    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [November 14, 2002]
    [Page 2074]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Elections in Bahrain
    November 14, 2002

        The United States welcomes Bahrain's first parliamentary elections
    in nearly 30 years. Bahrain is a close friend and an important example
    of a nation making the transition to democracy.
        The national elections recently concluded promise to strengthen the
    establishment of representative institutions in Bahrain and to help meet
    the political aspirations of all its citizens, including women who fully
    participated in the electoral process.
        I strongly support the efforts that King Hamad
    and the people of Bahrain have undertaken to uphold democratic
    principles and the rule of law. The United States will continue to
    support Bahrain as it pursues these goals.