Manama: Bahraini protesters camped out in Pearl Roundabout in a party-like atmosphere on Sunday as opposition leaders gathered to examine offers for talks by the kingdom's rulers after nearly a week of protests and deadly clashes.
Streets were relatively normal as efforts shifted towards possible political haggling over demands for the monarchy reform key policies and positions.
The unrest has cast doubt on next month's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, with Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone revealing yesterday that it could be moved to a later date in the calendar.
Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa acknowledged the need for reform but called for calm before the launch of dialogue. Protesters flocked back to the square on Saturday after the army, which had deployed on the streets of the capital following Thursday's raid, was ordered to return to base.
Riot police fired tear gas in an unsuccessful attempt to disperse the demonstrators but then withdrew as Crown Prince Salman, the deputy commander of armed forces, ordered police and troops alike to hold back.
Hundreds of protesters spent the night back in the square after the withdrawal on Saturday of security forces a day after firing on marchers trying to reach the site, which was the symbolic centre of the protest movement inspired by Egyptian demonstrators who refused to leave Cairo's Tahrir Square until Hosni Mubarak resigned as president.
Confrontation
On Thursday, riot police stormed Pearl Roundaout in a siege that killed five people and sharply escalated the confrontation.
People circling through the square after it was reoccupied clapped, whistled and wept. Some wore white sheets symbolizing their readiness for martyrdom, while others carried Bahraini flags, flowers and signs that said "Peaceful."
President Barack Obama discussed the situation with King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa, asking him to hold those responsible for the violence accountable. He said in a statement that Bahrain must respect the "universal rights" of its people and embrace "meaningful reform".
