Trial of war criminals to be decided through political process in Bangladesh: US Minister

Dhaka, Apr 22, (SANS Correspondent):

US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg on Thursday said some questions like trial of war criminals have to be decided through political process in Bangladesh. Steinberg, who arrived here on a two-day visit, told a crowded press conference that it is important to have accountability and fairness in any proceeding or process but how it would be carried out in a specific circumstance is to be decided by the people of this country.

On political differences between the two major parties, he said it is important that all political parties work together and create an environment for open and tolerant debates on issues for common good.

Steinberg said the general election held in 2008 was an extremely positive step forward to strengthen democracy in the country and it is important to recognize the ‘give and take’ among the parties and find out a common ground through healthy debates.

He said the US would continue support to strengthening democracy and the capacity of the institutions to provide services to the people and create environment so democracy here can take a deep root.

Asked if he feels Bangladesh and India need closer cooperation in countering terrorism, Steinberg who came here from India said Bangladesh and India have cooperation in many sectors and obviously, the issue of counter-terrorism is critical for India.

Referring to his talks with senior officials of the Indian government, he said India is very appreciative of the Bangladesh government’s efforts in building cooperation in countering terrorism. “It’s a tremendous confidence built between Bangladesh and India,” the US State Department official said, adding “threat of terrorism knows know boundary and it’s a common enemy, common challenge, and we all need to work together.” He said a deepening cooperation between Bangladesh and India will provide greater security for citizens and “we are appreciative of the efforts Bangladesh and India have made as we can do more together.”

Asked about US support to help Bangladesh resolve its nagging power crisis, Steinberg said the US is eager to invest in the energy sector as power is one of the key challenges Bangladesh is now facing to meet the basic needs of its citizens and to make environment for investment and industry. However, he suggested creation of an appropriate environment and decision-making process to attract foreign investment as the energy sectors needs long-term significant amount of investment. Steinberg expressed his confidence about the right kind of investment climate where a number US companies will be willing to put their money in this sector.

Asked about a bill pending with the US Congress seeking duty-free access of Bangladesh products to American market, he said irrespective of what might happen in the US Congress, Bangladesh and USA can increase trade and investment bilaterally and also can see whether it could make progress through multilateral trade negotiations particularly in Doha Round. He said it would not only be of benefit for Bangladesh but also for the international community to continue the process of negotiation in the context of Doha Round for more open trade for benefit of all countries.

On US-Bangladesh cooperation on climate change, Steinberg appreciated Bangladesh’s concern and priority to the impact of the climate change and praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s strong leadership to reach Copenhagen protocol on climate change.

He said this is an enormous global challenge that requires global solution as an individual country cannot solve this problem. Both developed and developing countries need to work together to develop strategy on mitigation and adaptation. The State Department official said it is important to implement the commitment made by the global leaders at Copenhagen summit to reduce the emission level by maintaining transparency than legally binding agreement.

Asked about a common security system by SAARC countries, he said US believes in regional cooperation in the fields of security, water, energy and economy by building strong ties among the countries in the region.

About US reaction to Bangladesh’s proposal seeking Chinese assistance to build a deep sea port in Chittagong, Steinberg appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s efforts to build strong economic and political ties with all her neighbors including India and China. “We’ve also strong ties with China,” he added.

Asked about President Obama’s visit to Bangladesh, he would not comment on the schedules of such high level visit but mentioned President Obama’s meeting with Hasina in Copenhagen and Secretary Clinton’s strong and personal commitment to Bangladesh. He said both Obama and Clinton are interested in building strong ties and cooperation with Bangladesh.

In his opening remarks at the press conference at Sonargaon Hotel, Steinberg said the world is now facing different challenges and it requires global cooperation to deal with the changing climate, food security, global public health and countering terrorism. He said Bangladesh is a key partner that shares common interest with the United States.