Dhaka terms Israeli attack on Lebanon as state and religious terrorism

Dhaka, July 20 (BDNEWS) – Strongly condemning the inhuman acts in the Middle East, Bangladesh termed the Israeli attack on Lebanon as "state" and "religious terrorism".

"Our condemnation goes beyond our language. We consider this as state terrorism. It is a gross violation of human rights. It is a religious terrorism," Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan said Thursday.

Addressing the members of Overseas Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (OCAB) at the National Press Club, Khan also expressed dismay over the role of the OIC and the Arab League on the Israeli attack on Lebanon.

"We are very much disappointed over the role of the OIC and Arab League. They have a lot to do," he said.

Asked about evacuation of Bangladeshi nationals living in Lebanon, he said, "There is no correct figure available as many Bangladeshi people illegally went there. However, we are in touch with the IOM. We are getting information that they are crossing the border and taking shelter in Syria and Jordan on their own."

Khan in his written statement said Bangladesh remains committed to the cause of unity, peace and progress of the Muslim Ummah. "Our support for the cause of Palestine and for a peaceful and durable resolution of the Middle East problem, including Arab sovereignty over Holy Jerusalem is an abiding commitment."

"We fully support the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people including their right to have a State of their own with Jerusalem as its capital. Bangladesh maintains its principled stance for a comprehensive solution of the Palestinian question in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions, the Arab peace Plan and the Road Map," he said.

Expressing deep concern over the current situation in the Middle East, Khan urged the world community to come forward to restrain Israeli aggression on Lebanon.

"Bangladesh is committed to the preservation of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states including Iraq. "...the UN should have key role in the reconstruction process to bring an end to the sufferings of the people of Iraq."

During the programme, the Foreign Minister faced a volley of questions on issues relating to India, Myanmar and USA.

Khan said illegal trade is the cause of border skirmishes, but he was satisfied with the way the border is managed. "All the processes and instruments have been reopened... I don't apprehend any major incident. But being trigger-happy must be stopped."

Asked about upcoming visit of Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso, Khan said Bangladesh would request Japan to extend its support for building the Padma bridge and a deep seaport. "The economic return of a deep seaport is very high," he said.

On Iran's nuclear programme, Khan said Bangladesh believes in the amicable and peaceful resolution of the problem through dialogue. "Bangladesh encourages Iran for its active cooperation with the IAEA and urges it to continue its cooperation within the Agency's mandate to resolve outstanding issues in order to promote confidence and a peaceful resolution of the issue."

Over North Korea (DPRK), the Foreign Minister said preventing horizontal proliferation and overlooking vertical proliferation does not give the right signal of seriousness to pursue nuclear disarmament.

The hour-long briefing was chaired by OCAB president Shamim Ahmad while its general secretary Qadir Kallol welcomed the minister.

BDNEWS/1810 hrs