Obama concerned over Libya, Yemen, Bahrain demos

U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday condemned the use of violence against peaceful protesters in Bahrain, Libya and Yemen and called for universal rights of expression to be respected.

Obama expressed his concern in a statement read to reporters aboard Air Force One by his spokesman Jay Carney, who said the president was getting frequent briefings on Middle East violence from national security aides.

"I am deeply concerned by reports of violence in Bahrain, Libya and Yemen. The United States condemns the use of violence by governments against peaceful protesters in those countries, and wherever else it may occur," the president said in a statement read to reporters by White House press secretary Jay Carney.

"The United States urges the governments of Bahrain, Libya and Yemen to show restraint in responding to peaceful protests and to respect the rights of their people," Obama said.

"We express our condolences to the family and friends of those who have been killed during the demonstrations."

Obama's statement came after a fresh upsurge of violence rattled U.S. foes and allies alike in northern Africa and the Gulf.

In the Western-leaning Gulf kingdom of Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Fifth Fleet, there were some protests in different parts of the capital.

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa has asked the crown prince to start a national dialogue "with all parties" to resolve the crisis rocking the island kingdom, an official statement said.

Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa had been given "all the powers to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of all gracious citizens from all sections", it added.

In Libya, a "day of anger" by opposition groups against Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi cost at least 28 lives, according to local sources.

There was also a new outburst of violence in Yemen, where the government is a vital ally in the U.S. anti-terror campaign, leaving up to four people killed and dozens of others injured.