By IRNA,
Berlin: German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle expressed Saturday ‘deep concern’ over the ongoing security crackdown in Bahrain.
He reiterated in a statement the right of the Bahraini people to demonstrate peacefully, while saying the right of freedom of opinion should be safeguarded.
Westerwelle urged all sides to avoid further escalation in the political conflict.
The minister’s remarks were underscored by European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton who also voiced ‘deep concern’ by fresh clashes between demonstrators and police in Bahrain.
‘I am deeply concerned by new reports about the use of violence by the Bahraini security forces and strongly deplore the loss of lives,’ she said in a statement in Brussels.
Ashton called on all parties in Bahrain to ‘exercise restraint and calm in order to avoid further casualties and violence.’
She also urged the authorities in Bahrain to ‘respect fundamental human rights including freedom of expression and the right to assemble freely.’
Ashton stressed talks between the government and opponents should begin ‘without
delay.’
Bahrain has been rocked by deadly protests over the past days as security forces in the Persian Gulf sheikdom have used live ammunition against peaceful protesters.
Caught by surprise by the political unrest in large parts of the Arab world, EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss the crisis when they meet in Brussels Sunday evening and on Monday.