Bangladesh put on IPU agenda
PARIS, SEPT. 4-The 59th conference of Inter-Parliamentary Union today voted to put East Bengal on its debate agenda, reports AFP.
The motion presented by India was passed 627 to 59 with 89 abstentions.
The council voted on the measure yesterday but the confusion over new voting rules made the vote today necessary.
Reuter adds: The draft resolution calls upon Pakistan to put a stop to violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms on the people of East Bengal. It also calls on the Pakistan Government to abide by the elections in East Bengal in December, 1970, which resulted in victory for the Awami League.
Tunisia, followed by most of the Arab countries, voted against discussing the resolution today on the grounds that it constituted interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign State.
Most of those who abstained yesterday, including the Rumanians, voted in favor of the motion today.
Delegates from the USA and Egypt were divided, some from each delegation voting the favor and others abstaining. The Soviet Union and most of the European Communist countries voted in favor.
Reference: Hindustan Standard, 04.09.1971