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| Bangladesh |
| 14 Euro MPs for lifting state of emergency |
| 2007-05-06 |
| Fourteen members of the European Parliament have urged the caretaker government to lift the state of emergency immediately and arrange for a free and fair parliamentary election as soon as possible. As we knew it would, the pressure builds for the Banglas to do the wrong thing. They're confusing the form of democracy with the substance of liberty. In a joint statement, the lawmakers from different member states also asked the security personnel to respect human rights and use force only when required. "As members of the European Parliament we are ready to support further enhanced cooperation with Bangladesh as a long lasting development partner, if the present government restores civil and political liberties and arranges as soon as possible for free and fair democratic elections under the presence of international observers which will include a delegation from our European Parliament," said the statement. The Daily Star received a copy of the statement yesterday. About the ongoing state of emergency, the statement said: "for the sake of democracy, we urge the caretaker government of Bangladesh to urgently lift the state of emergency, which has been declared on January 11, 2007 and which, according to the Constitution, can run for a maximum of three months." The parliamentarians, however, appreciated the government's steps to fight corruption, restore order and reform the institutions, including political parties. "However, recent reports on systematic oppression and intimidation of party leaders under the emergency rules have caused serious concern. We recognise the responsibility of the caretaker government of Bangladesh to ensure law and order, but urge security personnel to respect human rights and use force only when necessary and in a proportionate manner," the statement added. |
| Posted by:Fred |