The Hindu : `Dhaka will not dilute stand on gas export issue'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Sep 28, 2002

International

International

`Dhaka will not dilute stand on gas export issue'

By Haroon Habib

DHAKA SEPT. 27. The Bangladesh Foreign Minister, Morshed Khan, has said that his country will not compromise on its stand on export of natural gas and that any decision in this regard will be taken on the basis of "consensus and transparency."

"I don't think any unjustified request will be made in this matter and we want transparency in all our deals,'' Mr. Khan told presspersons when asked whether he had any discussion with the U.S. on gas export and setting up a private container terminal in Chittagong. Asked to comment on the U.S. Ambassador, Mary Ann Peters' remarks on these issues — which received strong criticism at home — Mr. Khan reiterated his Government's position and said gas would be exported if reserves were adequate.

"Two reports on gas reserves have been submitted to the Government. They are to be placed before the Cabinet. They may also be placed before Parliament for a consensus decision,'' he said indicating that the process may take time.

A Norwegian study, made public here yesterday, said Bangladesh had sufficient gas resources to go in for exports.

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