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U.S. lifting holds on military aid to Bahrain

Xinhua, June 30, 2015 Adjust font size:

The United States said on Monday it has decided to lift the holds on assistance to Bahrain's military that were implemented following Bahrain's crackdown on demonstrations in 2011.

While the U.S. does not think that the human rights situation in Bahrain is "adequate," the country "has made some meaningful progress" on human rights reforms and reconciliation, State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.

Kirby cited Bahrain's moves including the recent release of a number of political prisoners as "steps contribute to an environment more conducive to reconciliation and progress."

"Bahrain is an important and long-standing ally on regional security issues," the spokesman said, adding that the Gulf country is working closely with the U.S. on fighting the Islamic State group.

Washington had condemned the use of violence by Bahraini authorities in demonstrations in 2011, and suspended planned military sales to the country in October that year. It resumed some military sales to Bahrain in May 2012. Endite