Ban Ki-moon calls for end to Bahrain's unrest

UNITED NATIONS, April 25 (UPI) -- Clashes between security forces in Bahrain and pro-reform demonstrators are a particular concern, a spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general said.

The United Nations reports that clashes between security forces and demonstrators are continuing more than a year after an uprising against the Sunni-led monarchy began.

A spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Bahrain was called on to immediately put an end to the violence.

Ban, the spokesman said in a statement, "remains concerned about the situation in Bahrain, particularly with regard to the continuing clashes between security forces and protesters which have resulted in more casualties."

The violent political situation led to the cancellation of last year's Bahrain Grand Prix. Authorities stationed police in armored vehicles around the race site to keep protesters back during the race Sunday. Some teams were caught up in the violence, though authorities in Bahrain said they weren't the direct target of attacks.

Demonstrations rekindled after Manama sentenced human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja to life in prison for allegedly plotting against the government. He's been on a hunger strike for more than two months.

Ban, through his spokesman, called on authorities to resolve the situation "based on due process and humanitarian considerations without any further delay."