Manama: Bahrain government has agreed to begin a national dialogue to address the kingdom’s political crisis.
King Hamad has asked his eldest son, Crown Prince Salman, to start the talks.
The prince, who earlier called on protesters to withdraw from the streets, is authorised to talk to all parties.
Earlier, troops fired on demonstrators trying to march into the centre of the capital on Friday, wounding at least 50.
US President Barack Obama has phoned King Hamad to urge restraint.
Bahrain, a close American ally, must respect the “universal rights” of its people and embrace “meaningful reform”, he said.
Britain has advised its citizens against all but essential travel to the kingdom.
Many of the protesters in Manama have been calling for the overthrow of the Sunni Muslim royal family.
But protest leaders are reported to have postponed an anti-government demonstration scheduled for Saturday.
Speaking on Bahrain state TV, Prince Salman expressed regret for “these painful days” and called for unity.
“We are at a crossroads,” he said.
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