| শিরোনাম | সূত্র | তারিখ |
|---|---|---|
| জাতিসংঘে পররাষ্ট্রমন্ত্রী শরণ সিং-এর সাংবাদিক সম্মেলন | ভারত সরকারের পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রনালয় | ২২ ডিসেম্বর, ১৯৭১ |
Foreign Minister Swaran Singh’s press Conference at the U.N.
December 22, 1971
F.M.- I shall not detain you long. I extend you a very hearty welcome. I have no intention of making any opening statement. You can start straightway asking such questions as you may like.
Q.- Do you think that the security Council resolution last night was a useful one?
A. I think it is useful because it highlights and stresses the importance of stabilizing the cease-fire, the principle of withdrawals also is accepted, and, therefore. it is a good resolution. It also indirectly acknowledges the reality of the situation, and there is no call for immediate withdrawal which, in the circumstances is impracticable.
Q.- How does it indirectly recognize the reality?
A.- It does this in this respect that taking the two theatres-eastern and western theatres-in the eastern theatre any call for immediate withdrawal of troops would create a situation which obviously cannot be countenanced with any satisfaction. The situation there is such where a civil government has already been established. It is the latest information that we have got. The entire people are with the elected representatives, those who were elected in December, 1970, and they will take some time to establish, themselves, and it is therefore, necessary that some time should lapse before there can be a withdrawal of Indian troops from Bangla desh.
Q.- Are you taking any steps in consultation with other government in an attempt to secure the return of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Bangla desh?
A.- I have seen a press report that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is being released from prison and is being moved to a house. Perhaps his physical comfort might improve, But unless he is released, it is immaterial whether he is in a jail or a house, and it is time that he is released and comes back to his people to give them the lead that they badly require at this stage.
Q.- Would you like any of the West Pakistan troops in East Pakistan to return to West Pakistan before he is released?
A.- I have already made a statement in the security Council that West Pakistan troops, as are left in East Pakistan, will in course of time be repatriated to west Pakistan as a result of negotiations that are bound to take place. After, that, the Government of Bangladesh, constituted by the elected representatives, will decide as to what are their requirements, and we do not want to be there in Bangladesh even for a day longer than may be necessary.
