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  Last Update:  29 November 2011 06:52  GMT                                      Volume. 11308

Bahrain opposition seeks reform referendum
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altMANAMA (AP) — The head of Bahrain's main opposition party wants a referendum over whether Al Khalifa rulers should retain their wide powers.

The appeal by Sheik Ali Salman seeks to increase pressure for broader reconciliation efforts. Salman told reporters on Wednesday the proposed referendum would ask whether the tiny island nation's government should be elected or remain appointed by the leaders.

It's seen highly unlikely that Bahrain's Sunni monarchy would allow such a vote, after months of crackdowns against pro-democracy protests demanding greater rights.

Salman's Al Wefaq party has broken off talks with Bahrain's rulers and plans to boycott parliament elections next month.

Mass protests led by Bahrain's majority Shias began in February, inspired by other Arab uprisings.

Photo: Sheik Ali Salman, leader of Al Wefaq, speaks during a press conference at his party's headquarters in Manama, Bahrain on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011.

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Last Updated on 17 August 2011 16:53