Organisers of the Bahrain Grand Prix have moved to quell rising fears regarding the situation in the Kingdom after human rights groups called for Formula One teams to boycott the race planned for April 22.
Last year's grand prix was cancelled following unrest in the Gulf state, but the race has returned to the calendar this year following assurances from the Crown Prince that the issues are being dealt with.
Nabeel Rajab, the vice-president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, said last weekend that a campaign will be held to boycott the race, adding "Formula One, if they come, are helping the government to say [the situation is normal].
"We would prefer it if they didn't take part. I am sure the drivers and teams respect human rights."
However, a spokesperson for the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) on Monday said the government, which had an independent report carried out last year, has moved to ensure no further human rights violations will take place.
"Last year, the King of Bahrain commissioned an independent report into alleged human rights abuses, the findings of which were published in November," the spokesman said. "The report found evidence of human rights violations and made certain general and specific recommendations.
"The government has fully acknowledged the findings of the report and is acting swiftly and convincingly on the recommendations."
Bernie Ecclestone, the commercial rights holder of Formula One, said at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November that he saw no reason not to return to Bahrain and did not believe the race would become a target for protesters.
"It's on the calendar," Ecclestone said. "We'll be there, unless something terrible happens to stop us."
Last year's race was postponed initially, before F1 teams and drivers forced the event to be cancelled, but the BIC spokesperson yesterday stressed the importance of the Bahrain Grand Prix to the country.
"[It] forms a fundamental part of the local economy," he said. "It is supported by an overwhelming majority of people from all sections of society in Bahrain and represents a symbol of national unity.
"The independent report was a milestone for Bahrain and we will now work tirelessly to ensure that the race is a great success," he added.
As well as the future of Bahrain's race being cast in doubt, there are also concerns surrounding the calendar's two races in Spain.
The government of Valencia, host of the European Grand Prix, have said they want to renegotiate its contract with Ecclestone, while Catalunya, host of the Spanish Grand Prix, may need to reconsider hosting its annual race.
"It is not clear to us that we can afford [F1 or MotoGP] in the current situation," Andreu Mas-Colell, Catalunya's minister for economy, told local radio.
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Picture of Joumblatt and Hariri breaking bread sets Twitter alight
Mr Joumblatt’s pessimism regarding the Lebanese political situation didn’t stop him from enjoying a cheerful dinner on Tuesday with several politicians including Mr Hariri.
Caretaker Culture Minister Ghattas Khoury tweeted a picture of the group sitting around a table at a discrete fish restaurant in Beirut’s upscale Sodeco area.
Mr Joumblatt told The National that the fish served at Kelly’s Fish lounge had been very good.
“They really enjoyed their time”, remembers the restaurant owner. “Mr Hariri was taking selfies with everybody”.
Mr Hariri and Mr Joumblatt often have dinner together to discuss recent political developments.
Mr Joumblatt was a close ally of Mr Hariri’s assassinated father, former prime minister Rafik Hariri. The pair were leading figures in the political grouping against the 15-year Syrian occupation of Lebanon that ended after mass protests in 2005 in the wake of Rafik Hariri’s murder. After the younger Hariri took over his father’s mantle in 2004, the relationship with Mr Joumblatt endured.
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With so much of Lebanese politics agreed in late-night meetings behind closed doors, the media and pundits put significant weight on how regularly, where and with who senior politicians meet.
In the picture, alongside Messrs Khoury and Hariri were Mr Joumbatt and his wife Nora, PSP politician Wael Abou Faour and Egyptian ambassador to Lebanon Nazih el Nagari.
The picture of the dinner led to a flurry of excitement on Twitter that it signified an imminent government formation. “God willing, white smoke will rise soon and Walid Beik [a nickname for Walid Joumblatt] will accept to give up the minister of industry”, one user replied to the tweet. “Blessings to you…We would like you to form a cabinet”, wrote another.
The next few days will be crucial in determining whether these wishes come true.
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