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Bahrain Opposition Doubts Emir's Political Reform Drive
CAIRO, Feb 6 (IslamOnline) - The main Bahrain opposition group said it wanted more clarification from authorities concerning a general amnesty declared on Monday by the Emir of Bahrain before they could accept the proposal.
If further clarification was not received, they said they would call "no vote" prior to a proposed public referendum.
Sheikh Hamad bin Issa Al-Khalifa, Bahrain's ruler, issued the amnesty to clear the political environment in the small Gulf Arab emirate before a public referendum due to be held on February 14-15.
Khalifa ordered the release of political detainees and prisoners and said he would allow political exiles to return.
The group, comprised mostly of the Shiite opposition, commenting on the declared release of 289 prisoners and detainees and the right of 108 exiles to return to the country, stated, "The number of exiles is much higher than [the] figure of 108, and it is not yet known if some prisoners would or would not remain in jails."
The opposition, responsible for riots and demonstrations against the regime, said it was worried by conditions attached to the amnesty that "the exiles must abide by the law," and commented, "This usually refers to the draconian State Security Law, which has been condemned by all major international human rights organizations."
The group also demanded a constitutional change making Bahrain's people the source of all sovereignty rather than the Emir.
For its part, Bahrain says it wants to change its political milieu and recuperate democratic institutions, including a parliament.
In a press conference held in Manama Tuesday, Bahrain's crown prince urged Bahrainis everywhere to join in a "huge leap forward" and vote "yes" to restore democracy.
The Bahraini parliament, the National Assembly, was suspended in 1975 for "obstructing the government." Since then, internal and external strife between the government and the opposition has brought about violent conflicts and uprisings.
Bahrain's move towards democracy is seen by some as an attempt to attract more foreign investments and to polish the country's image in the international arena. The country, an archipelago made up of some 30 islands known as a trading center in the region, is seeking $250 million worth of foreign investment as a result of reforms.
The government is also expected to bring an end to its monopoly over certain economic sectors, especially in the field of telecommunications.
The Emir is the supreme authority in Bahrain, and the ruling family holds all important political and military posts.
Since the National Assembly was dissolved, there have been numerous outbreaks of civil unrest involving the Shiite majority.
In 2000, the Emir promised to restore a democratically elected parliament after a break of 25 years.
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