U.S. concerned execution of Nimr will exacerbate sectarian tensions

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government expressed concern on Saturday that Saudi Arabia's execution of a prominent Shi'ite cleric, could exacerbate sectarian tensions, and urged all leaders in the Middle East to "redouble efforts" to de-escalate regional tensions. "We reaffirm our calls on the Government of Saudi Arabia to respect and protect human rights, and to ensure fair and transparent judicial proceedings in all cases," John Kirby, a spokesman for the U.S. State Dep