The Government of Bahrain says US Assistant Secretary Malinowski is Persona Non Grata and is to expel him from Bahrain.
State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki in Washington, DC, yesterday said the United States is “deeply concerned by the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s decision to demand the immediate departure of Tom Malinowski, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, from the country.”
According to the spokesperson, Malinowski’s visit to Bahrain was coordinated far in advance, and they said, warmly welcomed and encouraged by the government of Bahrain.
Bahrain’s government is aware that U.S. government officials routinely meet with “all officially-recognized political societies,” according to the State Department.
Psaki said the expulsion is in violation of international diplomatic protocol.
Bahrain must have had a good reason, because they insisted, without advance warning and after Malinowski’s visit had already commenced, “to have a Foreign Ministry representative present at all of Assistant Secretary Malinowski’s private meetings with individuals and groups representing a broad spectrum of Bahraini society, including those held at the U.S. embassy.”
When asked for details about Assistant Secretary Malinowski’s schedule in Bahrain, the State Department said the following:
Ms Psaki said the expulsion is “Contrary to our longstanding bilateral relationship and in violation of international diplomatic protocol.”
Psaki also said the Bahraini government’s actions are not consistent with the strong partnership between the United States and Bahrain.
