Sunday, February 20, 2011

Protesters take the place of the Pearl of Bahrain to the cry of nonviolence

The square of the Pearl is once again the symbol of liberation. Following the severe repression of recent days, opponents of the regime have achieved a small victory and have managed to smuggle out the police and military to display their banners and their illusions. Some have already begun installing tents with the intention of staying.

One man summed up the feelings of the square with his words: "Today we released a little of Bahrain but will liberate the whole country." The return comes shortly after the army which was deployed last 17 in the central plaza and in various parts of the capital, returned to the barracks by order of the General Command of the Armed Forces.

With this gesture was intended to calm things down just a day after the violent attack by the military, who yesterday fired shots into the crowd, leaving one dead and dozens injured. Participants in the protest Square recovered after several clashes with the police, who retired after several attempts to disperse the demonstrators with tear gas.

According to medical sources quoted by Reuters, between 60-80 people were taken to hospital to be treated for shock by rubber bullets, or inhalation of these gases. The army was deployed Thursday in the streets of Manama, after riot police evicted the square Lulu several thousand protesters who have camped two days.

Also, the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa asked the security forces and demonstrators to withdraw from areas where there are concentrations to avoid confrontations. The Prince called on all security forces to withdraw immediately from areas of congregation and those present to withdraw to avoid clashes between security forces and protesters, "according to official news agency, BNA This call Bin Hamad al Khalifa is part of a new call for dialogue.

In a message to the nation, Bin Hamad Al Khalifa said it has begun a new era for the country to address all issues with sincerity. Citizens of Bahrain, now begins a new stage to discuss all our issues with sincerity and quiet. I get the message that is required at this time of tranquility, "said the heir who stressed the need for" all parties forth their views and issues in a responsible and productive.

" "Today's business began returning to normal, and I repeat again that we must preserve the security and stability for fear of sectarian strife and to reverse the situation," the heir to the throne of this country. Bin Hamad al Jalilfa also urged cohesion and cooperation and to maintain "contact with all political forces." Since the protests began, on 14 February, the heat of the popular uprisings of Tunisia and Egypt, at least seven people have died.

For its part, the leader of the main opposition group to Marzuq Bahraini Jalil told Efe that his group appreciated the withdrawal of the military, but stressed he wanted to "guarantee that will not attack the demonstrators and to be to foster an appropriate atmosphere. " The leader of Wifaq, which has 18 of the 80 seats in Parliament, insisted that his group will speak when you have ensured compliance with these points.

The protests have a record turnout in the country, mostly Shiite but ruled by a Sunni minority, and consists of an archipelago of islands with an area of only 727 square kilometers, in which they live just over a million people , half of them foreigners. Hundreds of people gathered again this morning against Salamynia hospital where the wounded were taken in recent days, while further protests are expected in the country.

The Minister of Health, Jakub Faisal Al Hamar, spoke of six injured in Friday night, but doctors at the hospital in Salmaniya raised this figure to at least 66 after the intervention of the police against protesters near the plaza Lulu. Videos posted on the internet showing people wounded in the legs and other covered her head covered with blood.

On Friday also buried four fatalities. Protesters initially demanded democratic reforms, but now calling for a regime change. The main trade unions in the country has called a general strike from tomorrow. Over 80% of the population of the Gulf country of strategic significance for the United States are Muslims, mostly Shia.

Manama hosts the U.S. Fifth Fleet deployed in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean.

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