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News of Jan
6, 2007
US, Britain Upset with
Pre-poll Tremors in Bangladesh
Dhaka,
Jan 6
The US and Britain have issued separate appeals to the Awami
League-led alliance to reconsider its decision to boycott the Jan 22
polls and also asked the caretaker government and Election
Commission to "act swiftly and impartially" to create conditions for
the elections to take place.
"Our own support and observation missions will depend on whether
such conditions are created," a statement issued by the US embassy
here said.
The appeals went out on the eve of a two-day stir the alliance
launched Saturday to press for its demands, the non-fulfillment of
which led to the boycott decision.
Scores of protestors have been arrested, media reports said.
"The voters of Bangladesh deserve a choice. We regret that the Awami
League and its alliance partners intend to boycott the election. We
urge them to reconsider and to offer the voters a chance to choose,"
the US said.
It added: "Elections need to take place in an open, peaceful
atmosphere with the participation of all political parties so that
the voters can have confidence in the outcome (of the election).
"The process as it is unfolding certainly shows many imperfections.
We urge the caretaker government and Election Commission to act
swiftly and impartially to create conditions under which all parties
can participate."
The US also called on all parties to "set aside narrow, partisan
agendas and join together in serious, constructive dialogue to
create an acceptable environment for participation by all major
parties in the elections.
"Violence has no place in a democratic society. While political
protest is an integral part of democracy, violence is not."
British High Commissioner Anwarul Haq, a diplomat of Bangladeshi
origin, also called for full participation of all parties in the
electoral battle.
"For the elections to be credible, the institutions responsible for
the election must enjoy the confidence of the major parties. The UK
urges all parties to engage in constructive dialogue in order to
address how to achieve this."
Expressing concerns over probable violence in the coming weeks, he
called on all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from
political violence.
Haq, along with US envoy Patricia Butenis, has been holding talks
with various parties and officials for many weeks.
Meanwhile, European Union election observers monitoring the
situation here since Dec 17 said they would make recommendations to
the EU headquarters in Brussels on the need to send more observers.
The envoys' anxiety is reflected in the views publicly expressed by
some of the advisors to President Iajuddin Ahmed, who doubles as
Chief Advisor of the caretaker government.
Adviser Ruhul Alam Chowdhury Friday said if the Awami League-led
grand alliance does not take part in the January election, it would
not be acceptable to all.
"I think the poll would not be acceptable to anyone in the world,"
he was quoted by The Daily Star as saying.
IANS
News of Jan
6, 2007
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