Bahrain king seeks Iran co-op in crisis

Bahrain's King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/179317.html

Bahrain's King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa has called for Iran's cooperation to resolve the ongoing political crisis within the Persian Gulf sheikhdom.

At a meeting with the members of Bahrain's Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the king said Manama seeks “brotherhood” in its relations with Iran and “offers friendship” to the Islamic Republic, Bahraini TV reported.

King Hamad expressed Manama's willingness to work with Tehran to pinpoint and tackle the existing problems, saying such cooperation will serve the interests of both Iranians and Arabs.

He also warned of the attempts by some media and entities to sow discord among Arabs, Iran and Muslim nations.

Hamad went on to say that a country's crises should be tackled internally, because when the solution comes from abroad, it brings with it some treacheries.

The Bahraini king also underscored Bahrain's need for having a better government and parliament, noting such purpose should be achieved “by the people and according to legal means.”

Since mid-February, thousands of anti-government protesters in Bahrain have poured into the streets, calling for an end to the ruling of Al Khalifa dynasty, which has ruled the country for almost forty years.

On March 13, Saudi-led forces were dispatched to the Persian Gulf island at Manama's request to quell the countrywide protests.

Since the deployment of Saudi troops in Bahrain, Manama has shown itself capable of great brutality in suppressing the anti-regime protesters.

Scores of protesters have been killed and many others arrested and sent to unknown locations during Manama's violent crackdown on protesters. A number of the deaths have occurred under torture.

Regime forces have also raided dozens of mosques, schools, sacred sites and even graves in persisting efforts to suppress all opposition.