The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

European Union Ambassador Dr Stefan Frowein yesterday said no donor like to see state of emergency and it has to be lifted sooner or later.

"Nobody, no donor in the world likes to see emergency situation. We hope, sooner or later this will be over. But it is on and it is being handled with pragmatic approach," he told reporters after a meeting with Commerce and Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman at his Secretariat office.

The EU top envoy in Bangladesh also urged the Government to begin dialogue with political parties immediately.

Asked if he likes to see the withdrawal of the state of emergency, he said, "The Chief Adviser has already stated that the emergency would be relaxed when necessary and when possible-and it would be done."

"To hold elections it has to be relaxed," he said, adding, "I think it is the question of time, question of situation that has to be ready to do so."

Dr Frowein said the investors, both domestic and foreign, feel much safer under a democratically elected Government as it could ensure stability.

He expressed the hope that investment, including of foreign investors, would increase after the installation of a democratic Government after the next general elections.

When asked, Commerce and Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman refused to comment on Dr Frowein's statement.

He told journalists that during his meeting with the European Union (EU) Ambassador they have discussed about Bangladesh's export facilities in the EU market and cooperation in education sector.

"The EU Ambassador expressed the willingness to extend EU technical cooperation to Bangladesh's education sector," the Adviser added.

First Secretary to the EU Delegation in Dhaka Charles Whiteley was also present during the meeting.