DHAKA: The European Union (EU) has decided to halt ‘for now’ the preparations for the deployment of an Election Observation Mission in Bangladesh as main political parties here could not create the necessary conditions for transparent, inclusive and credible elections.

“The High Representative regrets that the main political forces in Bangladesh have been unable to create the necessary conditions for transparent, inclusive and credible elections, despite many efforts, including most recently under UN auspices,” said a statement issued from Brussels on Friday.

The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the statement.

The High Representative has urged all sides to refrain from violence, and encouraged all political leaders to respect the right of the people of Bangladesh to express their democratic choice.

 “The EU remains nonetheless ready to observe the elections should the political conditions allow for the holding of transparent, inclusive and credible elections,” the statement added.

BDST: 2000 HRS, DEC 20, 2013
Edited by: Morshed Jahan Mithun, Newsroom Editor/ Abul Kalam Azad, Senior Newsroom Editor