Bangladesh, Myanmar start talks to defuse sea row

http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-36525720081116

Sun Nov 16, 2008 1:20pm IST Email | Print | Share| Single Page[-] Text [+] DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh urged Myanmar on Sunday to refrain from oil and gas exploration in disputed areas in the Bay of Bengal until they are able to sign an agreement to resolve the issue.

The call came at the start of talks in Dhaka between experts from both countries to try to demarcate the sea territory between them following a week-long stand off early this month, officials said.

"Myanmar should restrain explorations in the disputed areas in the Bay of Bengal until signing final agreement between the countries," M.A.K. Mahmood, leader of the Bangladesh side, said in his opening remarks.

Tension between the two countries rose last month when Yangon started exploring for gas and oil in the disputed area.

Bangladesh pulled back naval ships from the disputed water after Myanmar stopped the exploration, following intense diplomatic efforts by Dhaka.

But both countries deployed troops at strategic points along their 320 km (200 mile) common border, partly demarcated by the river Naf.


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