Washington must step in to jump-start the Middle East peace talks, said Bahrain's new ambassador to the US on Tuesday.
“The violence must be curbed and talks resumed,” Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Rashid Al Khalifa told the paper.
Sheikh Khalifa is expected to leave Bahrain for the US on September 6 to take up his new assignment.
He succeeds Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar, who is now minister of state for foreign affairs.
"Bahrain and the US have long-standing and strong relations," he said.
"It is a dynamic relationship which continues to be strengthened and I would like to maintain this good relationship and build on it and promote Bahrain at all levels, especially at this dynamic time when so many changes are taking place in Bahrain."
At a time when Arab public opinion is highly anti-US as a result of the escalating violence in the Middle East, Sheikh Khalifa said his role was to act as a link between the new US administration and convey the feelings of the Bahraini government and people in a frank and honest manner.
"I will be working to promote that link of communication and continue to build on that and make sure that all differences are resolved by diplomatic means," he said.
"You have to think positively, that the current level of violence will de-escalate and there will be a return to the negotiating table. There are many people working to achieve this."
Bahrain’s emir, Sheikh Hamad Al Khalifa, in May became the first Gulf leader to hold a meeting with US President W. George Bush – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
