His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Economic Development Board chairman, has welcomed the decision of the World Motor Sports Council to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix on this year's Formula One calendar.

The issue of having the race back has unified the people of Bahrain. Such a spirit will be one of the essential factors that will ensure the success of the national dialogue, HRH the Crown Prince said, thanking Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone and FIA president Jean Todt for the decision.

Meanwhile, Ecclestone defended the decision to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix. Speaking to Press Association Sport, he said: 'The truth of the matter is, this was voted on by the FIA, that was it. It went through the World Council. The FIA sent people out there to check on the situation, they came back and reported everything is fine.'

The Crown Prince also welcomed broad political support for the national dialogue announced by His Majesty King Hamad. In a statement, he re-emphasised his commitment to reform in Bahrain.

'His Majesty has instructed both the executive and legislative branches to make all necessary preparations to proceed with the dialogue as of July 1,' he said.

'His Majesty has made clear that the national dialogue will be comprehensive, serious and without preconditions. I welcome the broad political support and the willingness of all to engage in this process.

'It is essential that we have a dialogue that is as inclusive and open as possible, in accordance with His Majesty's vision. It must recognise all views and be developed along the principle of broad consensus for its results to be sustainable. It is on this basis that all should participate in the dialogue in July,' he said.

'We have a strong economic framework in place and with further political and social reforms, developed through dialogue, we must look to the future with confidence,' HRH the Crown Prince said.-TradeArabia News Service