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| Arabia |
| Bahrain protesters blockade Parliament |
| 2011-03-02 |
| [Arab News] Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman said Monday efforts were under way to launch talks with the opposition, which is demanding major political reforms amid a wave of anti-government protests. On Monday, anti-government protesters blockaded the country's Parliament and massed outside the state broadcaster "The steps we have taken in the last few days have calmed the situation and helped restore life in Bahrain to normal in preparation for dialogue," Prince Salman said in a statement. However, The infamous However... "some continue to seek to block reform," he said, adding, "such disruption only harms the interests of the people of Bahrain." Hundreds of protesters marched out of Pearl Square toward Bahrain's appointed chamber of Parliament, chanting: "The people want to topple the regime," and "Unity, national unity!" They also carried banners that read "Bring down the Shoura Council," in reference to the 40-member consultative council, appointed by the king, which has the power to block legislation from the lower house The demonstrations appear to be part of a strategy to hold rallies at sensitive locations in the capital while maintaining a round-the-clock protest base in a Pearl Square. The Parliament became a target to coincide with a meeting called by the 40-member upper chamber, which is appointed by Bahrain's ruler. The session was delayed by several hours when protesters formed a human chain around the entrance. From Parliament, the marchers moved to the state TV headquarters, chanting slogans that claim the reports on the unrest seek to widen rifts between the protesters and the monarchy. Another demonstration outside Parliament is scheduled for Tuesday. MP Jassem Hussein of the Islamic National Accord Association bloc said the official resignation of the party's 18 members was still pending parliamentary approval. All of INAA's 18 MPs resigned Sunday in protest over the killing of seven anti-regime demonstrators. "We are still waiting... but expect this will be left as unfinished business," Hussein said. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #1 New computer -- setting cookie |
| Posted by: sherry 2011-03-02 23:18 |