New York

16 March 2011

Note to correspondents following questions from the media on Bahrain

Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General

Latest reports of excessive use of force by the security forces and police against peaceful demonstrators and unarmed civilians in Bahrain are alarming.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call on all sides to exercise maximum restraint. He also calls on the Government of Bahrain and the security forces from the Gulf Cooperation Council to abide by their duty to protect civilians and uphold human rights, including freedom of assembly.