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Bahrain's National Dialogue Gets Underway, Progresses Smoothly

"All the participants are actively debating the issues and talks are taking place in a very positive atmosphere," Eisa Abdul Rahman, National Dialogue spokesman, said after the sessions.

The first day of the dialogue produced a streamlined process for how sessions will be run as the talks progress, ensuring equal representation among interested parties. Initial session discussions focused on Bahrain's economy and how to improve it, youth affairs as well as women's and children's rights.

The National Dialogue, an initiative of the government, seeks to resolve social, political and religious differences and inspire reform that will shape the country's future.

"At the end of the day this isn't about Shiite and Sunni, it's about Bahrain," one delegate told Gulf Daily News. "It's about Bahrain and the rule of law. But law needs to be shaped by the people it represents and this National Dialogue, Inshallah, is the perfect forum to discuss our governance processes."

Talks will resume tomorrow and will continue three times a week for at least the next four weeks.

SOURCE Kingdom of Bahrain