In Bahrain, thousands of anti-government protesters are camping at the Manama’s Pearl Square after the army was ordered off the streets by the country’s Crown Prince. Reports say Bahrain’s opposition presented its demands to the crown prince, which include the release of all political prisoners, resignation of the government, investigations of the deaths of protesters and talks for a new constitution. Opposition groups and anti-government protesters in Bahrain say their demands must be met before they enter into talks. Six people were killed and many wounded during last week as security forces used force to quell the protests. Following this, Bahrain's crown prince, Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is also the deputy supreme commander of the country's armed forces, appealed for calm and political dialogue in a his address on state Television. Sheikh Salman said protesters would absolutely be allowed to stay in the Pearl Roundabout area and extended his condolences to all of the families who lost loved ones and all of those who have been injured. Meanwhile, reports from Yemen say protests continue in the country with hundreds of students demonstrating in Sanaa, seeking to oust President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has ruled the country for 32 years. President Ali Abdullah has offered talks with protestors while opposition vowed to join the protests. Around 100 supporters of President Saleh also staged a counter-protest across the street. The police have set up a cordon to separate the two groups. In Iraq, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of west Iraq's Ramadi city yesterday demanding the resignation of the Province's Governor and action against corrupt elements in the State offices.
News On AIR | February 21, 2011 2:05 PM
Anti-govt. protests continue in Bahrain & Yemen