Bahrain's parliament pushes for SNC recognition

Bahrain's lower chamber has called on the government to recognize the Syrian National Council as the representative of the Syrian people. "We urge the government to recognize the National Council as the representative of the Syrian people in demanding the rights of the Syrians and their aspiration for freedom, dignity, justice, democracy and stability," the chamber said in a statement issued after its weekly session. "The recognition will be more realistic and practical in supporting the Syrian people for the sake of their hopes and aspirations The lower chamber said that it issued the statement after the Syrian regime has rejected all cordial Arab, Islamic and international calls while all Arab, Islamic and international condemnations have failed to end the bloodshed or start reforms. In the session on Tuesday, MPs called for extending help to the Bahrain-based Syrian expatriates whose work permits or residence visas had expired.