Situation in Bahrain

“The recent clashes between security forces and civilians in Duraz village in northwest Bahrain, resulting in the reported death of at least five Bahraini citizens and the arrest of hundreds of others, represent a worrying development.

The Bahraini Government has the sovereign right, and responsibility, to undertake domestic security operations to ensure the safety of its citizens. However the authorities should apply the principle of proportionality when using force and be mindful of the repercussions that an escalation of violence will have for the Kingdom’s objective to achieve national reconciliation.

The EU calls on all parties to resume dialogue and work for national reconciliation in a peaceful and constructive manner in the interest of all Bahraini citizens.”