US Resumes Weapons Sales to Bahrain
Once again, the US has gone far in its interference in other countries' affairs, as this time it lifted some restrictions on weapons sales to Bahrain.
On this level, US State Department Spokeswoman Victoria Nulan, affirmed in a statement on Friday, "We have made the decision to release additional items to Bahrain, mindful of the fact that there are a number of serious unresolved human rights issues that the government of Bahrain needs to address."
This comes following a visit by Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa to the US last week. During his visit, the Bahraini Crown Prince met with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and discussed with her the latest developments.
The US decision, announced by Nuland did not specify what types of weapons were freed from the restrictions. However, the Los Angeles Times stated that Bloomberg News revealed that the equipment include air-to-air missiles and ammunition.
Following reports and findings of regime human rights violations in Bahrain, the US froze its weapons sales to the Persian Gulf Kingdom last October over alleged concerns.
On their part, Bahraini activists rebuffed the announcement to resume weapons sales by the US, and asserted that their regime continues its crackdown against innocent protesters, as it hasn't done enough to meet their demands for reforms.
Hereupon, human rights director of the Human Rights First organization, Brian Dooley, slammed the US announcement and wondered, "Where is the progress that warrants the reward of arms?"
"This new sale will only damage US credibility among those working for democracy in Bahrain and across the Middle East," Dooley went on to say.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by moqawama.org
Comments
- Related News
US Senate Votes 15-3 for Arming Syrian Opposition
10 years ago
