The United States has expressed concern about recent violence in Bahrain, where thousands of protesters are calling for democratic change similar to the process taking place in Egypt.

"The United States is very concerned by recent violence surrounding protests in Bahrain," State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said in a statement. "We also call on all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from violence."

Crowley offered condolences to the families and friends of two people who have died and said "The United States welcomes the government of Bahrain's statements that it will investigate these deaths, and that it will take legal action against any unjustified use of force by Bahraini security forces."

Protesters, inspired by popular revolts that toppled rulers in Tunisia and Egypt, said their main demand was the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa, who has governed the Gulf Arab state since its independence in 1971.
The demonstrators from Bahrain's Shi'ite majority say they face systemic discrimination in employment, housing, education and government.

In a statement, the Bahrain government said Monday night that it had a long history of allowing peaceful protests, and that any improper police activity would be investigated.

The king of Bahrain has gone on television to announce an investigation into the deaths of two protesters killed in clashes with security forces on Monday. Sheikh Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa also offered his condolences to the men's families.

With Reuters