Bahrain king imposes state of emergency

King Hamad of Bahrain has proclaimed a three-month state of emergency, a day after a Saudi-led military force entered the country to help put down protests.

The king had instructed the commander of the armed forces to restore order using the army, police forces, units of the National Guard and "any other force" if necessary.

Armed forces have been sent from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates into Bahrain, the home of the US Fifth Fleet.

Saudi Arabia's Sunni government said it had responded to a call for help from its neighbour under a mutual defence pact of the six-country Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Iran's foreign ministry described the intervention as "unacceptable" and said it would complicate the already volatile situation, Any violence in response to legitimate demands should be stopped.

'Blatant'

Bahrain has recalled its ambassador to Iran in protest at Tehran's "blatant interference" in its internal affairs.

Thousands of Bahraini protesters marched toward the Saudi embassy on Tuesday.

The European Union has urged the right of citizens to assemble peacefully in Bahrain. The EU says urgent, serious and constructive dialogue is the only way forward to resolve the dispute.

Commentators fear that seeking the assistance of GCC troops could lead to the intervention of unwanted regional powers like Iran.

Protests erupted in Shiite-majority Bahrain on February 14 and seven people died in consequent crackdowns on demonstrations.

The king has offered talks, a new, empowered parliament and other reforms but the opposition has refused to sit down to talks until the government resigns.