Bahrain ‘accepts’ UN Rights Mission

Bahrain accepts U.N. rights mission
Published: June 8, 2011 at 11:59 AM

GENEVA, Switzerland, June 8 (UPI) — Bahrain has accepted a U.N. mission in the country to examine reports of human rights violations during pro-reform demonstrations, the United Nations said.

Bahrain is facing international criticism for its response to a Shiite uprising in the country. The governing body of Formula One racing said Wednesday it was canceling a race in Bahrain because of security concerns expressed by the teams.

Rupert Colville, a spokesman for U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, said Manama had agreed to let a U.N. mission examine alleged violations in the country. “The mission has been accepted in principle by the Bahraini government but no dates have yet been set,” he said in a statement.

Pillay’s office Tuesday complained her recent comments in the official news agency of Bahrain about the conflict were “blatantly” misrepresented. Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa said in Washington during talks with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that the uprising was a challenge for his country.

“It is a great test, but also a great opportunity to drive the nation forward,” he said in a statement.

Bahrain is a key strategic ally to the United States, hosting the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet.
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