Myanmar responsible for safe Rohingya repatriation: US

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Bangla Tribune Desk
Published : 15:45, Apr 09, 2019 | Updated : 16:09, Apr 09, 2019

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held a maiden meeting at the US state department in Washington DC on Monday (Apr 8).It's Myanmar’s responsibility to take back its more than one million forcibly displaced citizens from Bangladesh without any form of fear and persecution, says the US.

“Myanmar government and military have to create a conducive environment so that the Rohingyas feel safe to return home,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday (Apr 9).

He made the remark duing talks with Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen in Washington DC on Monday (Apr 8), BSS reported.
During the meeting, Pompeo reiterated that US would stand beside Bangladesh both politically and financially in finding a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis.
He also lauded the humanitarian gesture of the Bangladesh government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for temporarily sheltering the persecuted Rohingyas, according to the state news agency's report
Momen informed that Bangladesh at its own expense has turned the island “Bhashanchar” into a livable place in which one lac Rohingyas are planned to be relocated in coordination with UN agencies and different aid groups.
Bangladesh foreign minister sought US support in creating a safe zone in Myanmar’s Rakhine State monitored by international human rights groups.
Rohingya refugees sit as they wait to receive humanitarian aid at Balu Khali refugee camp, near Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh November 6, 2017. REUTERS/File PhotoApart from Rohingya issue, deportation of Bangabandhu’s killer Rashed Chowdhury from USA to Bangladesh, shared vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, US investments in Bangladesh, duty and quota free access of Bangladesh’s garments products in the US market and US-Bangladesh partnership in multiple sectors came up in talks.
Regarding deportation of Bangabandhu’s self-confessed and convicted killer Rashed Chowdhury from the USA, the Bangladesh Foreign Minister pointed out that he is fleeing justice.
This is essential to carry out a vital common agenda of both countries pertaining to Counter-terrorism and Countering-Violent Extremism and upholding rule of law, he said.
Both leaders agreed that for greater prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, vital energy and infrastructure projects need to be implemented on regional partnership basis.
In that respect, leaders of the region need to work together on issues such as governance, accountability, rule of law and maritime security, they observed.
Mentioning that Bangladesh is lauded internationally for its impressive development journey, Momen sought more investment from the USA in the oil and gas sector and US presence in the Special Economic Zones.
He also sought US support to the candidature of Bangladesh in the upcoming election to the post of Deputy Director General of International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Later in the day, the visiting Bangladesh Minister held meetings with senior officials of the US State Department and Deputy National Security Adviser Charles Kupperman.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Mohammad Ziauddin accompanied the Minister at the meetings.

/pdn/
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