The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

German Parliamentary delegation chief Thilo Hoppe MP Sunday said if the parliamentary election is not held by this year due to caretaker government's unwillingness to give up power, Germany will certainly not show any understanding and will exert pressure on the interim administration.

"We are optimistic that there will be election by the end of this year. But, if we are to speculate what's if not. Then, Germany would have to enter into a critical dialogue with the government and ask for the reasons for the postponement," he told a pre-departure press briefing at Zia international airport.

Asked how Germany would respond if the election as pledged is not held by the end of 2008, Hoppe said if the political parties were to be the reason for not wishing to pursue internal reforms or there was a danger of falling back into a pre-state of emergency situation, "Then we would show some sort of understanding as to why the elections would have to be postponed."

"Of course, I certainly hope this is not going to happen," he said, adding, "If we see it's simply the government that does not want to quit the power, then we would certainly not show any understanding for this and we would have to exert some pressure and advocate that election to be held soon."

Asked how long Germany would support a unelected government like the caretaker government, Hoppe said if the state of emergency was to be prolonged for a long time then his country would think that the government is not playing by the rules.

"Then, we would enter into critical dialogue with them, but we would not stop cooperation with the poor people," he added. Hoppe said his country cooperates with the poorest of the poor and it would not be right to punish the poor people for the mistakes made by the government.

However, he said, "We didn't get the impression that the caretaker government is some sort of a dictatorship that was trying to cling to power. Rather, they wish to undertake reforms and pursue democracy, and they wish to have election by the end of this year." Strongly emphasizing on democratic practices within the political parties, he said democracy can only work if there is democracy within the political parties.

About nomination of candidates for parliamentary polls and leadership of parties, he said not the party high ups rather grass-root workers should nominate the candidates and leadership.

About the state of emergency, the German parliamentarian said, "Democratic structures can not work if activities of parties are blocked and impeded. If the parties are willing to pursue some internal democratic reforms then the state of emergency should be relaxed even lifted so that parties can undertake internal reforms."

Responding to a question about the Foreign Ministry's call requesting foreign diplomats not to interfere into internal affairs of the country, he said, "We are not diplomats, we are politicians and this is part of democracy that everybody can express their opinions." Hoppe stressed on human rights including economical, social and cultural human rights, welfare of the poorest of the poor, freedom of press and rights of minorities. "There can not be any infringement in the rights in the name of economic development."

He said the visit of his delegation was intended to promote better relationship between Bangladesh and Germany.

Other members of the delegation and German Ambassador in Bangladesh Frank Meyke were present at the briefing.