Bahraini Opposition: Russian Role Significant, Supports Democratic Transition

Local Editor

The Bahraini opposition delegation to Moscow unanimously gathered on refusing Saudi intervention in Bahrain.
In a press conference held in Moscow, members of the delegation looked forward to the effective Russian role that supports democratic transition.
In this context, the Secretary General of the Unitary National Democratic Assembly in Bahrain Fadel Abbas stated, "Bahrain witnesses a Saudi intervention that violates the memorandum of The Peninsula Shield force."
"When the Bahraini [regime] summoned these forces to oppress its people, that was the first time in the Arab and Islamic world as well as the international community that a regime resorts to foreign forces to strike a popular movement and peaceful protests," he mentioned.

Moreover, Abbas noted, "The Saudi intervention [violates] the "Peninsula Shield" memorandum that clearly stipulates ‘an intervention in case of a foreign aggression'" underscoring, "The Peninsula Shield forces were used to crack down the people who demand an elected government, not a government assigned by the King."

He further indicated that Bahrain is the only country in the world that does not have a former Prime Minister because the current PM remained in his post since the country's independence.

Regarding the international stance from Bahrain's events, Abbas stated, "The Bahraini opposition looks forward to a positive and effective Russian role in Bahrain," indicating, "The US administration prevents presenting the Bahraini case to the International Court."

"The Russian role in Bahrain is just and is welcomed by the people, and the Russian leadership is invited to support serious dialogue in Bahrain. In case dialogue fails, [we] call on Russia to take an international stance to cease the American veto in the Security Council or the UN's General Assembly [regarding the Bahraini file]," Abbas stressed.

For his part, the Secretary General of the Democratic Progressive Party, Abedulnabi Salman stated, "The media's role is highly required, especially in light of the media blackout on Bahrain."

Furthermore, Salman pointed out, "The regime is the only one carrying weapons in this conflict," emphasizing the peacefulness of the people's demands and not resorting to any type of violence to achieve its demands.
As for the member of the central body in "Waad" Association, Merza Said, he accentuated, "The Bahraini people's movement is far from sectarian that the country attempts on dragging the country into."

He further valued women's participation in protests, stating, "It sometimes surpassed men's participation."

Source: al-Ahed News, translated and edited by moqawama.org