Key Bahrain dialogue on Saturday

Manama: After nearly five months of unrest, the residents of Bahrain will on Saturday have a chance to sit down and discuss the future of the kingdom in a government-sponsored national dialogue.

The last hurdle to the national dialogue was removed on Friday as Bahrain's largest opposition group, Al Wefaq, said it will take part in talks.

The announcement was made by Ali Salman, the society secretary general, at a rally held in Duraz, the third to be organised by the society since the lifting of emergency laws on June 1.

On Friday, there was every indication the capital city has rebounded from most of its problems. At checkpoints in strategic junctions of the city, umbrella stands offer shade to patrolling officers who watch cars go by. Few cars are stopped.

The readiness of Al Wefaq to take part in the national forum that brings together 300 participants from political societies, NGOs, the media, the parliament, trade unions and the business community, puts an end to speculation whether the society would send its five members.