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Obama welcomes Bahraini king's reform efforts

Arab World Materials 28 February 2011 05:08 (UTC +04:00)
US President Barack Obama on Sunday said he welcomed reforms, cabinet changes and a national unity dialogue launched by Bahrain's kingdom in the face of mounting protests, dpa reported.
Obama welcomes Bahraini king's reform efforts

US President Barack Obama on Sunday said he welcomed reforms, cabinet changes and a national unity dialogue launched by Bahrain's kingdom in the face of mounting protests, dpa reported.

Obama said Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa had made "important changes" to his cabinet and was "restating his commitment to reform," after the king this weekend reportedly sacked several ministers who had allegedly fuelled the unrest and ordered the use violence against demonstrators.

Obama in a statement also backed a national dialogue launched by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, though some opposition leaders have said the move does not go far enough and thousands of demonstrators have continued making demands in the capital Manama.

The talks should encourage "a process that is meaningful, inclusive, non sectarian, and responsive to the people of Bahrain," Obama said. "The dialogue offers an opportunity for meaningful reform and for all Bahrainis to forge a more just future together."

The Obama administration has been cautious in its approach to the ongoing protests in Bahrain, which is a key US ally in the region and hosts the Navy's Fifth Fleet.

"As a long standing partner of Bahrain, the United States continues to believe that Bahrain's stability will be enhanced by respecting the universal rights of the people of Bahrain and reforms that meet the aspirations of all Bahrainis," Obama said.

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