BAHRAIN HITS BACK

MANAMA: Bahrain yesterday hit back after the US government included the country in a blacklist of nations accused of violating human rights. It was rated alongside brutal regimes such as Iran, North Korea, Syria and Zimbabwe in a list submitted to the UN Human Rights Council for scrutiny.

It happened on the same day US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour assistant secretary of state Michael Posner welcomed "positive developments" in Bahrain.

He praised the release of detainees, the restoration of scholarships and reinstatement of workers wrongfully dismissed during the unrest at a Press conference in Bahrain on Wednesday.

"We regret the US administration's rush to judgement on allegations that have yet to be proven in courts of law," said the Social Development Ministry.

"The Human Rights Office is surprised that the statement should have been issued so shortly after a fruitful visit to the United States by senior Bahraini officials, during which they underlined to the US administration Bahrain's determination to maintain and protect human rights and outlined the moves currently underway to investigate and remedy any shortcomings or lapses in this regard.

"Moreover, the statement coincided with a visit to Bahrain by Michael Posner during which these productive discussions were continued."

Bahrain introduced a State of National Safety after anti-government protesters hijacked the country's main hospital, blocked roads, set up illegal checkpoints and attacked Asian expatriates, killing four and injuring hundreds of others. It was lifted on June 1.


(2011-6-19/gulf-daily-news)