Bahrain Mirror- Exclusive: US Secretary of State John Kerry issued a statement on Sunday night (July 17, 2016) in which he expressed Washington's deep concern by the decision to dissolve the opposition Al-Wefaq political society, the largest political societies in Bahrain.

Kerry said in the statement that this ruling (dissolving Al-Wefaq) is the latest in a series of disconcerting steps in Bahrain, including the Government of Bahrain's revocation of Sheikh Isa Qassim's citizenship and the arrest of human rights activist Nabeel Rajab

The government's recent steps to suppress nonviolent opposition only undermine Bahrain's cohesion and security, as well as the region's stability, Kerry stressed.

These actions are inconsistent with U.S. interests and strain our partnership with Bahrain. They also contradict the government's stated commitments to protecting human rights and achieving reconciliation with all of Bahrain's communities.

US Secretary of State John Kerry called on the Government of Bahrain to reverse these and other recent measures, return urgently to the path of reconciliation, and work collectively to address the aspirations of all Bahrainis, considering that this is the best way to marginalize those who support violence, and bring greater security and stability to the region.

Kerry concluded his statement saying that the United States will continue to support steps by all sides to advance a political dialogue.

Arabic Version