FM hopeful of resolving common river water-sharing issues with India

Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen on Saturday expressed the hope that Bangladesh and India would gradually resolve the water-sharing issues of all common rivers, including the Teesta, as the two countries had already solved some big issues.
‘I’m always optimistic. Based on this optimism, we’ve developed a sense of confidence and sense of mutual trust,’ he said, adding that solution to the water-sharing of not only the Teesta but also other common rivers would come gradually.
The foreign minister made the remarks while briefing reporters at the VIP lounge of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after his return from India.
Earlier, Bangladesh urged India to take steps for sharing the water of all the common rivers and resolving the long-pending Teesta water-sharing deal.
The foreign minister raised the issue at the 5th meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission between Bangladesh and India held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Bhavan in New Delhi on Friday afternoon.
Abdul Momen and Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj co-chaired the JCC meeting.
In reply, the indian external affairs minister assured that they would work for early conclusion of the Teesta water-sharing agreement, according to the Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi.
The foreign minister termed his India visit as very successful and said that his decision to visit India first was appreciated by all, including Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.
Responding to a question, Abdul Momen said that he sought India’s support for quick repatriation of Rohingyas and to implement the development roadmaps of prime minister Sheikh Hasina apart from his discussion on economic diplomacy which was emerging as a foreign policy priority for Bangladesh. 
‘We need partnership and cooperation from all,’ he said.
He reiterated that uncertainty and various problems, including radicalisation, might emerge in the country if the Rohingyas repatriation was delayed and if they stayed in Bangladesh for a longer period. 
‘This problem should be resolved as quickly as possible,’ he said.
Responding to another question, the foreign minister said that India would not deport any Rohingya to Bangladesh but would send them to their country of origin in Myanmar. 
‘The Indian government will not send anyone to Bangladesh if they are Rohingyas and not Bangladeshi citizens. They will send them to their country of origin, not to Bangladesh,’ he said.
On January 29, Abdul Momen said that Myanmar could agree to create a safe zone under the direct supervision of ASEAN which might generate a perception of safety and security for Rohingya people and make them willing to voluntarily return.
‘We’re now committed to their voluntary repatriation to their homeland as soon as Myanmar will create the congenial environment for their safe return,’ he said during his recent meeting with special ambassador to prime minister and deputy minister of foreign affairs of Vietnam Nguyen Quoc Dzung at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net