Agency - The U.S. Deputy Department Spokesperson, Mark C. Toner, issued a press statement, on Wednesday 17th February 2016, about the situation in Bahrain, where he said:
“Five years ago this week, Bahrainis from all backgrounds called for political reforms that would bring greater respect for their universal rights and fundamental freedoms.
Bahrain has made progress in some areas, including by creating institutions that improve oversight of security institutions, but more work remains to be done. We will continue to raise our concerns with Bahrain about limitations on peaceful assembly and political activism, and the criminalization of free expression. We will also continue to encourage the release of opposition figures like Ibrahim Sharif and Sheikh Ali Salman.
It is important that the Government of Bahrain and opposition groups work together to implement reforms that meet international standards in these areas. By doing so, they can help bring peaceful change that is responsive to the aspirations of all Bahrainis, and marginalize those who support violence.
Bahrain is an important U.S. partner. Our relationship is built on common interests, including joint efforts to combat violent extremism. Allowing for greater rights and opportunities for all Bahrainis strengthens Bahrain’s stability and security, and so we will continue to encourage progress on these important issues.”
Al Wefaq Commends Statement of U.S. State Department, Ready to Begin Inclusive Political Solution
Al Wefaq National Islamic Society in Bahrain commends the statement issued by the U.S. State Department, where it called for joint efforts to implement reforms that meet international standards and bring peaceful change that is responsive to the aspirations of all Bahrainis. We also commend its call for the release of the prisoners of conscience, including Sheikh Ali Salman and Ibrahim Shareef.
Al Wefaq recalls that it responded positively to all dialogue invitations since February 2011, despite the government’s lack of genuine desire and despite its tendency to the security solution. We, in Al Wefaq, support a solution that can bring national unity, transitional justice, democratic transition and real political, judicial, security and human rights reforms.
Unfortunately, the current projects and measures can only be described as a setback from the official pledges and commitments on political, human rights, economic and security levels. Amid the absence of popular will and freedom of speech, unilateral decisions and measures are imposed forcefully and against universal declarations and covenants and justice. Sadly, Bahrain has not taken any considerable positive steps in these areas, but is promoting a façade to mislead the international community.
The Bahraini government continued to turn its back on the repeated calls for reform by UN foundations and member states, thereby, delaying political solution since five years although it represents a necessity for political, economic and social stability in Bahrain.
Al Wefaq calls on the United States of America and international community to take supportive and encouraging steps to translate these calls to reality by pushing for genuine dialogue to reach real and effective political, economic, security and human rights reforms that meet the aspirations of all Bahrainis. The more these reforms are delayed, the more costly and complicated the consequences will be. Al Wefaq is ready to genuinely contribute in a real project to achieve democratic transition and inclusive political and economic reform.
source : State, Wefaq
Saturday
20 February 2016
4:56:15 AM
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Al Wefaq National Islamic Society in Bahrain commends the statement issued by the U.S. State Department, where it called for joint efforts to implement reforms that meet international standards and bring peaceful change that is responsive to the aspirations of all Bahrainis.