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A new era of partnership

Foreign secy briefs newsmen on Clinton’s visit

By Diplomatic Correspondent
The dimensions of political, economic and commercial cooperation with the US have widened following President Bill Clinton's visit to Bangladesh.
"Clinton's trip marks the beginning of a new chapter of engagement and partnership." Foreign Secretary Shafi Sami said while briefing newsmen on the visit at the foreign office yesterday.
The two governments will now be engaged in building "a new partnership", he said.
The US President was impressed by the overall performance of Bangladesh. This was reflected in his comments terming the country “an Island
of peace and stability in contrast to the prevailing situation in the region."
The President also appreciated the role of the government in empowerment of women, poverty alleviation and development of the social sector.
The Foreign Secretary was flanked by Bangladesh Ambassador to the US K M Shehabud-din and DG (America and Pacific) Sarjil Hasan at the press briefing. Senior officials of the • foreign ministry were also present.
He said the US President announced a number of programmes and packages during his visit. These include food assistance worth 97 million dol-
lars. 50 million dollars for an overall energy survey covering other South Asian countries.
The US President also indicated that several million dollars would be available to help 30.000 Bangladeshi children go to safer working conditions from hazardous conditions in industries they are working
Clinton also promised involvement and assistance to combat arsenic contamination of ground water in the country.
Another important aspect that touched Clinton was disaster management. The President also assured substantial assistance for further capacity’ build-
Ing for disaster management and construction of cyclone shelters.
Two MOUs have been Initialed involving BTTB and US companies for expanding the telecommunication system.
A plan involving the ILO and the Grameen Bank was also announced to help three million rural women get access to micro-health Insurance.
Besides, the US will provide six million dollars under a "debt for nature swap" i<> reduce Bangladesh's debts and another 4.16 million dollars for development of women and children.
Bangladesh's plea for increasing readymade garments quota and regularlsantion of undocumented Bangladeshis tn US will be considered by the US government, the foreign secretary’ said.
Deportation of the killers of Bangabandhu from the US has to go through some legal procedures set by the government there, the foreign secretary said replying to a question.