By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, February 5 -- Amid the violence in Bangladesh, the US State Department after 6 pm on February 5 issued this statement (earlier Inner City Press asked the UN, video here). The US:
“The United States is gravely concerned by the ongoing unrest and violence in Bangladesh. We deplore the unconscionable attacks including bus burnings, throwing incendiary devices, and train derailments that have killed and wounded innocent victims. We condemn in the strongest terms the use of violence for political objectives. There is simply no justification for such actions in a democratic Bangladesh. All Bangladeshis must have the right and the ability to express their views peacefully. We call on the government to provide the necessary space for peaceful political activity, and for all parties to instruct their members to refrain from violence.”
When Inner City Press asked the UN, which uses Bangladesh soldiers as peacekeepers, this ensued:
Inner City Press: In Bangladesh, the… things seem to be getting worse. Former Prime Minister has been charged with arson and… which she says she doesn't do. The power's been turned off to the opposition party and basically the authorities are using violence on protestors. So, I'm wondering, what's the response of the Secretary-General? Is there any [Department of Political Affairs] or other UN involvement in trying to mediate it? And with senior military officials making statements about what they'll do to civilians, what's the impact on Bangladesh as a peacekeeping contributing country?
Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq: Well, the political process is separate and apart from the issue of peacekeepers in UN missions, who are under the control ultimately of the mission. Regarding the situation in Bangladesh, we've made our concerns known. As you know, officials, including the senior officials from our Department for Political Affairs, have repeatedly visited Bangladesh, trying to meet with the leaders there and make sure that the crisis can be resolved peacefully. As you know, we continue to have our concerns that that hasn't happened and that there has been violence. We have continually encouraged and continue to encourage the authorities to allow for peaceful protest and for the right to peaceful assembly. And beyond that, we'll continue to be in touch with the leaders of the two main parties, trying to make sure that they can resolve their differences.
So what if anything is the UN doing? Watch this site.
