AUTHOR javno100



DHAKA

NOVEMBER 17 2008 15:04h

Bangladesh Wants More Talks With Myanmar On Border

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High tension was sparked last month after Myanmar started exploring for gas and oil in a sea zone that both countries claim.

Bangladesh said on Monday it wants more talks with Myanmar to demarcate their maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal, but hopes the issue will be peacefully resolved.

High tension was sparked between the neighbours last month after Myanmar started exploring for gas and oil in a sea zone that both countries claim.

Bangladesh deployed naval ships to protect its interests but pulled them back after Myanmar retreated from the disputed waters following protests from Dhaka.

"Bangladesh and Myanmar needed to continue their talks," Bangladesh foreign affairs adviser (minister) Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury told reporters on Monday after two days of meetings with Myanmar officials.

Both countries still continue to deploy troops at strategic points along their 320 km (200 mile) common border, partly demarcated by the river Naf.

Bangladesh says 15 of its 28 blocks earmarked for exploration are located in its territory.