BBC News, 15 February 2011
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The king of Bahrain has gone on television to announce an investigation into the deaths of two protesters killed in clashes with security forces.
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| The Bahrain disturbances are the latest in the wave of unrest that has swept parts of the Middle East |
On Tuesday, a mourner was shot dead at the funeral of a protester killed when police fired a barrage of tear gas and rubber bullets in the capital, Manama.
Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa offered his condolences to the men's families.
The country's main Shia Muslim opposition bloc, Wifaq, is boycotting parliament in protest at the deaths.
The disturbances in Bahrain - where the Shia majority has been ruled by a Sunni Muslim royal family since the 18th Century - are the latest in the wave of anti-government unrest that has swept the Middle East.
'Reform will not stop'
In his televised address on Tuesday afternoon, Sheikh Hamad expressed regret about the recent fatalities and announced a ministerial probe.
"There have sadly been two deaths. I express my deep condolences to their families," he said.
"Everyone should know that I have assigned Deputy Prime Minister Jawad al-Urayyid to form a special committee to find out the reasons that led to such regrettable events," he added.
Mr Urayyid is a long-serving Shia member of the government, which is dominated by members of the king's family.
Sheikh Hamad also promised to continue the reforms he has instigated since the emirate became a constitutional monarchy in 2002.
"Reform is going ahead. It will not stop," he said.
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