Dhaka, Nov 21: Bangladesh has demanded a formal apology from Pakistan for the atrocities carried out by its troops during the 1971 Liberation War.
 The demand came as the new Pakistani envoy called on Foreign Minister Dipu Moni here.
 "The foreign minister yesterday sought Pakistan's understanding and recognition of Bangladesh's position on resolving the outstanding issues including an expression of formal apology from Pakistan for the genocide and atrocities committed by the Pakistani military in 1971," a foreign office spokesman told PTI here today.
 He said Moni also asked new Pakistani High Commissioner Afrasiab Mehdi Hashmi to settle the issues of division of assets and war reparations saying, "early resolution of the outstanding issues would enable the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan to make a great leap forward and create a wider space for cooperation".
 A foreign office statement, earlier said Moni, however, conveyed her sympathies for the flood victims in Pakistan while she appreciated Afrasiab' s point that an enhanced level of people-to-people contact could go a long way towards promoting better understanding among the two peoples.
 Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling Awami League has sought a Pakistan apology for the atrocities in 1971.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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