Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa has called for talks on reforms in the tiny Gulf nation without preconditions as of July 1, according to Bahrain's state-run BNA news agency.

The king urged everyone to take part in the national dialogue and issued directives to take all necessary measures for this comprehensive and serious dialogue in a bid to push forward reforms for development in all areas.

Bahrain's Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid bin Abdulla Ahmad Al Khalifa met on June 1 with political leaders, including those of the opposition, and urged them to engage in national dialogue.

He told the representatives that rallies and gatherings are not the best way at the moment, although they are permitted by law.

His comments came at a time when anti-government protestors returned to the streets with minor clashes in Shiite dominant villages.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on June 1 welcomed the lifting of the state of national safety in Bahrain as well as the king's call to start national dialogue.

The UN chief appealed to all national stakeholders "to work constructively towards creating a conducive environment for such a dialogue to take place."

Ban also reiterated his call on Bahraini authorities and security forces to "act in accordance with relevant international norms and standards with regard to human rights and fundamental freedoms."