MANAMA, Bahrain – A senior U.S. diplomat ordered to leave the Middle Eastern nation of Bahrain after meeting with a leading Shiite opposition group says the American ally's move appears aimed at undermining reconciliation efforts between the government and the opposition.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Tom Malinowski said on his Twitter feed Tuesday that Bahrain's decision is "not about me but about undermining dialogue," and that "those committed to reconciliation should not be deterred."
Bahrain's Foreign Ministry on Monday said Malinowski is not welcome because he intervened in the country's domestic affairs by holding meetings with some groups at the expense of others.
Tiny Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. A largely Shiite opposition movement has pressed for greater freedoms from the Sunni monarchy.
