Bahrain Mirror: The United States Department of State stressed that it's concerned by actions in the region that potentially inflame sectarian tensions.

"We're certainly worried about any action in the region that potentially stokes sectarian tensions," said US State Department Spokesperson John Kirby in a daily press briefing on Monday (June 20, 2016), in response to a question about the revocation of top Bahraini Shia cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim of his citizenship.

"The concern that I expressed [...] is really about Bahrain's success and about Bahrain being able to continue to deliver on the kinds of reforms that are necessary for the Bahraini people. And our concern is that actions like this could potentially set those reforms back, which we don't think is in the best interest of the - of Bahrain or the Bahraini people," he added.

Answering a question about the fact that the Saudis applauded this decision, Kirby said: "I can't speak for the Saudis and how they want to interpret this. I can only speak for our government, and as I said, I think I've laid out exactly our views on this particular action."

"We're obviously alarmed by today's decision to revoke the citizenship of Shia cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim. We are unaware of any credible evidence to support this action and that assessment is further supported by the fact that he did not appear to even have the opportunity to challenge the charges against him before the decision was made," he further stressed.

"We're concerned that it'll divert the various parties from the path of reconciliation and dialogue that we believe is necessary for reforms to bring about the kind of peaceful change that's responsive to the aspirations of all the people of Bahrain," noted Kirby.

Arabic Version