Exhibition cancellation won't affect ties with France: Iftekhar
Friday, 28 December 2007
Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury expressed the hope that the theft of the artifacts and consequent request for cancellation of the exhibition at Guimet Museum in Paris 'have no adverse impact on the larger bilateral relations between Bangladesh and France", reports UNB.
"Despite the regrettable incident and its consequences, we believe that the ties between Bangladesh and France are too strong to be adversely affected, and spread across a wide spectrum of bilateral and multilateral activities," he told the media.
When asked to comment on the recent remarks of the French CDA, a spokesman of the Foreign Ministry said ' it is always helpful when diplomatic agents exercise restraint and calm in their reactions."
Meanwhile, France Thurs-day said they took note of the sovereign decision of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to cancel the loan agreements between the Guimet museum in Paris and various cultural institutions in Bangladesh.
"We fully respect this decision while regretting the cancellation of an event likely to enhance the cultural presence of Bangladesh throughout the world," said a statement released by the French embassy.
It said "France reaffirms its' readiness to carry on its cooperation with the People's Republic of Bangladesh in the friendly manner that has always prevailed."
The embassy in Dhaka said the Guimet Museum has been informed of decision of Bangladesh and of the request to send back the forty two items already in the museum. The artefacts are being crated.
It said the Guimet Museum should be contacted directly if more information is sought.
The release said 'considering the complex situation and the ongoing investigations,' the French embassy, while fully cooperating with the investigating authorities, will wait for the results of these investigations before holding any new press conference.
"Despite the regrettable incident and its consequences, we believe that the ties between Bangladesh and France are too strong to be adversely affected, and spread across a wide spectrum of bilateral and multilateral activities," he told the media.
When asked to comment on the recent remarks of the French CDA, a spokesman of the Foreign Ministry said ' it is always helpful when diplomatic agents exercise restraint and calm in their reactions."
Meanwhile, France Thurs-day said they took note of the sovereign decision of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to cancel the loan agreements between the Guimet museum in Paris and various cultural institutions in Bangladesh.
"We fully respect this decision while regretting the cancellation of an event likely to enhance the cultural presence of Bangladesh throughout the world," said a statement released by the French embassy.
It said "France reaffirms its' readiness to carry on its cooperation with the People's Republic of Bangladesh in the friendly manner that has always prevailed."
The embassy in Dhaka said the Guimet Museum has been informed of decision of Bangladesh and of the request to send back the forty two items already in the museum. The artefacts are being crated.
It said the Guimet Museum should be contacted directly if more information is sought.
The release said 'considering the complex situation and the ongoing investigations,' the French embassy, while fully cooperating with the investigating authorities, will wait for the results of these investigations before holding any new press conference.