Sheikh Mahfouz criticizes the US administration for failing to condemn the violence against protesters in Bahrain
As the popular pro-democracy uprising in Bahrain entered its 10th day on Tuesday, the head of Islamic opposition party Sheikh Muhammad Ali Mahfouz, who leads the Islamic Action Society, reiterated the opposition's refusal to enter any dialogue with the government.
Bahrain's King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa has tasked the Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to hold talks with the opposition.
Tens of thousands of supporters of opposition poured into the streets of Manama on Tuesday calling for the government's downfall in the largest rally since the protests broke out. "No dialogue before the downfall of the ruling regime," read an English-language banner hung over a bridge as the city's main streets were clogged with protesters marching towards Pearl Square, the focal point of anti-regime protests.
Masses have swarmed the square, setting up tents, holding prayers and chanting, “God is great! Victory for Islam” and “The people want the collapse of the regime.” Laborers and students along with lawmakers and teachers have joined the protests to demand a better quality of life in the kingdom.
The parties “have agreed that if dialogue is to happen, then it should include all opposition parties in addition to other factions on the ground,” Mahfouz said in an interview with Press TV. Such talks should include Al Wefaq, the largest opposition faction, and Haq Movement, he insisted.
He also called for the inclusion of "the popular youth movement, which are out there in Pearl Square," referring respectively to the protesters and the epicenter for the uprising in the capital, Manama. Mahfouz also called on the United States not to stand with the ruling leadership in Manama. He also criticized the administration of US President Barack Obama for failing to condemn the violence against protesters in Bahrain.
At least eight people have so far been martyred and hundreds injured in the clashes between Bahraini security forces and the demonstrators since the protests began last week. Reports say that the troops who open live fire on protesters are foreign nationals granted Bahraini citizenship by the government.
