The Hindu : 'Bangla probe only for consolation'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Nov 16, 2002

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International

'Bangla probe only for consolation'

By Haroon Habib

DHAKA NOV. 15. Dhaka which had announced its readiness to probe New Delhi's allegation that insurgents of the North-Eastern States in India received support and shelter in Bangladesh, has explained that the investigation would only be a "consolation" for the Indian authorities.

"Our position will remain the same. There are no training camps for the militants here. We have been saying it time and again. But since they (India) are giving us lists (of such camps) repeatedly we are going to initiate a fresh probe," the Foreign Secretary, Shamser Mobin Chowdhury, has said in an interview to the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Mr. Chowdhury said Bangladesh's position, vis-à-vis, the Indian allegation was the same. But Dhaka would let New Delhi know the legal position once again. The Foreign Secretary said he did not believe there would be any change in the "real position" even after the probe. He also refused to accept the suggestion that initiating a probe after repeatedly refusing to accept the charge in the past indicated any change in the country's position.

Mr. Chowdhury denied the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani's remarks about the activities of the ISI of Pakistan and the Al-Qaeda in Bangladesh. He also found that Mr. Advani's comments and the press release issued by the Indian Embassy here were "completely different".

The reported move by India to erect a barbed wire fence along the international border was "bound to have an adverse impact". However, the stalled trade talks would be held on schedule, Mr. Chowdhury said.

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