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19:10 GMT
LONON, June 27 (KUNA) -- UK Foreign Office Minister Lord Howell urged the
Kingdom of Bahrain to increase the pace of reform.
This came during Lord Howell's meeting here Wednesday with Bahraini Minister
for the Interior Lt.-Gen. Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.
The two sides discussed the implementation of reforms in Bahrain and the
prospects for political dialogue.
Following the meeting, Lord Howell said in a statement: "The Bahraini
Government has made some progress in addressing the recommendations of the
Independent Commission of Inquiry, but wider concerns still need to be
addressed".
He urged the Government of Bahrain to increase the pace of reform and
ensure that the human rights of all Bahraini citizens are fully respected.
For the long-term stability of the country, Britain encourages all parties
to enter into an inclusive and constructive political dialogue without
preconditions.
"The Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom have a long friendship and
we remain strong partners in the region", the British minister noted.
The UK stands ready to assist Bahrain as it moves ahead with comprehensive
reform, Lord Howell vowed. (end)
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