Bahrain opposition groups eye republic

Wed Mar 9, 2011

Three Bahraini opposition groups have formed a new bloc called “Coalition for a Republic” which they say aims at bringing down the monarchy regime in the country.

The Shia opposition groups, al-Haq, al-Wafa and the Freedom Movement announced the formation of their coalition by issuing a joint statement on Tuesday.

"We hereby declare a tripartite coalition between al-Wafa, al-Haq and Bahrain Freedom Movement that have chosen to fight for a complete downfall of the regime, and the establishment of a democratic republic in Bahrain," said the statement given to AFP on Tuesday by al-Haq leader Hassan Mashaima.

The move comes as thousands of people are still camped out in Manama's Pearl Square. They refuse to go until their demands for political reforms are met.

Mushaima added that the monarchy has failed to "bring down the revolution by force."

He said people should appoint their government themselves, and decide about the content of their own constitution.

The leader of al-Wafa, Abdul Wahab Hussein also accused the government of inflaming sectarian divisions.

"The coalition believe that the resistance should escalate peacefully, using diversified means across the entire length of Bahrain," it added.

Anti-government protests in the Shia-majority, Sunni-ruled country entered their 23rd day on Tuesday.

Demonstrators continue to keep vigil in hundreds of tents in the capital Manama's Pearl Square, which has become the focal point of the protests.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail/168942.html.