Secretary-General, Concerned at Neighbouring Troops in Bahrain, Pledges

UN Readiness to Back National Efforts for Broad-based Dialogue, Reform

 

Following is the text of a statement issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is troubled by the growing violence in the Kingdom of Bahrain that has left many people injured over the past few days.   He notes with concern that troops from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates under the auspices of the Gulf Cooperation Council have reportedly entered the territory of Bahrain today.

The United Nations is in touch with all the Bahraini parties on the ground, including the Government and key opposition parties who have conveyed their concerns to the Secretary-General on the latest developments.  The Secretary-General strongly believes that peaceful means should be adopted to ensure national unity and stability.  He appeals to all concerned to exercise maximum restraint and to do everything possible to prevent the use of force and further violence.  He also underscores the responsibility of all parties to act in strict accordance with international human rights and humanitarian law.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call on all national stakeholders to reach common ground without delay on a meaningful and broad-based national dialogue, and on Bahrain’s regional neighbours and the wider international community to support a dialogue process and an environment conducive for credible reform in Bahrain.   The United Nations continues to stand ready to provide support to nationally-led efforts, if requested to do so.

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For information media • not an official record