Bahrain suspends national dialogue, opposition blamed

The participants in the 28th session of Bahraini National Dialogue announced Wednesday the suspension of the dialogue session, blaming the opposition parties for the failure to achieve tangible progress through dialogue. In a press statement carried by the state news agency (BNA), the participants in the 28th said they have decided to suspend general session of the dialogue after thorough deliberations. Today's session was attended by government representatives and the Independents of the Legislative Authority. In a press conference following the meeting, the government's representatives voiced support to the decision to suspend National Dialogue sessions. They stressed, however, the need to continue consultations and national work towards consolidating political gains. They commended the Coalitions of Political Associations and Independent MPs representing the legislative branch for their sense of responsibility, keenness on multi-party constructive dialogue, respect of the rule of law, renunciation of violence and openness on others - being the prerequisites for a serious and sincere dialogue to be engaged. They also held the five political associations responsible for their repeated absence, lack of commitment to the above-mentioned prerequisites and walkout from the dialogue sessions.