The United States was deeply concerned about the Bahraini government's crackdown on protesters and called for democratic and economic reforms in the country, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday, dpa reported.
"We have said repeatedly, the United States strongly opposes the use of violence and strongly supports reform that move toward democratic institution-building and economic openness," Clinton said.
Clinton said she spoke with Bahraini Foreign Minister Khalid al- Khalifa, and "directly conveyed our deep concerns about the actions of the security forces."
The Bahraini government confirmed three people died in clashes between police and protesters in Manama, and there were reports that two more died when police broke up a protest in the capital's central Pearl Square.
"I emphasized how important it was that, given that there will be both funerals and prayers (Friday), that that not be marred by violence," Clinton said.
Bahrain is the latest Arab country to see violence erupt amid protests that have been sweeping the region. The protests gained steam after mass demonstrations in Egypt brought an end to Hosny Mubarak's 30-year rule.
The US has urged Arab governments to implement democratic and economic reforms to head off instability. Bahrain is a close US ally in the Persian Gulf and hosts the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet.
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