The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Senator John McCain Wednesday said the US Congress wants to see Bangladesh's return to democratically elected government through free, fair and credible elections and urged parties to accept the election results and work together for the interest of Bangladesh.

"It would be important for all to accept the results and work together in the interest of this country… a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh is important for the region and the world," he told a press conference at Zia international airport capping his brief visit to Bangladesh.

McCain accompanied by Senators Joseph Lieberman and Senator Lindsey Graham came here Tuesday night and left this morning after a breakfast meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, other Advisers and military leaders at the CA's official residence.

McCain, who lost to Barack Obama in last month's US Presidential election, said the US Congress has followed political developments in Bangladesh over the past two years very closely. "The visit provided us an opportunity to observe the situation first hand before the elections on December 29."

"Parliament election slated for later this month comes at a crucial time in Bangladesh history," he said, adding that the caretaker government and the army deserve credit to strengthen the foundations of Bangladesh's democracy.

"Their work is not yet done, and it is now the time for an elected successor to continue the reform process already begun and build democracy and enhance prosperity for Bangladesh's people," McCain said in his opening statement.

He said Bangladesh is a nation of resilient and hard working people committed to building a better future for the next generation. A democratic and prosperous Bangladesh is important for the region and the world. "We'll continue to follow Bangladesh closely through the election process and transition."

About the meeting with the Chief Adviser, McCain said they had discussed various issues including free and fair trade between Dhaka and Washington and efforts to work together on climate change which is a specially compelling issue in Bangladesh.

Describing Bangladesh as an important friend and ally, he said the United States would continue to pay attention to this country for its economic prosperity.

On recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai where six Americans were killed, the Senator said it was an outrageous and disgraceful act which is unacceptable to America and India.

McCain, who left here for Pakistan, expressed the hope that the government of Pakistan would fully cooperate in transparent manner to track down the evildoers and those who are behind the attack to bring them to justice.

In reply to a question, he said the Mumbai attack was conducted in a

sophisticated manner, mentioning that this kind of attack is

different from previous suicidal attacks.

The killers were determined to keep as many people hostage as they can, he said, adding that the attack showed that terrorism exists in the world in a very dangerous fashion and it needs coordinated action to fight against it.

Senator Lieberman and Senator Graham in their remarks also stressed the importance of working together by both the government and the opposition parties after the election to address the challenges before the nation, as Senator McCain supports President-elect Barack Obama to overcome financial crisis in America.