DHAKA: US Ambassador to Dhaka Dan W Mozena on Monday the United States regretted for abstention of Bangladesh from joining the large majority regarding the resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Crimea issue.

 “I regret that Bangladesh was not able to join the majority on that important issue,” he said.

The US diplomat made the assertion at a meet-the-press event at American Club in the city.

On Thursday, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution on Crimea which Bangladesh has abstained from.

The resolution, which passed with 100 votes in favour, 11 opposed, and 58 abstentions, represents the world’s general opinion on the matter of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and Russia decision to seize Crimea.

Previously, President Obama called the referendum ‘illegal’ before announcing more sanctions against the country. The UN General Assembly vote signals that most countries agree (or aren’t willing to disagree) with him.

On Sunday, Russian Ambassador to Dhaka Alexander A Nicholaev at a country lecture programme expressed satisfaction over Bangladesh’s abstention from the UNGA resolution.

The envoy claimed that joining of Crimea with Russia was not an issue of ‘annexation’, rather a ‘reunification’ one.

The citizens of Crimea chose to be part of Russia and the West was playing a double standard in this regard, he also said.

Nicholaev also said a referendum was held in Crimea on March 16 in full compliance with democratic procedures and international norms.

Over 82 percent of the electorate took part in the vote. Over 96 percent of them spoke out in favour of reuniting with Russia. These numbers speak for themselves, the diplomat said quoting the Russian President.

BDST: 2105 HRS, MAR 31, 2014