.

Meanwhile the country's opposition groups and anti-government protesters have reiterated that their demands must be met before they will enter into talks with the Gulf state's monarchy.

These demands include the resignation of the Government, the release of political prisoners and an investigation into the deaths of six protesters during  last weeks violence.

"Fellow citizens of Bahrain," the crown prince said in a televised address to the nation. "I hope that we can join hands, work together and communicate with all political forces in the country. Join us to calm the situation so that we can call a day of mourning for our lost sons."