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PM iterates at official talks

Gas export only after meeting domestic needs for 50 years

By Special Correspondent
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina , yesterday reiterated that the surplus gas would be available for export "after fully meeting our domestic requirements and ensuring gas reserves for fifty years for use by future generations".
" Similarly, on the question of export of power, we maintained that with new gas fields being discovered and developed, we must find good use of the gas." the prime minister said at ajoint press conference after official talks with US President Bill Clinton.
She said Bangladesh would welcome commercially viable proposals for export of power produced by utilising natural
gas.
Sheikh Hasina also announced initialling of two prO-' duction sharing contracts (PSCs) with US oil companies Pangaea and Unocal for exploration of oil and gas.
During the talkSCthe two leaders discussed expansion of trade, cooperation in the energy sector, micro-credit and poverty alleviation programme. extradition of Banga-oandhu's killers and nuclear issues.
The US President was aided by Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Commerce Secretary William Daley, National Security Advisor Samuel Berger.Chief of Staff John Podesta. Assistant Secretary of State Karl Inderfurth and National Economic Counselor Rick Samans.
The Bangladesh Prime Minister was assisted by Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad. Finance Minister Shah AMS Kibria, Home Minister Mohammad Nasim. Commerce Minister M A Jalil, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury. Principal Secretary Dr S A Samad, Foreign Secretary CM Shafi Sami and Press Secretary Jawadul Karim.
In her introductory remarks. the Prime Minister said nuclear tests would only destroy the economy of the poor countries. "Instead of going for nuclear programmes, developing countries can spend the money on education and other poverty eradication programmes."
She said the US President's visit bears the testimony of friendly relations between the two countries on peace, democracy and rule of law.
President Clinton praised Sheikh Hasina's efforts for peace in South Asia after nuclear tests by India and Pakistan. He also appreciated the ratification of the CTBT. Bangladesh’s role in UN Security Council and in peacekeeping.
BSS adds: Hasina requested Clinton to speed up the deportation of the killers of Bangabandhu who are now living in the United States.
Being the greatest democracy. the United States should not provide refuge to the killers.
Sheikh Hasina said.
About extradition of the killers of Bangabandhu, President Clinton said there should be an extradition treaty.
The Prime Minister said a draft of the treaty has already been sent to the US authorities. "Bangladesh would deeply appreciate efforts of Department of State and Department of Justice to send back the killers who had committed heinous crimes to humanity."
Hasina also urged Clinton to continue to lend US support to the democratic governments' and discourage unconstitutional and illegal change of governments.
"The United States as the champion of democracy and human rights, should continue to send strong messages to the world in support of democratic governments and strongly discourage unconstitutional and illegal change of government, " Sheikh Hasina said during the official talks.
UNB adds: Clinton billed his maiden visit to Dhaka as "only the beginning of a stronger partnership" with Bangladesh that would nudge bilateral economic ties.
"Today, from many sources of our different national traditions. we meet in Dhaka to build our common future." he told newsmen after the talks.
Clinton said he felt proud to be the first President of the United States to tour Bangladesh, "But I'm quiet sure I'll not be the last."
Clinton said though far apart geographically. "Our nations grow closure everyday through expanding trade, through the Internet revolu-
tion, and through our shared interest In building a world more peaceful, more tolerant, more prosperous and more
Referring to Bangladesh's religion, culture and democratic practices, he said the USA admires Bangladesh as a nation proud of its Islamic heritage. proud of unique culture, proud of its commitment to tolerance and democracy, and proud of its participation In the world community.
Touching on Bangladesh's active role in international affairs. Clinton said: "We are grateful for your leadership in the United Nations and your courageous example in sending peacekeepers to end the conflict in Bosnia and Kosovo."
He said America particularly honoured Bangladesh as the first nation in South Asia to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
About the talks with Premier Sheikh Haslna today he said: "The Prime Minister and I discussed ways to strengthen our economic ties, while ensuring that future prosperity is built upon respect for decent labour practices, the magnificent natural environment of Bangladesh, and a sense of responsibility toward the children who will inherit the fu-
Clinton said: "Anyone who looks at the map can see that this is a nation of great rivers, from many sources merging together as they approach the Bay of Bengal. Today, from many sources of our different national traditions we meet in Dhaka to build our common future."