16 January 2016 – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today held a phone conversation with Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, to discuss the situation in the Persian Gulf region, including challenges to regional peace and security.

“He expressed the hope that countries of the region will take concrete steps to de-escalate current tensions,” noted a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s Spokesperson. “The Secretary-General acknowledged steps taken by the Government of Bahrain to improve security and the human rights situation.”

According to the statement, the UN chief encouraged the Foreign Minister and the Government to take further measures to foster peaceful political dialogue amongst all Bahrainis and to fully comply with the Kingdom’s international human rights obligations, including by upholding freedom of expression, assembly and other fundamental freedoms.

“Such measures will not only promote peace, security, reconciliation and prosperity in Bahrain, but will also contribute to defusing tensions in the region,” the statement added.