US says it is unhappy with Bahraini government’s decision to ban public gatherings

Mr. Mark Toner, Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department of State in Washington, has said  the United States was deeply concerned by the Bahraini government’s decision to ban all public gatherings.

He said decision to curb these rights was contrary to Bahrain’s professed commitment to reform and it would not help advance national reconciliation or build trust among all parties.

Mr. Toner told a media briefing at the State Department that freedoms of assembly, association and expression are universal human rights and therefore urged the government of Bahrain to uphold its international commitments and ensure that its citizens are able to assemble peacefully and to express their views without fear of arrest or detention.

“We urge the Government of Bahrain to work with responsible protest leaders to find a way for peaceful and orderly demonstrations to take place,” he added.

The briefing is a daily event organized by the Department of State to inform journalists on the daily occurrence in and across the globe especially where US agencies and missions are currently operating.

The press briefing was the first to be carried out after the Department of State went on a three-day break due to hurricane Sandy which hit US on Sunday and caused death and massive destruction of property.

Mr. Toner appealed to the opposition in Bahrain to refrain from provocations and violence which, he said, undermined efforts to reduce tensions, rebuild trust and pursue meaningful reconciliation in Bahrain.

He said recent violent attacks, including fatal attacks on security personnel, were deeply troubling development adding the government of Bahrain must take steps to build confidence across Bahraini society and to begin a meaningful national dialogue with the political opposition.

Source: GNA