Bahrain sets up commission to investigate unrest

Bahrain is setting up an independent fact-finding commission to investigate weeks of protests, after international criticism of its handling of the unrest.

The announcement came ahead of a national dialogue, set to start on Saturday, which the government hails as a chance for reform and reconciliation in a country torn by sectarian division after its Sunni rulers cracked down on pro-democracy protests by the Shiite majority.

Shiite opposition party Wefaq said the inquiry would have no effect on its decision whether to participate in the dialogue.