US, UK, EU hail partial lifting of ban on politics

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The United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) welcomed the Chief Adviser's (CA's) announcement of partial lifting of the ban on political activities in Bangladesh as part of a process of full restoration of democracy, reports UNB.
In separate statements Monday, they also hailed the caretaker government's announcement of possibility of holding the stalled elections earlier than December 2008.
The US Embassy in Dhaka termed this an excellent sign of progress on the goals outlined in the election roadmap.
"We commend the government for taking this positive step to allow political parties to contribute to the reform process," it said in a statement.
The US mission said, "It is now vital that all groups work together to forge progress through unhindered, constructive dialogue."
Hailing the government decision on lifting embargo on indoor politics, the British High Commission said it was an important step towards restoration of full democratic process in the country.
The UK also welcomed the caretaker government's other announcements, including the possibility of holding the elections earlier than December 2008.
"This demonstrates the caretaker government's continuing commitment to the roadmap," said the British mission, adding: "We are also pleased to see the progress made on the photo voter list - this bodes well for the future."
The European Union Heads of Mission welcomed the CA's relaxation of limitations on certain form of political activities
They noted that full participation of political parties was indispensable to the electoral and political reform process and believed that this would constitute an important step towards the full restoration of civil and political rights as soon as possible.
The EU Heads of Mission also welcomed the possibility of election being held before December 2008 as a demonstration of the caretaker government's commitment to the election roadmap.