B'desh explains position to China on Myanmar's exploration in waters

Dhaka, Nov 5 (UNI) Bangladesh today explained its position to China on Mynamar's oil gas exploration in the disputed waters in the Bay of Bengal as Dhaka wants a peaceful solution.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who had a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Zheng Qingdian, told UNI, ''We've stated that Bangladesh wants a peaceful solution.

Hopefully the matter will be resolved diplomatically.'' The Adviser said, ''We're hoping that Myanmar will dismantle their installations in the disputed waters.'' Asked if Bangladesh sought Chinese assistance in resolving the problem, the Foreign Adviser of the caretaker government replied in the negative. ''Why should I seek a third country's help?'' Meanwhile, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Touhid Hossain, now on a troubleshooting mission in Myanmar, would hold talks with the Yangon authorities tomorrow on the matter.

Myanmar, a close neighbour of both Bangladesh and China, has moved its four vessels escorted by two warships into Bangladesh maritime territory in the Bay for hydrocarbon exploration to the surprise of Bangladesh authorities.

UNI XC SKB HT2000