Bahrain Mirror (Exclusive): The European Union called on Bahrain to review its decision to suspend the independent Al-Wasat newspaper on Friday (August 7, 2015), stressing that the existence of independent media outlets can reinforce the reconciliation efforts in the island kingdom.

In its statement, the EU said "it believes that the existence of independent media outlets reinforces freedom of speech by providing a platform for the expression of different opinions and grievances of various segments of Bahraini society."

"It also has the potential to serve as an effective tool in supporting efforts aimed at nurturing a pluralistic environment to foster national unity and reconciliation in Bahrain," the statement further read.

The EU hopes that the administrative decision of the Information Affairs Authority of Bahrain can be swiftly reviewed in a way that would enable Al-Wasat to resume publication as soon as possible.

The Arabic Issue