http://www.newagebd.com/2008/may/09/front.html#4
New Age, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Friday, May 9, 2008
US wants to see elected govt rule Bangladesh next year: Boucher
Staff Correspondent
Washington wants to see a democratically elected government ruling the
country next year and democracy to be given a strong foundation, a
visiting senior official of the US State Department said on Thursday.
Richard A Boucher, US assistant secretary of state for South and
Central Asian affairs, made the statement after meeting foreign
secretary Touhid Hossain at the latter=92s office.
=91You are on the path of restoration of democracy and it is
important for us to see the path traversed by the end of this year to
see a democratically elected government emerge and govern Bangladesh
next year,=92 he said.
Boucher, who arrived in the capital on a two-day tour to hold talks
with the officials here on the latest political developments with
regard to the election roadmap, and also advances and cooperation in
counter-terrorism, said that his government was eager to hear the
speech of the chief adviser of the caretaker government.
=91We look forward to the statement of the caretaker government that
will reassure the people that the process [of election] is underway
and guaranteed,=92 he added.
Emphasising the need for a stable democracy in Bangladesh, Boucher
said that his country wanted to see guarantees for democracy in the
long term from the Election Commission, Human Rights Commission, Anti-
Corruption Commission and Civil Service Commission because the
officials of these institutions could ensure a stable democracy.
=91We also want to see the guarantees for democracy put in place so
that it continues on a stable basis for a long time,=92 he said.
Boucher said that in addition to democracy and development, the US
wants to see denial of space to terrorists in Bangladesh. He called
for judicial and police action to keep the people safe from terrorism.
=91Stability of democracy cannot be achieved without neutralising
violent extremists,=92 Boucher opined.
He said Bangladesh and the United States are together in many
things around the world and assured US assistance to help Bangladesh
in recovering normalcy after the devastating cyclone, and expansion of
economic cooperation between the two countries.
Boucher said he has come here at a critical time when Bangladesh is
facing economic difficulties, an international crisis is brewing,
shortage of food and energy is being felt acutely, and also when
domestically the country is on the way to restoring democracy, which
is very important to the United States.
=91We have a very broad agenda that articulates the desire of the
people of Bangladesh. We want restoration of democracy and economic
development, which will lead to a peaceful society,=92 he said.
Foreign secretary Touhid told reporters that he had a very fruitful
discussion with Boucher on various issues as both Bangladesh and the
United States enjoy excellent relations and are cooperating in many
fields.
US counter-terrorism coordinator Dell Dailey and US ambassador to
Bangladesh James F Moriarty were also present on the occasion.
In the afternoon Boucher called on the chief of army staff, General
Moeen U Ahmed, at the army headquarters. He spent some time with the
army chief and discussed bilateral issues, said an ISPR release.
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