INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Media Reaction: Admiral Fallons's Visit To

Published: Tue 19 Apr 2005 09:21 AM
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS DHAKA 001805
SIPDIS
FOR I/FW, B/G, IIP/G/NEA-SA, B/VOA/N (BANGLA SERVICE) STATE
FOR SA/PAB, SA/PPD (LSCENSNY, SSTRYKER), SA/RA, INR/R/MR,
AND PASS TO USAID FOR ANE/ASIA/SA/B (WJOHNSON)
CINCPAC FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR, J51 (MAJ TURNER), J45
(MAJ NICHOLLS)
USARPAC FOR APOP-IM (MAJ HEDRICK)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR OIIP OPRC KPAO PREL ETRD PTER ASEC BG OCII
SUBJECT: Media Reaction: Admiral Fallons's Visit to
Bangladesh;Dhaka
-------------------------------------
Admiral Fallons's Visit to Bangladesh
-------------------------------------
Summary: Admiral Fallon echoed foreigners' concerns about
the presence of international terrorist groups in
Bangladesh. Admiral Fallon pointed to militant Islamic
groups but he could not prove their links with Osama bin
Laden.
"Bangladesh In the Eyes of Foreigners"
Largest circulation Bangla language newspaper "Prothom Alo"
editorially opines (4/19):
Admiral Fallon echoed foreigners' concerns about the
presence of international terrorist groups in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister claimed that Bangladesh will not
allow the emergence of terrorism. We want to see the
Foreign Minister's assertions implemented. The European
Union also condemned bomb attacks in Bangladesh and asked
Bangladesh to punish the criminals. The government often
speaks about tarnishing Bangladesh's image abroad. But an
image is created within the country not outside. Foreigners
have been observing what steps the Bangladesh government is
taking. The government should try to prove its sincerity
about curbing terrorism by taking adequate steps. There are
many discrepancies in its actions, which should be removed.
--------------
"International Terrorist Clique?"
Large circulation Bangla daily "Jugantor" editorially
comments (4/19/05):
When a country like the United States has been saying again
and again that international terrorist groups exist in
Bangladesh, the government should seriously think about the
matter. The United States is willing to work with Bangladesh
to address the issue. Admiral Fallon cited the Chittagong
arms haul in order to prove his assertion. The question is
has the Bangladesh government been able to arrest Bangla
Bhai although many of his followers have been arrested?
Which local and foreign groups are involved with the
Chittagong arms haul is yet to be found out. If Bangladeshi
terrorists are members of international groups, their
identities should be disclosed. Root of terrorism must be
wiped out. Bangladesh may seek the assistance of many
countries, including the United States, in eliminating
terrorism. But that assistance must be unconditional.
Terrorism is not an isolated incident. It must be seen as
part of the socio-economic and political problems. Poverty
and backwardness must also be eliminated in order to curb
terrorism. Admiral Fallon pointed to militant Islamic
groups but he could not prove their links with Osama bin
Laden. We urge the government to take stern measures
against the militants, as they are enemies of the people and
the state. If Bangladesh can solve its own problem, it will
not need advice from outside.
Thomas
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