MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Opposition leaders are gathering to discuss their strategy for possible talks with Bahrain’s rulers after nearly a week of protests and deadly clashes.
A leader of the main Shiite political bloc, Abdul-Jalil Khalil, says the meetings Sunday will assess the monarchy’s offer for dialogue, but he notes that no direct talks are under way.
Meanwhile, opposition groups are calling for a general strike to increase pressure on the rulers of the strategic Western ally — home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet.
Hundreds of protesters spent the night back in the landmark Pearl Square. They reoccupied the site after the withdrawal of security forces, which stormed into the protest camp Thursday in a siege that killed five people.
