The Permanet Delegate-level Arab League Council confirmed on Tuesday the legitimacy of the "Peninsula Shield" forces in Bahrain.

Bahrain has been witnessing protests for political reform since 14 February, in which at least 16 people have been killed.

The first "Peninsula Shield" troops of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) entered Bahrain on 14 March to help maintain the country's security, but activists said the troops took part in suppressing the protests.

A statement issued by the GCC on Tuesday, following an emergency consultative meeting, said sending the troops to Bahrain was in response to security and defense agreements signed between the Gulf states to protect vital installations in the kingdom.

The GCC stressed its full rejection of any foreign interference in the internal affairs of Bahrain, and reiterated the Arab-Islamic identity of this country.

It also appealed to all concerned parties in Bahrain to hold an unconditional but constructive national dialogue, which Bahrain’s crown prince had earlier requested, adding that such dialogue would restore stability in the kingdom and achieve the required reforms and aspirations of the people.

The council also expressed its regret at the casualties of the demonstrations.

Translated from the Arabic Edition