Bahrain could be on the verge of losing its social fabric if comprehensive talks are not held between the government and political groups, according to a top US official.

It is a "critical" time for all parties, including civil society, to engage in serious dialogue as the country faces growing social tension, said Assistant Secretary of State for Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Michael Posner.

"Progress toward such a dialogue has slowed, but dialogue has never been more urgent, as polarisation in Bahrain society increases and the social fabric becomes more frayed," he said.

"It will take courage and leadership on all sides to bring Bahrainis of all backgrounds and views to the table."

Mr Posner was speaking yesterday at a Press conference held at the US Embassy in Zinj in the presence of US Ambassador Thomas Krajeski.

He met senior government officials, lawyers, journalists, medical professionals, human rights advocates and members of several political societies during his official visit to Bahrain.

"My discussions here have been productive, open, lively and reflective with a broad cross-section of Bahrainis," added Mr Posner.

"The government should continue to work with opposition political societies on negotiation of the political future of the country."

Mr Posner stressed that no party should dictate terms and conditions of a dialogue if they want to overcome the political stalemate.

"In any negotiation or dialogue of differences, parties say a range of things which make getting to the table more difficult. It is time to take a fresh look and think creatively of how to come to the table to begin a discussion," he said.

"If we get back to what one person said and one party said you are not likely to move forward."

Mr Posner said the government had taken positive steps towards reconciliation such as reinstatement of sacked workers, suspended students and allowing the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to gain access to prisons.

However, he said much more remains to be done.

"The government of Bahrain needs to take action on the full range of other Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) recommendations that we believe will help lay the foundation for longer-term reform and reconciliation," he added.

"This includes prosecuting those officials responsible for the violations identified in the BICI report, dropping charges against all persons accused of offences involving political expression including freedom of assembly and ensuring fair and expeditious trials in appeals cases."

Mr Posner also criticised authorities for the verdict passed in the trial of 20 medics yesterday.

He urged the judiciary to review the convictions and allow the medics to remain at home pending their final appeal.

"While sentences were reduced, we are deeply disappointed by these convictions, and that the Bahraini government did not use alternative means to address these cases," he said.

"We hope that this review will result in a dismissal of criminal charges in the interest of turning the page on the events of last year and repairing the social fabric of Bahrain."

Discussion

During his visit in Bahrain, Mr Posner met members from National Unity Assembly, Al Wefaq National Islamic Society, National Democratic Action Society and other non-governmental organisations.

"We had a constructive, frank and open discussion. Al Wefaq was urged to engage in political process and condemn violence on the streets," said Mr Posner.

Mr Posner continued to urge protesters to reject the use of Molotov cocktails and other violent attacks on police. "We also urge the police to refrain from the use of excessive force," he added.

"We continue to condemn violence by protestors often young kids hurling Molotov cocktails and various explosive devices thrown at police that is unacceptable conduct."

He also urged religious scholars and political leaders to refrain from speeches that incite violence.

"Our hope for all sides with regards to level of rhetoric and language to be brought down so that there is an environment conducive to constructive practical discussion," he stressed.

"Bahrain remains an important partner, ally and friend of the US. It is not for us but for the people of the society to find path for reconciliation and dialogue." sandy@gdn.com.bh