Norway condemns violence in Bahrain

“Norway condemns the violence against peaceful protesters in Bahrain, and we are concerned about the situation in the country. It is particularly worrying that the conflict seems to have taken on a sectarian dimension, with tension between Shia and Sunni Muslims in the kingdom,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. 

“The conflict in Bahrain must be resolved by political means. It is therefore important that a national dialogue between the royal family and the protesters on necessary reforms gets under way as soon as possible. Norway urges all parties to refrain from excessive use of force. The authorities must respect freedom of expression and allow peaceful demonstrations,” said Mr Støre. 

On the night of 15–16 March, the Bahraini security forces took over Pearl Square in the capital, Manama, where the protesters have been camped out for several weeks. On Tuesday a state of emergency was declared in Bahrain. On Monday military and police forces from the Gulf Cooperation Council (mainly from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) entered Bahrain at the request of the Bahraini authorities.