A group of 10 Bahraini political societies called on authorities to hear its voice during a major rally attended by more than 100,000 people, while also calling on foreign countries to stop interfering in Bahrain's affairs.

In a joint message presented by National Unity Assembly chairman Dr Abdullatif Al Mahmood, the National Political Societies Coalition demanded to be included in any future national dialogue, saying it was too big to ignore.

The group also told foreign countries to stop as it could solve its own problems.

The message was presented during a gathering at Al Fateh Islamic Centre (Grand Mosque), which marked the first of many events to be held by the coalition in the coming weeks.

Al Asala MP Abdul Halim Al Murad, who attended the event, said one of its main objectives was to send a message that there was another voice in Bahrain other than Al Wefaq National Islamic Society.

He said the group represented a large voice and should not be ignored by the authorities.

"This week we are facing a lot of things like Al Wefaq and their supporters who will try to exert all their efforts to go to Farooq Junction," he said.

"The purpose of the gathering is to send a message that we are here and any decision taken should not ignore us and other parties.

"We are a big number and should share in any decision and not be isolated from the decision making. We refuse to be ignored and they shouldn't listen to just one opinion."

Al Murad said he believed important decisions regarding the country would be taken this week and the coalition wanted to be involved.

"We don't refuse any dialogue, we should sit and speak and it must be on a fair basis," he said. "We shouldn't stick to certain decisions and force others to listen to us, we might agree on some points and disagree on others."

Al Murad said the coalition called on the people of Bahrain to support the security of the country and deter any violence against policemen and others.

He said this was a top priority because everyone was suffering. We hope that we don't have casualties in the coming days," said Al Murad. "Any parties that are murdered will cause a greater problem. We hope all parties are aware and will be responsible for any force and take steps.

"We should not aim to murder policemen, they protect the society, they are not with any groups but are here for our security."

National Action Charter Society secretary-general Mohammed Al Buoainain, who also attended the gathering, said the coalition wanted the violence against Bahrainis, police and expats to stop and for anyone that made a mistake to be prosecuted.

"To the opposition we said you are our partners in Bahrain and should not be listening to others from outside the country, they should stop all the violence and live in peace," he said.

"To the government we said, we are here, we are the opposition and the government should take us into consideration and should stop those who commit acts of violence. To the international countries we said we as Bahrain can solve our problems by ourselves and we don't want anyone to interfere, especially the US." – TradeArabia News Service