With tensions mounting for the anniversary of Bahrain's unrest, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called Thursday for the country to respect human rights and show restraint in the use of force, dpa reported.
Bahrain's security forces clashed this week with demonstrators.
"The secretary general strongly believes that a genuine, all-inclusive and meaningful dialogue that meets the legitimate aspirations of all Bahrainis is the way to promote peace and stability in the country," Ban said in a statement.
He renewed a call for Bahraini authorities "to do everything possible" to implement the recommendations by Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry to meet demands of protesters, including confidence-building measures.