WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States has expressed concern about unrest in Bahrain, where thousands of protesters are calling for democratic change similar to the process taking place in Egypt.
State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley offered condolences to the families and friends of two people who have died.
He welcomed a Bahraini government pledge to investigate the deaths and take legal action against security forces that used unjustified force. He urged restraint on all sides.
Thousands of protesters took over a main square in the tiny island kingdom's capital Tuesday.
After uprisings in recent weeks that have removed leaders from power in Egypt and Tunisia, the demonstrations represented another challenge to an Arab government that is a close partner of the United States.
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