Obama Supports Efforts by Bahrain to Ease Crisis

Posted June 7th, 2011 at 6:05 pm (UTC-5)
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U.S. President Barack Obama has reaffirmed the strong U.S. commitment to Bahrain, and says he supports efforts by the Gulf nation to ease its political crisis.

Mr. Obama made his remarks after meeting Tuesday at the White House with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin al-Khalifa.

The White House said the president expressed support for the crown prince's efforts to initiate a national dialogue. Mr. Obama said the government and opposition must compromise to create a just future for all Bahrainis.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also voiced support Tuesday for a national dialogue in Bahrain. She spoke prior to a meeting with the crown prince, who said Bahrain is committed to political and economic reform.

President Obama has criticized Bahrain's crackdown on anti-government protesters in March that left 24 people dead. Bahrain's leaders that month imposed an emergency law, which was lifted on June 1, and invited troops from neighboring Sunni-led states to help quell the protests.

Following the crackdown, the Sunni-ruled nation arrested hundreds of mostly Shi'ite protesters and put dozens on trial in special courts.

In his comments Tuesday, Mr. Obama said it is critical for Bahrain's government to follow through on its promise to ensure that those responsible for human rights abuses are held accountable.

Bahrain has denied reports of human rights abuses.

On Tuesday, Bahraini Shi'ite clerics accused police of violating religious freedoms in connection with the halting of street festivals largely run by majority Shi'ites.

Bahrain is a key U.S. ally in the Persian Gulf and home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.