The European Union's foreign policy chief is "deeply concerned" by fresh clashes between demonstrators and police in Bahrain and calls for calm, a statement said Saturday, DPA reported.
The EU has been taken by surprise by the wave of pro-democracy demonstrations sweeping across the Arab world and Middle East. EU foreign ministers are to meet on Monday to discuss the bloc's response to the upheaval.
"I am deeply concerned by new reports about the use of violence by the Bahraini security forces and strongly deplore the loss of lives," EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said.
Ashton called on all parties in Bahrain to "exercise restraint and calm in order to avoid further casualties and violence," and urged the authorities in Bahrain to "respect fundamental human rights including freedom of expression and the right to assemble freely."
Talks between the government and opponents should begin "without delay," she said.
Monday's EU meeting had been expected to focus on Egypt and Tunisia, but recent flare-ups in Bahrain, Libya and Yemen are now likely to dominate. Straight after the meeting, Ashton is due to fly to Egypt for talks with the interim regime there.
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