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Al Wefaq 'uncertain' of role in Bahrain talks

Manama, July 14, 2011

An opposition group said it was still 'undecided' if it will take part in the National Dialogue session today.

The four Al Wefaq National Islamic Society members taking part in the Dialogue have submitted their reservation on attending to their general-secretariat, which will take a final decision.

The move follows a war of words between Al Wefaq members with outspoken MP Jassim Al Saeedi during the last session on Tuesday.

Former MP Khalil Al Marzooq, who attended the political session, accused Al Saeedi of using derogatory words during the talks.

Al Saeedi was said to have referred to Al Wefaq as 'rejectionists'.

'The members taking part in the Dialogue have submitted their views to Al Wefaq general-secretariat for not attending the session,' Al Marzooq told a Press conference at the society in Zinj.

'It is now up to the general-secretariat to decide if we take part in the upcoming sessions. Al Wefaq is a credible organisation that will not eliminate any chances of discussions on national interest issues.'

Al Marzooq has been attending sessions along with Syed Hadi Al Mousawi, Sayed Jameel Kadhem and Bushra Al Hindi.

He said they had repeatedly spoken to parliament and Dialogue chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani about the entire process of talks.

'The response we received from Al Dhahrani is asking us to take part in the Dialogue and submit a report regarding our issues,' said Al Marzooq.

Al Wefaq members reiterated their call for an elected government, an end to political naturalisation and investigation into torture allegations.

Meanwhile, Al Mousawi told the GDN they were informed by Royal Independent Investigation Commission of a website to be launched this month for registration of complaints of citizens affected during unrest.

He said they received a letter from commission head Professor Mahmoud Cherif Bassiouni to share their views about unrest. Prof Bassiouni is heading a team of experts appointed to probe the February-March incidents.

'A website is expected to be set up by the commission where citizens affected during unrest can register their complaints,' said Al Mousawi.

He said it aimed to collect information from victims without interviewing them or endangering their lives by revealing sensitive information.

'Al Wefaq has documented everything since unrest started, in co-operation with a human rights group, and submit details to the panel,' said Al Mousawi.

The commission was formed under a royal decree. It will present recommendations once its work has concluded, which could include prosecution.

It is expected to release a comprehensive public report with a transparent approach by discussing with the opposition, civil society and victims.

The final report will be submitted to His Majesty King Hamad and will name any government official who did not co-operate with the commission or grant easy access to information.-TradeArabia News Service




Tags: | Bahrain | role | Commission | Al Wefaq | National Dialogue |

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