Bahrain's king declared himself committed to reform amid tight security for the country's Formula One grand prix, which is to be held Sunday.
King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa, who is due to attend the controversial race, said in a statement that he wanted "to make clear my personal commitment to reform and reconciliation in our great country."
He insisted that substantial progress had already been made, adding, "The door is always open for sincere dialogue amongst all our people."
His statement came after claims surfaced Saturday that anti-government protester Salah Habib Abbas, 37, was killed by shotgun pellets fired by security forces on a rooftop.
Abbas' funeral could take place later Sunday, which has led to fresh concerns about security at the race.
Armored vehicles and barbed wire have been deployed along the main road leading from the capital, Manama, to the racetrack in an attempt to contain any protests disrupting the event.
Violent disturbances have been intensifying in recent days, with about 50,000 protesters gathering around Manama and fighting pitched battles with security officials.
Petrol bombs have been hurled at security officials, tires set ablaze and anti-grand prix graffiti daubed on walls in ugly scenes that have marred the Gulf kingdom in recent days.
Meanwhile, riot police have used rounds of tear gas and pepper spray to disperse throngs of protesters who are demanding democracy and the cancellation of the race.
Activists have posted numerous videos online of protests, which could not be independently verified, including blockading a motorway with a barricade of burning tires.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague spoke to the foreign minister of Bahrain on Saturday to express the government's concern about the violence.
