World

Bahrain's crown prince says now is not the time for him to take part in dialogue in country

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Bahraini youths run from riot police firing tear gas during clashes in the village of Diraz, Bahrain, on Thursday, April 18, 2013. Organizers of Bahrain's Formula One Grand Prix, to be held Sunday, said Thursday that sporadic protests against the race and violent unrest across the Gulf nation do not pose a threat to the premier international event in the kingdom. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali) (The Associated Press)

A woman passes a wall covered in layers of anti-government graffiti while riot police pursue Bahraini anti-government protesters in the village of Diraz, Bahrain, on Thursday, April 18, 2013. Organizers of Bahrain's Formula One Grand Prix, to be held Sunday, said Thursday that sporadic protests against the race and violent unrest across the Gulf nation do not pose a threat to the premier international event in the kingdom. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali) (The Associated Press)

A riot policeman clears burning tires from a highway that were set ablaze by Bahraini anti-government protesters in Sehla, Bahrain, on Thursday, April 18, 2013. Organizers of Bahrain's Formula One Grand Prix, to be held Sunday, said Thursday that sporadic protests against the race and violent unrest across the Gulf nation do not pose a threat to the premier international event in the kingdom. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali) (The Associated Press)

Bahrain's crown prince says there will be "a time and a place" for him to participate in the political dialogue but not yet.

Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa spoke Saturday as he toured the Bahrain International Circuit on the eve of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The crown prince says he is "hopeful" about the talks between the government and opposition forces in the divided Gulf nation but he wishes "they were moving faster."

Last month, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa appointed his heir to an additional role overseeing government affairs in an apparent gesture to opposition groups that have led more than two years of protests. The opposition welcomed the move.