Britons in Bahrain grand prix safety warning

British visitors to Bahrain have been warned to take extra precautions during this weekend's Bahrain grand prix after demonstrations against alleged interference in its domestic politics by the UK ambassador


by Damien McElroy, Foreign Affairs Correspondent
Published: 10:00PM GMT 10 Mar 2010

Bahrain hosts the opening F1 grand prix of the season and thousands of British visitors are expected to arrive in the Gulf kingdom for the event on Sunday.

Tensions over the role of British officials in the state have risen since the local press reported a meeting between Jamie Bowden, the British ambassador, and representatives of al-Wifaq, the radical opposition party in parliament.

"We will not allow anyone to abuse the sovereignty or interfere in Bahrain's internal affairs no matter what the excuse or the reason is. In this context we strongly deplore and condemn the improper conduct of the United Kingdom ambassador to Bahrain and his senseless act which goes beyond all norms and conventions of diplomacy," Jassim al Saeedi, the protest organiser said.
He said protests, which have seen hundreds of people gather outside the embassy compound, would continue until the Queen had issued a public apology to Bahrain.
AKE, a British security company said the government appeared to be stoking the demonstrations.
"With these accusations in the air, it brings in to focus possible charges of British "colonialist" attitudes in the region, and as shown by the protests, a particular distaste for any sign of them by the Bahraini government," an advisory from the firm said.
Mr Bowden dismissed the charges of interference, though he did concede he had met Wifaq MPs.
Officials were not available last night to discuss the demonstrations. The tiny state is in throes of a parliamentary election that has exposed bitter divisions between its Shia Muslim majority – mainly represented Iran-backed Wifaq – and the royalist Sunni establishment.
Bahrain is normally an ultra-safe destination for Western tourists. The Foreign Office travel advice, which was last updated in January, does however caution against getting caught up in demonstrations. "You should follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances," it said. "You should take precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations, some of which have turned violent."
Bahrain is uniquely dependent on tourism for income in the Gulf. The kingdom has barely any oil reserves but benefits from a huge weekly influx of Saudi Arabian residents.
Alcohol and gambling are permitted in its four star hotels.
The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is one of the biggest draws of the year for the tiny state. British interest in the event is especially strong as a result of the rivalry of former world champions, Lewis Hamilton and Jensen Button.
Among the visitors expected in Bahrain this week are David Mellor, the former Conservative cabinet minister, and Eddie Jordan, the former F1 owner.
Airlines have put on extra flights for the weekend.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...y-warning.html