Bahrain Minister of Foreign Affairs blames victims, claims progress, where there is none in choreographed apologetics with Posner

Bahrain pledges improved human rights situation
19 September, 2012 – UN Radio

The Kingdom of Bahrain is to compensate families of protesters killed during last years anti-government protests.

Bahrain Minister for Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa says 17 of the victims have already been compensated to the tune of 2.6 million dollars.

Addressing the UN Human Rights Council, the minister said legal reforms were already under way in the justice system to ensure fairness, prevent torture, and protect the rights of women, children and minority groups.

He said Bahrain had agreed to implement 158 out of the 176 recommendations made by the Human Rights Council during the country’s second Universal Periodic Review.

“There is no limit in our effort to bring about positive, lasting change in the human rights situation in Bahrain. We have heard criticism that we are dragging our feet. It is true that significant challenges remain. Reforming government structures and restoring the culture of tolerance and understanding in all aspects of civic life take time. It is difficult. Challenges also reside outside government. Some unfortunately believe that continued unrest on the street afford them a political advantage. They fuel the flames of extremism and violence. They reject dialogue. They should not be encouraged.” …source