Iran's parliament speaker writes to counterparts on Bahrain

TEHRAN, May 16 (MNA) – Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani in a letter to the parliament speakers of the world’s countries has voiced deep concern over a deterioration of human rights violation in Bahrain, urging them to take practical measures to stop the suppression of Bahraini protesters who are campaigning for their legitimate demands.

In the letter, Larijani highlighted the need for responding properly to Bahraini people’s demands through a peaceful process.

He also called for the withdrawal of the Peninsula Shield forces, which entered Bahrain to put down unrest after the escalation of the political situation in the Persian Gulf kingdom.

Following is an excerpt of the letter:

The Bahraini nation has peacefully started a campaign for the realization of their historical demand that is the establishment of a democratic system in which officials are elected by people in free elections.

While it is the inalienable right of any nation, including the Bahraini nation, to make such a demand, it is surprising that foreign forces are dispatched to the country to quell the popular uprising.

And unfortunately, foreign forces took violent actions against people, suppressed them, blatantly violated human rights, and killed dozens of children, women, and young people on Bahrain’s streets.

We believe that these violent actions and ignorance of the Bahraini people’s demands will set the stage for the recurrence of unrest and turmoil in the future, and only real democracy can bring a lasting security to the region.

The parliaments of the world’s countries are expected to fulfill their moral duty as the representatives of people and take appropriate stances and practical measures to prevent the widespread human rights violation in Bahrain.