Barack Obama backs Bahrain king's pledge to reform Published duration 28 February 2011

image caption President Obama said he supported a national dialogue initiative led by Crown Prince Salamn bin Hamad al-Khalifa in Bahrain

US President Barack Obama has expressed his support for the King of Bahrain's affirmed commitment to reform.

Mr Obama welcomed a cabinet reshuffle by King Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa in which four ministers, including two royal family members, were replaced.

The move followed two weeks of Shia protests against the Sunni-led regime.

President Obama said he supported a national dialogue initiative led by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa in Bahrain.

He urged that the process should be inclusive, non-sectarian and responsive to the people of the Gulf Kingdom.

Manama protests

"I welcome the announcement by King Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa about making important changes to the cabinet and restating his commitment to reform," said Mr Obama in a statement.

Thousands of demonstrators remain camped out on Pearl Square in the capital, Manama, as protests move into a 15th day.

They have called for a genuinely democratic elected parliament and the sacking of Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa ibn Salman al-Khalifa after 40 years in power.

Shia account for about 70% of the country's 525,000 people.

Bahrain - home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet - is the first Gulf country to be thrown into turmoil by the wave of unrest sweeping the Arab world.