US minister for fairness in war crimes trial

James B Steinberg

US Deputy Secretary of State James B Steinberg yesterday said some questions like the trial of war criminals have to be resolved through the internal political process of Bangladesh.
"It is important to have accountability and fairness in any proceeding or process, but how it would be carried out in a specific circumstance is to be decided by the people of the country," he said while addressing a media briefing in Sonargaon Hotel.
Steinberg, who is a deputy of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, arrived early yesterday on a brief visit to Bangladesh and is due to depart Dhaka early this morning.
During his daylong hectic programmes, he had discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Commerce Minister Faruq Khan, and members of the civil society.
Speaking about the democratic process in Bangladesh, Steinberg said the last general election was a positive step towards strengthening democracy.
Encouraging cooperation between the government and the opposition for finding a common ground for welfare of the people, he said it is important that all political parties work together, and create an atmosphere for open and tolerant debates.
He said the US will continue its support for strengthening democracy in Bangladesh, capacity building of institutions that provide services to the people, and creation of an environment where democracy can take deep root.
When asked if he feels Bangladesh and India need closer cooperation in countering terrorism, Steinberg, who visited India right before coming to Bangladesh, said the two countries have cooperation in many sectors, and obviously the issue of counter-terrorism is critical for India.
He referred to his talks with senior officials of India and said India is very appreciative of the Bangladesh government's efforts in building cooperation in countering terrorism.
He said, "It seems a tremendous confidence has been built between Bangladesh and India, the threat of terrorism knows no boundary, it is a common enemy, common challenge, and we all need to work together."
Laying emphasis on deepening the cooperation between Bangladesh and India, the US deputy secretary of state said the cooperation will provide greater security for the citizens of both countries, and the US government appreciates the efforts made by both to do more together.
On a question about US support to help Bangladesh resolve its nagging power crisis, Steinberg said his country is eager to invest in the energy sector as power is one of the key challenges Bangladesh is now facing regarding meeting the basic needs of its citizens, and creating an environment for investment and industry.
He said the energy sector needs long term significant amount of investment, and suggested creation of an atmosphere, and a decision making process appropriate for attracting foreign investment.
Steinberg expressed hope that US companies will be willing to put their money in the energy sector of Bangladesh, if the government creates the right kind of investment climate.
Replying to a query about a trade bill pending with the US Congress seeking duty-free access of Bangladeshi product to the US market, he said irrespective of what might happen in the Congress, Bangladesh and the US can increase bilateral trade and investment.
Talking about US-Bangladesh cooperation on climate change, he appreciated Bangladesh's concern, and its prioritisation of the issue. He highly praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership role at the Copenhagen climate summit.
Steinberg said this is an enormous global challenge requiring global solution, an individual country cannot solve it, both developed and developing countries need to work together to develop a strategy for mitigation and adaptation.
On the upcoming Saarc summit in Bhutan, he said the US believes in regional cooperation in the fields of security, water, energy, and economy through building of strong ties among the countries in the region.
When asked about US's reaction to Bangladesh's proposal for Chinese assistance in constructing a deep-sea port in Chittagong, Steinberg appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's efforts to build strong economic and political ties with all her neighbours including India and China. "We also have strong ties with China," he said.