Formula One's Bahrain grand prix must go ahead to aid efforts towards nation's reconciliation, says Mahmoud Cherif Bassiouni He wrote: "Aside from the economic, publicity, and public relations advantages that the Grand Prix brings to Bahrain, it is, on this one year anniversary of the February/March events of last year, an important point of departure for the People of Bahrain to forge ahead in their national efforts towards reconciliation. You and the respective organizations involved are to be commended on this initiative. I hope there will be many in Bahrain, during this year and in the years to come, who will consolidate the processes of national reconciliation, and that all elements of society will add their support and positive encouragement to this and other similar endeavours designed to enhance national reconciliation. Cherif Bassiouni's report was commissioned by Bahrain's King following the unrest last year which led to at least 35 deaths. It held no punches, making it clear that multiple human rights abuses took place, that the chain of command was muddled, that officials were not held accountable and that the situation in the country remained delicate. It made a number of recommendations which Bahrain's rulers claim to be acting upon. Critics of the race believe it to be a tool of a government which continues to suppress dissidents and fear that to race there this year would be an endorsement of the regime. Others believe a race could exacerbate unrest and pose a security threat to the local population as well as to F1 personnel. In the last two weeks the race has been the subject of debate in Westminster with one group of peers writing to The Times to express their opinion that F1 should not travel to Bahrain, and another group of MPs following that up with a letter saying that the race should go ahead. Teams and sponsors have so far said they will trust in the FIA and Ecclestone to make the right decision. Meanwhile, the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and race sponsor Gulf Air have pressed on with preparations by unveiling the slogan 'UniF1ed - One Nation in Celebration' under which to promote the grand prix. Tickets for the event have also gone on sale with a little over two months left until the scheduled race date of April 22.