Group calls for ouster of Bahrain's monarchy

MANAMA, Bahrain

A manifesto Monday from a group calling itself "Youth of Feb. 14" - after the day of the first marches - apparently seeks to raise the stakes of demands ahead of possible talks between the opposition and the monarchy.

Bahrain's rulers have offered talks with the opposition groups to try and prevent a showdown.The Al Khalifa royal dynasty has been in power for 200 years and has strong backing from other Gulf Arab leaders.

Tensions are still high in /*Bahrain*/ after seesaw battles that saw riot police open fire on protesters trying to reclaim landmark Pearl Square last week.

Since the protests began, at least eight people have been killed and hundreds injured.

Meantime, the March 13 season-opening Formula One race, the kingdom's biggest international event, has been called off because of protests, according to organizers. The event has been hosted annually since 2004.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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