Qatari Emir Vows to Resolve Bahrain Crisis, Iraq's Sadr Says

By Nayla Razzouk - May 9, 2011

The Qatari emir vowed to “intervene personally” to resolve the crisis in Bahrain during talks yesterday in Doha with leading Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, according to a statement on Sadr’s website.

Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani “has promised to mediate a solution to the crisis in Bahrain and that he would personally meet with Arab presidents and kings to resolve this crisis,” Sadr said in the statement. The emir also said Qatar and Sadr will form a committee to find solutions for Bahrain and follow up on the situation, according to the statement.

Bahrain’s government declared a three-month state of emergency on March 15 after Saudi-led Gulf troops arrived to help quell protests led by members of the Muslim Shiite majority for more democracy and civil rights in the kingdom ruled by a Sunni monarch. Bahrain Human Rights Society says at least 21 people died during the crackdown against the rallies, which were inspired by the toppling of leaders in Tunisia and Egypt.

Sadr and other Shiite leaders in Iraq have voiced support for the demonstrators in Bahrain and denounced the intervention of Gulf troops in the kingdom.

Source: Bloomberg.
Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-09/qatari-emir-vows-to-resolve-bahrain-crisis-iraq-s-sadr-says.html.