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Shun violence, engage in talks

EU urges all parties; China, Korea also call for peace

Diplomatic Correspondent
The European Union has called on all political parties in Bangladesh to refrain from violence and engage in a dialogue to agree on a mutually acceptable way forward to hold “transparent, inclusive and credible elections".
In a statement yesterday, High Representative Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the EU, said the High Representative had taken note of the preliminary results and of reports of a "low turnout" for the 10th parliamentary polls held in Bangladesh on January 5.
In her statement, she strongly condemned the acts of violence, which occurred in the run-up to and during the elections and particularly attacks against the most vulnerable populations, including wo men and children as wel 1 as religious and ethnic minorities.
She regrets the loss of life and extends her condolences to the families of the victims.
"As part of our bilateral relations, the EH has consistently engaged with Bangladesh to support the consolidation of democracy. In this context, the EU has repeatedly called on all parties to create favourable conditions fortransparent, inclusive and credible elections," she said.
She, therefore, regrets the fact that such conditions did not materialise and that "the people of Bangladesh were not given an opportunity to express fully their democratic choice".
The EU also urges the political parties to engage in a genuine dialogue to agree on a mutually acceptable way forward to hold transparent, inclusive and credible elections, putting the interests of the people of Bangladesh first, Catherine Ashton said in her statement
CHINA, KOREA DEPLORE VIOLENCE
China and Korea have expressed deep concern over the widespread violence centring on the January 5 parliamentary polls, and called for an inclusive political process, and the restoration of peace and stability.
According to a report of Beijing-based news agency Xinhua: "China said yesterday (Thursday) it hopes that parties in Bangladesh can realise political stability
through talks and negotiation after its parliamentary election."
Voting took place on Sunday but was plagued by widespread violence and an opposition boycott over Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's refusal to listen to demands to step down and appoint a neutral caretaker government to oversee the election, the report said.
The report quoted a Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, who yesterday told a press briefing: "We noted that Bangladesh's parliamentary election had been completed on Jan 5. As a friendly neighbour of Bangladesh, China is concerned about the country's national situation."
China hopes political forces in Bangladesh can give priority to national long-term and fundamental interests, and hold talks and consultation in efforts to realise political and social stability, as well as economic development, the report adds.
Meanwhile, South Korean Ambassador in Dhaka Lee Yun-young yesterday in a statement on the 10th parliamentary election of Bangladesh said: "We are deeply concerned over the violence which has happened surrounding the election held on January 5."
"As a long-standing friend of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, we hope that through an inclusive political process where the will and aspirations of the Bangladeshi people can be duly reflected, Bangladesh will overcome the current situation and restore the peace and stability as early as