U.S. envoy urges prosecution for Bahrain crackdown initiators December 10, 2012 - 12:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A senior U.S. envoy is calling on Bahrain to prosecute those responsible for widespread crackdowns during the early stages of an anti-government uprising in the Gulf kingdom last year, The Associated Press reported. Assistant Secretary of State Michael Posner also urged Bahrain's leadership to drop charges against activists involved in "non-violent political expression" and voiced concern about recent measures, including revoking citizenship for 31 activists. Posner's statement suggests stronger demands by Washington toward strategic ally Bahrain, which is home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. There was no immediate comment from Bahraini officials on Tuesday. Posner says Bahrain's Sunni rulers need to take steps to open credible talks with the country's Shiite opposition groups. He also condemned violence by protesters. More than 55 people have been killed in Bahrain's unrest since February 2011.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24  U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan.Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says.Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |
