GOVERNMENT STATEMENT ON NATIONAL DIALOGUE

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, has received correspondence from the six societies announced today, along with those from other political groups, stated the government of Bahrain in a statement issued today.”Formal submissions, however, from other parts of Bahrain society are still being received, ” indicated the statement.

“At present there are substantial differences between the various groups and parties willing to engage in the national dialogue,” the government also said, stressing that ” It is precisely for this reason that the dialogue must start in order that a political settlement can be reached by consensus.” The government expressed hope that the national dialogue would “commence as soon as practically possible.”