Bahraini authorities announced on Monday morning the arrival of GCC peacekeeping force in the kingdom after the violent clashes which took place yesterday between security forces and demonstrators who are calling for political reforms. "The forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council arrived in Bahrain to maintain order and security," a Bahraini announcement said. .
The Bahraini Al Ayyam newspaper reported in its Monday edition that "GCC forces were sent to Bahrain to participate in the maintenance of security in the kingdom." A Saudi source, meanwhile, confirmed that Saudi troops entered Bahrain.
In a related development, it is reported that the Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, is ready to discuss the issue of expanding the powers of the House of Representatives. He also supports proposals that the House will reflect the will of the people. He reiterated his call to start a national dialogue as soon as possible.
The Crown Prince said in a statement issued on Sunday, "The talks will also discuss reforms of the regime, including at the level of electoral districts and the composition of the government, as well as to combat corruption and sectarian strife."
He added: "The talks will also discuss the accusations by the Shiite majority that the State is naturalizing foreign Sunnis to modify the composition of sectarianism in the country."
