Bahrain reconciliation talks could start as early as next week: minister


  • English
  • Arabic

Bahrain expects talks with the opposition aimed at breaking nearly two years of political deadlock to start next week or early next month, a cabinet member said today.

Bahrain has been in turmoil since protests erupted in early 2011 led by majority Shiites demanding full powers for parliament.

Al Wefaq and five other pro-democracy groups have said they are ready to attend the talks but have demanded the government show seriousness in addressing their demands, including for a constitutional democracy with an elected government rather than one appointed by the king.

Thirty-five people died during the unrest and two months of martial law that followed, but the opposition says that number has risen to more than 80. The government rejects the figure.

"The information affairs minister, Samira Rajab, expected the dialogue talks to start very soon ... by the end of this month or early next month, at the latest," Akhbar Al Khaleej newspaper reported.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa called for the talks. Al Wefaq withdrew from a previous attempt at dialogue in July 2011, complaining there were too many hand-picked participants to reach a meaningful consensus.

Martial law has been lifted and the government has introduced some reforms but the opposition says the measures are cosmetic and smaller scale protests have continued.

Shiites complain of discrimination in the electoral system, jobs, housing, education and government departments.

Brief scoreline

Switzerland 0

England 0

Result: England win 6-5 on penalties

Man of the Match: Trent Alexander-Arnold (England)

The Perfect Couple

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor

Creator: Jenna Lamia

Rating: 3/5

Episode list:

Ep1: A recovery like no other- the unevenness of the economic recovery 

Ep2: PCR and jobs - the future of work - new trends and challenges 

Ep3: The recovery and global trade disruptions - globalisation post-pandemic 

Ep4: Inflation- services and goods - debt risks 

Ep5: Travel and tourism 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RESULTS

Argentina 4 Haiti 0

Peru 2 Scotland 0

Panama 0 Northern Ireland 0

MATCH INFO

Juventus 1 (Dybala 45')

Lazio 3 (Alberto 16', Lulic 73', Cataldi 90 4')

Red card: Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus)