British minister urges reform in Bahrain

The UK's Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt, on Monday concluded a day-long visit to Bahrain, where he met senior Bahraini government officials, including the Crown Prince, First Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Interior Minister and Minister for the Royal Court.  Burt also met with representatives from Bahrain’s political parties and opposition groups and held roundtable discussions with members of civil society and the media. the minister reportedly discussed the current situation in the Gulf country and the implementation of its reform agenda. He also raised plans for political dialogue, the security situation and specific human rights concerns. Speaking after the visit, the minister said: “Bahrain remains a top priority for the UK Government. As a key partner and ally in the region, it is in our interests to support Bahrain on the road to long-term stability." "While the Bahraini government has made some good progress on the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI), we are clear there is much more to do," he said. Burt said the UK would help reform the judicial system, promote human rights training in the police and other government services, and "reduce sectarian tension through reconciliation". "Bringing about sustained, comprehensive reform will take time, but the government should build on the steps they have taken and ensure that BICI recommendations are implemented quickly and in full, including where they relate to human rights," he finished.