UN Condemns Bahrain Bomb Attack, Urges Inclusive Dialogue

UN Chief Condemns Bahrain Bomb Attack, Urges Inclusive Dialogue to Ease Tensions

New York, Jul 18 2013 - Expressing concern about the increase in violence in Bahrain, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the recent bomb attack at a mosque in Riffa and has reiterated his call on all parties in the country to engage in an all-inclusive dialogue to ease tensions.

In a statement issued by a UN spokesperson in New York, the Secretary-General condemned the bomb attack at a mosque in Riffa, which is south of the Bahraini capital, Manama.

According to news reports, a car bomb exploded Wednesday outside the mosque, which was filled with worshippers attending late-night prayers.

"The Secretary-General reiterates his call on the Government and people of Bahrain to engage in an all--inclusive, meaningful dialogue in order to defuse tensions, promote reforms and foster reconciliation," the statement said.

Mr. Ban has repeatedly called for dialogue among all parties in Bahrain since civil unrest, including clashes between security forces and demonstrators broke out in early 2011, when widespread protests first emerged in the country.

This past January, he welcomed the initiative by the King of Bahrain to convene a national political dialogue, as well as the positive response to the proposal from opposition groups in the Persian Gulf nation, but there has been little movement towards meaningful talks.

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

ENDS

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