Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq

    DHAKA, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh Sunday said it wants to establish the closest possible relationship with Iraq and supports her territorial integrity and sovereignty.

    Bangladeshi caretaker government Foreign Affairs Advisor Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury made the remarks when the new Charge d' Affairs of Iraq Mohammad Sabri Rashid presented credentials to him at the Foreign Ministry.

    Chowdhury told Rashid that Bangladesh maintains a principled position in support of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq and believes that the destiny of Iraq should be in Iraqi people's hands.

    He said Bangladesh remained committed to Iraq's reconstruction and its aspiration to be restored to the glorious status that Iraq and the Iraqi people once enjoyed among the international community.

    Rashid thanked the foreign adviser for the support that his new office has been receiving from the Foreign Ministry and said that he hopes to take Bangladeshi-Iraqi relations to "the tradition of the past when the two countries and peoples enjoyed excellent cooperation, both commercial, economic and trade."

    He also looked to greater Bangladeshi participation in Iraq's reconstruction and development efforts.

    The foreign adviser said, "We are pleased that Iraq now has an embassy in Dhaka. Strengthening bonds with Muslims countries is a cornerstone of our foreign policy. I see this, therefore as a very positive development."