SG/SM/14781

Secretary-General Welcomes Bahrain King’s Initiative to Convene Political Dialogue, ‘Affirmative’ Response from Opposition Groups

24 January 2013
Secretary-GeneralSG/SM/14781
Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

Secretary-General Welcomes Bahrain King’s Initiative to Convene Political


Dialogue, ‘Affirmative’ Response from Opposition Groups

 


The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:


The Secretary-General welcomes theinitiative of King Hamad bin Issa Al-Khalifaof Bahrain to convene a political dialogue and the affirmative response from six opposition societies and other societies.  The Secretary-General has consistently called for dialogue and hopes that the parties will follow through on their announcements and ensure that the dialogue is well prepared, meaningful, fully inclusive, and addresses the legitimate aspirations of the Bahraini people.  This initiative is an important first step towards reforms that ensure justice and human rights for all Bahrainis.


He expects that all communities will be represented fairly and freely, and calls on all Bahrainis to contribute to creating a conducive atmosphere for a successful dialogue.


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For information media • not an official record
For information media. Not an official record.