Iran: Bahrain "should listen to demands of its people"

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Tuesday that Bahrain should resolve the political issues in the country by "listening to the voice of its people." "Violent crackdown on the people without considering their legitimate demands will not help establish peace in the country," said Mehmanparast in his weekly press conference. The Iranian spokesperson added that Iran supports legitimate demands of Bahraini protestors and the popular demands in other regional countries. In February and March, Bahrain has been swept by anti- government protests, most by majority Shiite, for more political and economic reforms and some of the protesters have called for bringing down the county's ruling family and establishing a constitutional-based monarchy. Bahraini authorities have responded to the protests with sweeping crackdowns, including hundreds of arrests.