UN chief condemns Bahrain bomb attack, urges inclusive dialogue to ease tensions
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 18 July 2013 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, UN chief condemns Bahrain bomb attack, urges inclusive dialogue to ease tensions, 18 July 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/51e8fb534.html [accessed 18 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
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.
