Collected Department Releases: Statement on the Decision by the Government of Bahrain to Find Assistant Secretary Malinowski Persona Non Grata and to Expel Him from Bahrain

Statement on the Decision by the Government of Bahrain to Find Assistant Secretary Malinowski Persona Non Grata and to Expel Him from Bahrain

Press Statement

Jen Psaki
Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

July 7, 2014

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The United States is deeply concerned by the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s decision to demand the immediate departure of Tom Malinowski, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, from the country.

Assistant Secretary Malinowski’s visit to Bahrain had been coordinated far in advance and warmly welcomed and encouraged by the government of Bahrain, which is well-aware that U.S. government officials routinely meet with all officially-recognized political societies.

Contrary to our longstanding bilateral relationship and in violation of international diplomatic protocol, the government insisted — without advance warning and after his visit had already commenced — to have a Foreign Ministry representative present at all of Assistant Secretary Malinowski’s private meetings with individuals and groups representing a broad spectrum of Bahraini society, including those held at the U.S. embassy.

These actions are not consistent with the strong partnership between the United States and Bahrain.

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Source: Dept. Of State – Releases

    

Collected Department Releases: Statement on the Decision by the Government of Bahrain to Find Assistant Secretary Malinowski Persona Non Grata and to Expel Him from Bahrain