Calm returned to Bahrain ahead of talks on Sunday between the opposition and the Bahraini Crown Prince, even as protesters streamed back to the Pearl roundabout in Manama.

The opposition is expected to put demands to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is leading a national dialogue after days of unrest.

On orders from the Crown Prince, troops and armoured vehicles had withdrawn from the square, which they took over on Thursday after riot police staged a night-time attack on a sit-in by protesters.

Protesters swarmed back into Pearl Square on Saturday as riot police hurriedly withdrew. Some protesters stayed overnight in tents while others left for the night. People were streaming back towards the square early on Sunday. 

Normal life appeared to be returning to the city, with cars moving smoothly along open roads and people walking into shops.   

'All political parties in the country deserve a voice at the table,' Prince Salman told CNN, adding the king had appointed him to lead talks and build trust with all sides.

'I think there is a lot of anger, a lot of sadness, and on that note I would like to extend my condolences to all of the families who lost loved ones and all of those who have been injured. We are terribly sorry and this is a terrible tragedy for our nation,' he said.

The Crown Prince said protesters would 'absolutely' be allowed to stay in the square.
 - Reuters