LOC17:39
14:39 GMT
PARIS, Dec 12 (KUNA) -- France on Wednesday praised a speech by Bahraini
Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa on the reforms undertaken in
Bahrain and the commitment to pursue this program in the Gulf country.
The speech, made several days ago at the International Institute for
Security Studies (IISS), outlined the efforts of the government of Bahrain to
implement recommendations for reform in the political, judicial and freedom of
expression areas.
"We welcome the speech given by the Crown Prince...(and) we support the
willingness of Prince Salman to pursue the political reforms in the Kingdom
and fight against judicial inequality and guarantee freedom of opinion and
expression in Bahrain," the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"In this perspective, we particularly praise the call for dialogue
expressed by the Crown Prince," the statement added.
Urging "national reconciliation," France also called on the authorities and
the opposition to agree on the reforms and take into account the aspirations
of all Bahrainis.
This is needed to lead to "a lasting calming of tensions" and the respect
for rights and public freedoms.
France also called "on all parties to reject any form of violence and to
engage in dialogue as quickly as possible." (end)
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KUNA 121739 Dec 12NNNN