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Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt welcomes Bahrain’s National Dialogue

Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt: "Its long-term success, however, will depend on how the government and parliament takes forward its recommendations."

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Alistair Burt said:

“We welcome this month’s National Dialogue which has been a first step as the Bahraini people seek to overcome Bahrain’s challenges. Its long-term success, however, will depend on how the government and parliament takes forward its recommendations. Effective implementation of those recommendations that were agreed, with the active participation of Bahrain’s communities, will be vital in ensuring reconciliation, stability and prosperity. So too will be further genuine reform which addresses the broader issues which have been raised by the Bahraini people. Ensuring an ongoing and inclusive process will be crucial and we continue to urge all parties to remain engaged.”

The Bahraini Government has committed to a National Dialogue on 1st July, which must be supported with concrete actions to address the long-term challenges facing Bahrain. We will also expect any appeals process to thoroughly and transparently address the substantial concerns that have been raised in these tribunals.”

Published 29 July 2011