Global perspective Human stories

Bahrain: Ban welcomes initiative to convene national political dialogue

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) with King Hamad Bin Issa Al Khalifa of Bahrain.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) with King Hamad Bin Issa Al Khalifa of Bahrain.

Bahrain: Ban welcomes initiative to convene national political dialogue

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the initiative by the king of Bahrain to convene a national political dialogue, as well as the positive response to the proposal from opposition groups in the Persian Gulf nation.

“This initiative is an important first step towards reforms that ensure justice and human rights for all Bahrainis,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement on the endeavour begun by King Hamad bin Issa Al-Khalifa.

Bahrain has experienced civil unrest, including clashes between security forces and demonstrators since early 2011, when widespread protests first emerged in the country.

“The Secretary-General has consistently called for dialogue and hopes that the parties will follow through on their announcements and ensure that the dialogue is well-prepared, meaningful, fully inclusive, and addresses the legitimate aspirations of the Bahraini people,” his spokesperson said in today’s statement

“He expects that all communities will be represented fairly and freely and calls on all Bahrainis to contribute to creating a conducive atmosphere for a successful dialogue,” he added.