I haven't started political dialogue, says Geeta Pasi
Sunday, 23 March 2008
US Charge d' Affaires Geeta Pasi apparently refuted the government contention that she is holding dialogue with political parties, which is an interference in the country's domestic affairs and breach of diplomatic norms.
She said this while visiting Gulshan police station in the city Saturday to see the proceedings of its Open House when police sought views from people on how to resolve various local problems and crimes, reports UNB.
"Let me tell you frankly that I haven't started political dialogue; that's up to the government to do so", she said.
"As a diplomat, I meet and exchange views with all members of Bangladesh society, politicians, civil society, businesspeople, students, police and the media, and I'm pleased to be able to do so", she added.
Geeta Pasi who recently held talks with Awami League, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and Jatiya Party leaders on election matters made the remarks when asked by journalists to comment on the outcome of her current 'dialogue'.
When asked to comment on the Foreign Ministry's note, a spokesperson for the US Embassy Saturday said the US supports the government to hold free and credible elections at the latest by Dec 2008.
She said this while visiting Gulshan police station in the city Saturday to see the proceedings of its Open House when police sought views from people on how to resolve various local problems and crimes, reports UNB.
"Let me tell you frankly that I haven't started political dialogue; that's up to the government to do so", she said.
"As a diplomat, I meet and exchange views with all members of Bangladesh society, politicians, civil society, businesspeople, students, police and the media, and I'm pleased to be able to do so", she added.
Geeta Pasi who recently held talks with Awami League, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and Jatiya Party leaders on election matters made the remarks when asked by journalists to comment on the outcome of her current 'dialogue'.
When asked to comment on the Foreign Ministry's note, a spokesperson for the US Embassy Saturday said the US supports the government to hold free and credible elections at the latest by Dec 2008.