Bangladesh wants Myanmar to stay off the disputed waters while conducting oil and gas explorations until a maritime delimitation agreement is signed between the two countries.
Dhaka made the statement on the first day of talks with its neighbour on the southeast yesterday.
According to meeting sources, no progress was made in the opening day’s expert-level negotiations at the foreign ministry.
The two sides remained rigid on their stance on the methodology to be used in delimitation. While Myanmar argues for equal-distance method, Bangladesh prefers the maritime boundaries to be drawn on the basis of equity.
The talks follow a stand-off between Dhaka-Yangon only a week back over Myanmar’s exploration for hydrocarbon in the contested area.
MAK Mahmood, additional foreign secretary, who leads the Bangladesh side, made the opening remarks at the talks.
He said, “We would like to clarify that our maritime zone as declared in 1974 along the 092 degree 17 minute 30 second line is the line we are bound to follow until a final delimitation is attained between the two states on the basis of equity principle.”
Approached by this correspondent during the tea breaks, none of Myanmarese delegation agreed to talk.
“Their delegation is maintaining what they said in 1974 which is not at all acceptable to us,” said a member of Bangladesh side.
Dhaka categorically stated that until an agreement is reached, Yangon should restrict its survey and exploratory activities to the East of 180 degree line, said the meeting sources.
Myanmar’s Deputy Foreign Minister Maug Moyint is leading an 11 member expert team at the two-day dialogue that is fourth of its kind. The first-round talks were held on March 30 this year.
The maritime issues between the countries have remained unresolved for 22 years.
Lately, tension flared up when the Myanmar government engaged South Korean Daewoo International Corp in drilling for hydrocarbon reserves in the disputed territory.
The Myanmarese ships entered Bangladesh territory marked as deep sea blocks 8-13 early this month ignoring warnings from the Bangladesh navy who soon moved to regain control over the area.
Bangladesh is yet to settle the maritime boundaries with India and Myanmar.
Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), it must file its claim within July 27, 2011, while India and Myanmar will have to finish the maritime demarcation with Bangladesh within June 29 and May 21, 2009.
Categories: Bangla, Bangladesh, Bangladesh News, Daily Bangladesh News, News, Politics
