Manama: Monday’s deadly bomb attacks in Bahrain that killed three policemen, including an Emirati, were the subject of widespread condemnation from the region and beyond.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon joined the chorus of international voices to condemn the blast.
“The Secretary-General condemns the bomb attack today in the village of Daih, Bahrain, which led to the death of three policemen,” a statement issued by the spokesperson for the secretary general, said. “He conveys his sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims and the Government of Bahrain. Such acts of violence cannot be justified by any cause. The Secretary-General strongly believes that a genuine and all-inclusive political dialogue is the only way forward. He urges all Bahrainis to come together to create a conducive environment for promoting reconciliation.”
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Abdul Lateef Al Zayani said that the explosion on Monday afternoon was “a cowardly act of terror.”
“It is inconsistent with all the divine laws, international legislations, moral principles and human values,” he said. “The perpetrators of this act did not respect the sanctity of blood. We are confident that competent authorities in Bahrain will be able to apprehend them and those who incited them to commit such despicable acts. They will be brought to justice and they will face the law for their heinous acts. Bahrain is well capable of tackling all terror schemes that attempt to undermine security and stability and frighten citizens and residents,” he said.
The two chambers of Bahrain’s bicameral parliament, several political societies, including the opposition, human rights groups and community leaders condemned the attack.
In the region, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan were among the first countries to denounce the deadly blast.
Internationally, the US was the first country to denounce the attacks.
“The United States condemns the bomb attacks outside of Manama that killed three policemen and seriously injured at least one other,” a statement by the US embassy in Manama said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the slain officers. Our sympathies, thoughts, and hope for a speedy recovery go to all of those injured.”
The statement said that “murderous attacks like today’s are completely unjustified under any circumstances, at any time.”
“They undermine efforts to rebuild trust and pursue meaningful reconciliation in Bahrain. All members of Bahraini society have a duty to unequivocally condemn these attacks and renounce all forms of violence. It is incumbent upon all segments of Bahraini society to support and participate in the National Dialogue, condemn acts of violence and incitement, and contribute to a climate conducive for reconciliation. Reconciliation and dialogue are the only way forward for all Bahrainis to achieve their legitimate aspirations.”
Britain also condemned the bombing and said violence had no place in constructive dialogue.
“The British government condemns the bomb attack that killed three policemen in Daih,” said Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister of State for the Middle East Hugh Robertson. “I offer my sincere condolences to all those affected. Violence has no place in constructive dialogue, reconciliation and reform, which His Majesty King Hamad and the Crown Prince are pursuing and which the vast majority of Bahrainis support.”
