The US Congress still does not understand what is going on in Bahrain and needs to stop relying on biased international reports for its information, according to a top American legislator.

Congressman Dan Burton yesterday said articles on the Middle East, particularly Bahrain, were often biased and inaccurate, according to a report in our sister publication, the Gulf Daily News.

He was speaking during a presentation, titled the failure of the US congress and administration to understand the root of Bahrain crisis, at the Bahrain International Symposium at Bahrain University.

"We should learn what the real situation is in the Middle East, especially in Bahrain," he said. "My visit and ability to review the BICI (Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry) report enabled me to understand Bahrain's situation more clearly."

Burton said Iran was a threat to peace and security in the region and accused it of undermining regional governments.

"A threat to any country in the region, including Bahrain, is a threat to the US as it is energy dependent," he stressed. "US, Bahrain and countries in the region work together to make sure that Iran's goals are not achieved."

He also urged demonstrators and opposition members to sit down and work out their difference.

Meanwhile, UK Parliament member and former Secretary of State for Defence Dr Liam Fox stressed the strategic importance of Bahrain, as it remains a top financial hub in the Gulf with 30 per cent of the world's daily exports of oil passing through its territorial waters.

"Stability is critical for Bahrain. In Bahrain, very difficult political challenges lie ahead," he added.

"We welcome the dialogue and all parties involved to have an inclusive dialogue which addresses the legitimate needs of all Bahrainis. Dialogue and reform need to be in parallel to ensure its success and sustainability." – TradeArabia News Service