government protesters are streaming through Bahrain's diplomatic area and other neighborhoods as demonstrations against the kingdom's rulers show no signs of easing. A Bahraini dissident, Hassan Mushaima, also said Sunday he would accept a Western-style constitutional monarchy in the Kingdom if protesters supported the measure. At least three processions Sunday paralyzed parts of the capital Manama. Some of the marchers claim that authorities still hold more than 200 political prisoners despite the release of about 100 political detainees last week. There are no reports of violence. Nearly two weeks of protests and clashes have left seven people dead in the strategic island nation — home to the USNavy's 5th Fleet. The embattled monarchy is seeking talks with opposition groups. Government spokeswoman Maysoon Sabkar says there is no deadline for the offer of dialogue. A Bahraini leader said Sunday he would accept a Western-style constitutional monarchy in the Gulf Arab kingdom if protesters supported the measure. Hassan Mushaima was allowed to return to Bahrain as part of several concessions by the ruling Al-Khalifa family to Bahrain's majority Shiites who have been at the forefront of nearly two weeks of protests demanding more say in government. Mushaima, leader of the mostly Shiite Haq movement which has in the past questioned the legitimacy of the king, also did not rule out the Sunni royal family's removal. “If it is a real monarchy as we know it in England, the royal family are honorary but do not control government, OK,” he told a news conference, adding that no member of the Al-Khalifa should be in government. “If all the people, and especially the people on Pearl Square agree on this (then that is good) ... that's why the Haq movement and me did not fix demands, we are talking about the demands of the people.” Mushaima returned to Bahrain on Saturday after being pardoned by the king along with 24 other Shiites activists accused of attempting to topple the government using violence. The youth movement occupying Pearl Square in the capital Manama has demanded the removal of the Al-Khalifa family. More moderate Shiites groups, such as Wefaq that draw substantially higher numbers in support, have called for the resignation of the cabinet and a new constitution, under which the government is elected. Currently, the government is appointed by the king and the majority of ministers are from the royal family. Mushaimaa said he was interested in talks with other opposition groups such as Wefaq but did not give any details on possible common demands. The government has released more than 300 people detained since a crackdown on Shiites unrest in August. It denies there is any discrimination against Shiites in Bahrain.
