German minister’s remarks anger govt
Says comments on rights, democracy, extrajudicial killings 'out of context'
German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle
- ucanews.com reporter, Dhaka
- Bangladesh
- June 25, 2012
The government yesterday strongly protested remarks made by the German foreign minister criticizing the country’s human rights situation at a joint press conference on Saturday.
It says Guido Westerwelle, who was on a two-day visit, was speaking out of context and on matters not discussed in official talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart Dipu Moni.
In a written statement yesterday Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Monirul Islam said the government “wishes to record its surprise at the content of a prepared written text and subsequent remarks by the German Foreign Minister immediately following the official meeting”.
During the press conference, Westerwelle made remarks expressing concern over freedom of expression, and the human rights situation in the country as well as the need to bring those responsible for killing rights activists to justice.
“We are concerned about the recent killings of activists, and expect investigation into the incidents and that the perpetrators will be brought to justice," Bangladesh's Daily Star newspaper quoted Westerwelle as saying.
"Free and fair elections, freedom of expression are essential elements of democracy. So we urge all political actors to work together for strengthening democracy, human rights and rule of law," he added
The German minister’s speech didn’t reflect issues discussed during the bilateral talks apart from trade and investment in the country, the Foreign Ministry statement said.
“Making public statements about issues not raised is not only a misrepresentation of facts, but has the potential to affect bilateral trust and the long-engaging mutually beneficial relationship,” it read.
German charge de affairs’ Ralf Matthias Reusch was reportedly summoned by Moni yesterday who conveyed the government’s concerns over the German foreign minister's remarks.
However, she said she hoped the two countries could put the “misunderstanding” behind them and that Germany would continue supporting Bangladesh’s development.
Germany is the country’s biggest trade and development partner in Europe and during his visit Westerwelle discussed possible investment in energy deals in power-hungry Bangladesh.
The government is being criticized at home and abroad on human rights issues.
National and international rights bodies say that the state has deliberately failed to prosecute perpetrators of extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths and enforced disappearances allegedly committed by law enforcers.
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German President meets religious leaders
It says Guido Westerwelle, who was on a two-day visit, was speaking out of context and on matters not discussed in official talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart Dipu Moni.
In a written statement yesterday Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Monirul Islam said the government “wishes to record its surprise at the content of a prepared written text and subsequent remarks by the German Foreign Minister immediately following the official meeting”.
During the press conference, Westerwelle made remarks expressing concern over freedom of expression, and the human rights situation in the country as well as the need to bring those responsible for killing rights activists to justice.
“We are concerned about the recent killings of activists, and expect investigation into the incidents and that the perpetrators will be brought to justice," Bangladesh's Daily Star newspaper quoted Westerwelle as saying.
"Free and fair elections, freedom of expression are essential elements of democracy. So we urge all political actors to work together for strengthening democracy, human rights and rule of law," he added
The German minister’s speech didn’t reflect issues discussed during the bilateral talks apart from trade and investment in the country, the Foreign Ministry statement said.
“Making public statements about issues not raised is not only a misrepresentation of facts, but has the potential to affect bilateral trust and the long-engaging mutually beneficial relationship,” it read.
German charge de affairs’ Ralf Matthias Reusch was reportedly summoned by Moni yesterday who conveyed the government’s concerns over the German foreign minister's remarks.
However, she said she hoped the two countries could put the “misunderstanding” behind them and that Germany would continue supporting Bangladesh’s development.
Germany is the country’s biggest trade and development partner in Europe and during his visit Westerwelle discussed possible investment in energy deals in power-hungry Bangladesh.
The government is being criticized at home and abroad on human rights issues.
National and international rights bodies say that the state has deliberately failed to prosecute perpetrators of extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths and enforced disappearances allegedly committed by law enforcers.
Related reports
German President meets religious leaders
