UN welcomes end of state of emergency in Bahrain

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the lifting of the state of emergency in Bahrain, which has witnessed a violent crackdown by the Government against protesters demanding reform, as well as the call made by King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa of Bahrain for a national dialogue. "The Secretary-General hopes that such a dialogue will be genuine and meaningful and lead to an inclusive reform process aimed at meeting the political, economic and social aspirations of all Bahraini people," Ban''s spokesperson said in a statement, according to the UN News Centre. "In this regard, he appeals to all national stakeholders to work constructively towards creating a conducive environment for such a dialogue to take place," the statement added. Bahrain is one of several nations in the Middle East and North Africa that has been rocked this year by protests calling for increased freedoms and democratic reforms. Ban reiterated his call on the Bahraini authorities and the security forces "to act in accordance with relevnt international norms and standards with regard to human rights and fundamental freedoms."