MANAMA – Bahrain’s monarchy has met with the opposition leader in an effort to put an end to the mass demonstrations that have shaken the country for nearly three years.

Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa held talks with the main opposition chief Sheikh Ali Salman for the first time since demonstrations began in 2011. 

“The meeting was especially frank and very transparent,” the opposition group, Al Wefaq said in a statement 

Al Wefaq claimed that the talks took place on the Prince’s initiative to “study ways (to have) a serious dialogue that would result in a new political framework that shapes a comprehensive solution.” 

The Crown Prince told the political representatives that the government aims to “strengthen the rule of law and institutions,” while urging the opponents to “show seriousness, transparency and credibility,” BNA reported. 

During the meeting “it was agreed on the main issues to be discussed under national dialogue in a coming stage,” the official news agency announced.

The national dialogue began last February but achieved no concrete results. Last September five groups including Al Wefaq, boycotted the talks after Shi’a leader Khalil Marzooq was arrested on charges of inciting terrorism.