France welcomes King’s call for dialogue in Bahrain

France on Wednesday welcomed as “a very positive signal” a call by Bahrain’s King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa for dialogue to resolve the problems faced by the Gulf country. "France welcomes the call for national dialogue in Bahrain issued by King Hamad," the French foreign ministry said. “France is eager that the current difficulties in Bahrain are overcome peacefully, in the interest of all Bahrainis.” Foreign Ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said that France had already issued a strong call for “constructive initiatives for a sincere dialogue between the involved parties and for reconciliation,” Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported from Paris. The official said that France believes this is the “only lasting solution to the political crisis in Bahrain.” In the perspective of finding a political solution, “the call by the King is a very positive signal,” the Foreign Ministry spokesman said. “We invite all the parties to take part in this dialogue. We are attentively following its development which should be accompanied by respect for fundamental freedoms and the fair and transparent administration of justice, which are indispensable conditions to bring this process to a good conclusion.” France also said it had taken note that June 1 is the date set for the lifting of a state of emergency in Bahrain, a decision it praised several weeks ago. Valero said that his government hoped to see “a climate of confidence” rapidly restored in Bahrain which will allow an effective commitment to the proposed dialogue. From Gulf News