The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

US Ambassador in Dhaka James F Moriarty Thursday expressed the hope that general elections in Bangladesh would be held in such a way that all political parties could participate.

Talking to reporters after an hour-long meeting with the Foreign Adviser, he termed the Chief Adviser's announcement of the election date as positive.

"We welcome any step towards democracy. We want to see the country moves to an election," Moriarty said.

Asked about lifting of the state of emergency, he said the government has taken the initial step and "more steps need to be taken." To another question, he replied: "I wouldn't dream of getting involved in your internal affairs."

Moriarty, who handed over to the Foreign Adviser a letter of Secretary Rice, said: "Yes, it was on bilateral relationship. We are looking at specific questions in the international community." He said Washington seeks Bangladesh's support on a number questions including the US candidature to IOM and independence of Kosovo.

In reply to a question, the Ambassador said the Bangladesh government will make its own decision, "but we've broad base support from Bangladesh."

"We're doing normal diplomatic work as good friends do," he said, adding it was "a very good working conversation." About Bangladeshi textile exports to the US, Moriarty said there was a tremendous growth in RMG export, which he would like to see continue and the good news is "exports are growing dramatically."