EU urges Bahrain to implement BICI recommendations

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton Thursday called upon all sides in Bahrain to do their utmost to implement the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) report published Wednesday in a timely and complete fashion."The European Union is ready to assist Bahrain in this effort, fully recognizing that it must be Bahraini-led, and Bahraini-owned," she said in a statement.Ashton hoped that the BICI report will help Bahrain to open a new chapter in its history, "driven by an inclusive process of national reconciliation, founded on peaceful and constructive dialogue." The EU foreign policy chief asked once again the Bahraini government to ensure that the cases of all individuals tried by the National Safety Courts, and in particular the medical staff, are subjected to a thorough review.If the evidence dictates, fresh trials should then take place in civilian courts, according to Bahraini legislation and international standards, she added.