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Prime Minister of Bahrain Gulf State Dies Prince Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa died aged 84 in a US clinic, the state news agency BNA reported. The cause of death was not disclosed.
The King of the Gulf State, Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa, ordered a week-long state duel. The prime minister was his uncle. Work in government ministries and departments will also be suspended for three days starting Thursday.
Al-Khalifa had assumed the position of head of government in 1971 when the country declared its independence. He was the oldest head of government in the world. He was controversial during his nearly 50-year tenure. He was particularly unpopular with the Shiite majority in the Sunni-ruled kingdom.
When Shiite protesters occupied the Pearl Square in the capital Manama for a month in 2011, they mainly demanded the resignation of the head of government. The protests were eventually put down with the help of Saudi Arabian troops. The Chalifa dynasty has ruled the country since the 18th century.
