Commenting on the King of Bahrain’s announcement to establish an independent commission to look into allegations of human rights abuses, Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Alistair Burt said: “We welcome the establishment today by His Majesty the King of an independent commission, composed of international figures, to look into the events of recent months and into allegations of abuses of human rights.  It is our hope that this promising and significant step will lead to concrete progress in addressing the recent serious concerns about the human rights situation in Bahrain, reiterated by the Foreign Secretary yesterday.  We also hope these developments will be complemented by all sides participating in a successful and peaceful commencement of the National Dialogue.”