14 March 2011 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today noted with concern that troops from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the auspices of the Gulf Cooperation Council have reportedly entered Bahrain, where public protests against the king have led to growing violence.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said he was troubled that the violence had left many people injured over the past few days, adding that the United Nations is in touch with all the Bahraini parties, including the Government and key opposition parties who have conveyed their concerns to the Secretary-General on the latest developments.
“The Secretary-General strongly believes that peaceful means should be adopted to ensure national unity and stability,” the statement stressed. “He appeals to all concerned to exercise maximum restraint and to do everything possible to prevent the use of force and further violence. He also underscores the responsibility of all parties to act in strict accordance with international human rights and humanitarian law.”
Mr. Ban reiterated his call on all national stakeholders to reach common ground without delay on a meaningful and broad-based national dialogue, and on Bahrain’s regional neighbours and the wider international community to support a dialogue process and an environment conducive for credible reform.
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