Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 November 2012
21. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the further escalation of violence against protesters in Bahrain, increased sectarian attacks and the Bahraini Government’s decision to revoke the nationality of 31 dissidents; and if he has raised the issue directly with the Bahraini authorities. [50109/12]
View answer48. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent actions of the Government in Bahrain who have banned all protest gatherings, threatened to take legal action against opposition groups that organise anti-Government demonstrations and revoked the nationality of 31 opposition activists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50125/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 48 together.
I remain very concerned about the overall situation in Bahrain and the increasing divisions in Bahraini society. This includes the recent indiscriminate bomb attack in Manama city which resulted in the deaths of two foreign workers.
I have noted the recent decision by the Bahraini Government to ban protests, which I fear is likely only to further increase tensions. The way to address the concerns of those who engage in peaceful protest and demonstrations is through dialogue and consultation. National dialogue is urgently needed in Bahrain. In all our contacts with the Bahraini authorities, including those which have taken place in the period since the ban on protests was announced, we have emphasised the need to launch a process of reconciliation. I believe this would be very much in the interests of Bahraini society as a whole.
The Bahraini authorities have committed themselves to implementing the recommendations of the Bahraini Independent Commission of Inquiry report. While I acknowledge that Bahrain has implemented some of the reforms recommended by the Commission, I believe that renewed impetus in implementing the BICI recommendations is necessary. This would help create an environment conducive to reconciliation and dialogue and enable reform and change to take place as a result of a consultative process.
I am greatly concerned by the decision of the Bahraini Government to revoke the citizenship of 31 activists, including former members of parliament. This renders some of those concerned stateless and deprives them of their most basic rights. I believe that this decision will serve only to deepen divisions and tensions in Bahraini society. I understand that the decision can be appealed through the judicial system and I hope that the individuals concerned will avail of this option and seek to have this decision reviewed and hopefully overturned. I strongly encourage the Bahraini authorities to pursue reconciliation through a genuine process of dialogue and reform.
