Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa's comments came during a special parliament session to discuss mounting violence, which has included bombings against police and near the royal palaces.
The justice minister said Bahrain must first quell "terrorism" before it can discuss reconciliation.
The gathering today also appeared prompted by opposition calls for major protests August 14 inspired by the crowds that helped topple Egypt's President Mohammad Morsi.
Bahrain's majority Shiites have led an uprising for a greater political voice in the Sunni-ruled kingdom, home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet.
