Bahrain
House of Lords
Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat)
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make representations to the United Nations special procedures to make a statement on the alleged enlistment of foreign mercenaries to support the Government of Bahrain.
Lord Howell of Guildford (Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Conservative)
UN special procedures are independent mechanisms and member states cannot direct those mandated under special procedures to focus on particular areas of concern. If those mandated as special procedures were to ask the UK to assist, we will help in the most appropriate way we can.
We are gravely concerned at the situation in Bahrain and are monitoring the situation closely. We have called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid violence so that a political dialogue can begin.