Bahrain's main Shi'ite opposition group says the government must resign and the military must withdraw from the streets before it will consider an offer by the royal family to stage a national dialogue to end anti-government protests.

Members of Bahrain's Wefaq bloc, which pulled out of parliament this week, made the demand Saturday, saying the military presence in the streets of the capital indicates a lack of seriousness about negotiation.

Party member Ibrahim Mattar told the Reuters news agency that authorities must “accept the concept of constitutional monarchy” before dialogue can begin. He also called for a “temporary government of new faces” that would not include the current interior or defense ministers.

Friday, security forces in Bahrain fired shots as mourners leaving a funeral tried to return to a central square in Manama in defiance of a government ban on protests. Medical personnel say at least 55 people were wounded.

Witnesses say the shots were fired after thousands of mourners at the funeral of an anti-government protester tried to make their way back into Pearl Square. The military had cleared the square of protesters during a Thursday raid in which five people were killed and more than 230 wounded. The military has banned public gatherings.

In a Friday address on state television, Bahrain's crown prince appealed for calm. Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa said now is a time for dialogue rather than fighting. He said he had been authorized by the king to start a dialogue with all parties.

Also Friday, U.S. President Barack Obama called Bahrain's monarch to condemn the use of violence against protesters and urge the government to show restraint.

Bahrain is home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet and is also a regional offshore banking center. The royal family has long been a strategic ally of the United States in efforts to fight terrorism and counter Iran's regional influence.