The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today asked Bahrain to observe restraint amid rising tensions due to anti-regime protests in the country. The US, State Department said, Ms. Clinton telephonically discussed with Saudi Arab's Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal the situation in the region and in the strategic tiny Gulf kingdom of Bahrain. Ms. Clinton noted that the US has welcomed steps by Bahraini Crown Prince Selman bin Hamad al-Khalifa to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the full spectrum of Bahraini society. Secretary Clinton expressed hope that Bahrain's friends in the region and abroad will support this initiative as a constructive path to preserve Bahrain's stability and help meet the aspirations of all of Bahrain's people. Ms. Clinton also indicated that the US is encouraged by reports that King Abdullah will return soon to Saudi Arabia.