US secretary of state in Bahrain amid protest calls

US Secretary of State John Kerry has arrived in Bahrain amid calls for protest against his visit to the Persian Gulf Arab country.

Kerry arrived in the Bahraini capital, Manama, on Wednesday evening and was welcomed by his Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.

He was scheduled to discuss regional issues, including the conflicts in Syria and Yemen as well as the fight against the Daesh terrorist group, during meetings with officials from the six countries making up the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

GCC comprises of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Oman.

The visit comes ahead of a planned GCC summit in Saudi Arabia later in April which US President Barack Obama is set to attend.

Prior to Kerry’s visit, Bahraini opposition movements called on the people to stage a mass rally in Manama to voice their anger at the US role in the suppression of Bahrainis.

During a joint press conference with his Bahraini counterpart in Manama, Kerry said it is “essential” for Bahrain to respect human rights.

“Here, as in all nations, we believe that respect for human rights and an inclusive political system are essential,” Kerry said.

SS