Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner welcomed the announcement by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for establishing an independent committee to investigate the events surrounding recent protests in Bahrain.
Toner added that this decision to appoint a committee of distinguished experts with considerable human rights experience to oversee the investigation process is a step in the right direction asserting that the chairman of this committee, Dr. Mahmoud Cherif Bassiouni is internationally recognized for his contributions to international law.
Toner also was pleased that the Government of Bahrain is taking significant and positive steps and hope that these efforts – the efforts of the investigation committee will help restore confidence and trust as Bahrain moves towards the beginning of a national dialogue on July 3rd, calling on all participants to engage constructively to respond to the legitimate aspirations of the Bahraini people.