Secret Bahrain-KSA deal exposed

A demonstrator protests the Saudi invasion of Bahrain in the Iranian capital, Tehran on March 17, 2011.

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/170955.html

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have reportedly struck a secret deal, which would compel each side to protect the other's political interests.

The deal was signed during Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's visit to Saudi Arabia last month, the Iraqi news website, Nahrain-Net reported.

Based on the accord, the Bahraini monarch should confer with Saudi King Abdullah on political, military and security affairs as well as issues related to Manama's foreign policy.

It also allows Riyadh to set up autonomous and permanent military bases in Bahrain.

The deal enabled Saudi Arabia's recent invasion of Bahrain in support of Manama's suppression of the popular revolution, the website said.

Demonstrators in the Shia-majority Bahrain have been demanding the ouster of the Sunni-led Al Khalifa monarchy as well as constitutional reforms since February 14.

More than a dozen people have been killed and about 1,000 injured since the start of the anti-government protests.

Violence has intensified against the demonstrators ever since the deployment of Saudi forces, which have started operating in the country alongside servicemen from the United Arab Emirates.

The deal allows Saudis to control Bahrain's intelligence and carry out any measure to change Bahrain's demographics.

Thousands of Bahrainis protested earlier in the month against what they denounced as Manama's naturalization policy, through which it attempts to change the country's demographic map.

"All those who are naturalized will be pro-government, and those in the police and army will follow their orders even if they are against the Bahraini people," said a protester.

Riyadh has to keep its side of the bargain by helping Al Khalifa to continue ruling Bahrain.

Thousands have turned out in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia in recent days to protest the Saudi invasion.