DHAKA: Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni informed the British media that Bangladesh is not facing any pressure from any countries, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, about conducting the war crimes trial.

She was speaking at a press conference with the British media in London organized by the Bangladesh High Commission Wednesday.

Replying to a question from a British journalist, Dr. Dipu Moni said, ‘Every country expressed their no-objection about trial of war crimes. The Government has not faced any pressure,” according to a message received here Friday from the Bangladesh mission.

The Foreign Minister also addressed a seminar in London on ‘Bangladesh Foreign Policy’ organized by Policy Exchange, a research-based organization, on Thursday.

In the seminar, Dipu Moni said Bangladesh believes in ‘friendship with all and malice to none’ in the field of foreign policy.

Regarding the Middle-East peace process, she said, “Bangladesh supports the peaceful efforts of the Palestinians and the support will continue. Bangladesh will also continue playing its role in establishing peace in the Middle East.”

Dean Godson, director of the Policy Exchange, moderated the seminar while a lot of representatives of UK-based human rights bodies, education and business organizations attended the seminar.

She explained to the audience challenges and opportunities of Bangladesh foreign policy.

She said distribution of natural assets and maritime boundary, solution of climate change-related problems, and barrier in the way of getting access of Bangladeshi products to the international market are the main challenges of foreign policy.

“On the other hand, we have had enormous opportunities as the country has huge manpower, investment-friendly environment, economic growth and a growing market,” the Foreign Minister told the audience.

Terming Bangladesh as the bridge between South and South East Asia, she said, “International investors can easily invest here considering these opportunities.”

About citizenship of the stranded Pakistanis, the Foreign Minister said many of the new-generation stranded Pakistanis have already accepted the Bangladeshi citizenship.

Regarding a question from audience on power deficit in the country, she said the government remains aware of the 40 percent shortage of power. “The government hopes that the deficit will be overcome in next 12-18 months and it will not create any problem for investment.”

Bangladesh High Commissioner to London Dr. Sayedur Rahman Khan, Principal Secretary Abdul Karim and DG (Europe) of Foreign Ministry AFM Gousal Azam Sarker were also present at the seminar.

BDST: 1917 HRS. AUG 27, 2010