Bahrain expels top US diplomat

Manama, July 8 (IANS) Bahrain has ordered a top US diplomat to immediately leave the country due to meddling in the country's internal affairs, the foreign ministry said in a statement Monday.

A US ally in the Middle East, Bahrain provides a base for US Navy's fifth fleet.

US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Tom Malinowski is not welcome and should leave immediately, Xinhua quoted the ministry as saying.

"His activities included holding meetings with one party, leaving out others who represent different parts of society."

Reports said Malinowski Sunday met members of Shiite opposition group Al Wifaq, which has staged frequent anti- government protests in order to gain more political rights.

"Such activities are contrary to diplomatic norms and relations between states," the statement added.

But the statement reaffirmed Bahrain's strong and solid relations with the US, underlining that the progress and development of the bilateral ties should not be affected by such unfortunate acts.