An alliance of seven opposition political groups will boycott an anti-government march to Riffa on Friday, describing the rally as provocative.

The march is being planned by a radical opposition faction, but more moderate government opponents fear it will only serve to heighten tensions.

As a result, the seven-party alliance - which includes Bahrain's biggest opposition movement Al Wefaq - are organising their own march at around the same time in Manama.

'The seven political societies have made our stance clear not to participate in this protest, as it could lead to clashes among citizens,' said Abdulnabi Salman, deputy secretary-general of the Democratic Progressive Tribune, which is part of the alliance.

'To divert protesters, we have announced a march on the same day from Seef to Pearl Roundabout at 4pm.'

He revealed details of the Manama march during a Press conference at the society's headquarters, in Isa Town.

However, he admitted that the alliance had no power to stop anti-government protesters heading to Riffa. 'We have no control on anyone who joins these protests,' Salman said.

Today's march to Riffa is being planned by a radical opposition faction headed by former terror suspect Hassan Mushaima, who was among 308 convicted or suspected criminals pardoned by His Majesty King Hamad last month.

Salman revealed the seven-party alliance had attempted to persuade organisers against taking their protest to the Royal Court, adding that Mushaima and his supporters were making unrealistic demands. 'We sat with them for four days,' he said.

'In fact, (Al Wefaq secretary general) Shaikh Ali Salman met Hassan Mushaima and asked to stop the march to Royal Court, but the picture is still not clear.

'We have differences in our approach and probably their ceiling for demands is too high,' he added.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Salman told journalists at the Press conference that the seven political societies were still waiting for the government to respond after the alliance agreed to take part in a national dialogue - but only if certain conditions were met in advance.

The alliance wants guarantees that a new constitution and an elected government will emerge from the dialogue before coming to the table.

However, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, is pushing for unconditional talks - a move backed by the US government, among others.

In the meantime the Al Wefaq chief called for people to remain calm.

'There should be no split or divide among people as this is creating trouble,' he said, referring to clashes that have taken place over the past few days - including one yesterday at a school.

'Unity between both sects is important and I urge all parties to keep political activities away from school.'

The group chief also urged students skipping lessons to attend protests to return to the classroom. 'Ninety-five per cent of Bahrainis live in peace and even the political class is open minded,' he added.

The seven political societies in the opposition alliance are Al Wefaq, Democratic Progressive Tribune, National Democratic Assemblage, National Democratic Action Society (Wa'ad), Democratic Progressive Tribune, Islamic Action Society (Al Amal) and Al Ekha National Society.-TradeArabia News Service