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Bahrain's Prime Minister Dies

VOA News

   Bahrain's Prime MinisterPrince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifahas died at
   the age of 84.

   The country's state news agency said Wednesday morning he died at the
   Mayo Clinic in the UnitedStates, butdid not disclose the nature of his
   treatment or cause of death.

   Bahrain will observe a week of mourningwith flags flying at half-mast.

   Prince Khalifaheld the position of prime minister since Bahrain's 1971
   independence.

   He was a dominant figure in Bahrain's politics for much of his time
   inpower, anddrew sharp criticism during pro-democracy protests in 2011
   for crackdowns on the demonstrations and allegations of corruption.

   Prince Khalifa has traveled for medical treatment several times in
   recent years, including a trip to Germany a year ago.

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