[wanabidii] Press Releases: Lifting Holds on Security Assistance to the Government of Bahrain

You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Press Releases: Lifting Holds on Security Assistance to the Government of Bahrain 06/29/2015 04:54 PM EDT Lifting Holds on Security Assistance to the Government of Bahrain Press Statement John Kirby Department Spokesperson Washington, DC June 29, 2015 The Administration has decided to lift the holds on security assistance to the Bahrain Defense Force and National Guard that were implemented following Bahrain’s crackdown on demonstrations in 2011.  While we do not think that the human rights situation in Bahrain is adequate – as our statement on the recent sentencing of Sheikh Ali Salman and the content of our recently-released Human Rights Report make clear – we believe it is important to recognize that the government of Bahrain has made some meaningful progress on human rights reforms and reconciliation. This includes implementation of many key recommendations from the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, and the recent release of a number of prisoners charged with crimes related to their political association and expression. These steps contribute to an environment more conducive to reconciliation and progress.  Bahrain is an important and long-standing ally on regional security issues, working closely with us on the counter-ISIL campaign and providing logistical and operational support for countering terrorism and maintaining freedom of navigation.  Following the lift of these holds, we will continue to press Bahrain on our human rights concerns. As we have said many times both publicly and privately, we believe that making progress on these issues strengthens Bahrain and the region’s stability and security.  All arms transfers to Bahrain will continue to undergo review under the U.S. Conventional Arms Transfer Policy, as do arms transfers to any country.  The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. Stay connected with the State Department:       External links found in this content or on Department of State websites that go to other non-Department websites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.  Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of State. This email was sent to wanabidii@googlegroups.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Department of State · 2201 C Street NW · Washington, DC 20520