India wants to see a stable Bangladesh
Indian President Pratibha Patil yesterday hoped that the people of Bangladesh would be able to exercise their will through a free and fair election for restoring full-fledged democracy.
“As a close and friendly neighbour, India would prefer to see a peaceful, stable and liberal democratic Bangladesh,” said Pratibha while addressing a joint sitting of the parliament.
“It is our hope that the people of Bangladesh will be able to exercise their will through a free and fair election for restoration of full democracy,” Patil said in her maiden address to both the Houses of Parliament as the country's first woman head of state.
She said India sought to promote an environment of peace and stability 'in our region and in the world to facilitate accelerated socio-economic development and safeguard our national security.'
“The government has made vigorous efforts to develop friendly and cooperative relations with all our neighbours and strengthen engagement with major powers”, the Indian president said.
She said since the 14th SAARC summit was held in New Delhi in April 2007, India has made every effort to strengthen SAARC. Progress has been achieved towards the establishment of the SAARC Development Fund, the South Asia University and the SAARC Food Bank, Patil pointed out.
As part of India's goal for a peaceful, stable and prosperous neighbourhood, India is committed to extending full support to Nepal's development during its political transition, she said adding that New Delhi also stands ready to assist the Nepalese people's choices in the transition to a democratic, stable and prosperous state.
Referring to Sri Lanka, she said there has been an unfortunate escalation of violence on the island nation but 'there can be no military solution to the ethnic issue'.
“It is necessary to find a negotiated political settlement within the framework of a united Sri Lanka that is acceptable to all sections of society,” Patil said.
Turning to Pakistan, she said a stable and prosperous Pakistan is in the interest of the entire South Asian region.
“When conditions permit, we will resume our dialogue process with Pakistan, aimed at building mutual confidence and resolving outstanding issues, premised on an atmosphere free from terror and violence,” she added.
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