26366, 02/03/2005 04:16,05DHAKA503, Embassy Dhaka, CONFIDENTIAL,, "This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
","C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 000503 SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 2/3/2015
TAGS: PREL, BG, IN, PK, NP, SAARC
SUBJECT: BDG ANGRY REACTION TO SAARC POSTPONEMENT
Classified By: P/E D. Mccullough, Reason(s): 1.5 (b),(d)
1. (C) BDG cabinet members, opposition and civil society expressed anger with India over the SAARC cancellation announced February 2. Cabinet members told ambassador that
Delhi made the announcement without giving Dhaka prior notification and after telling them earlier in the day that the conference was still on. India's decision to not only cancel but to lump Kathmandu's end of democracy with the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh did not sit well with the BDG cabinet members. The ministers said that the previous two SAARC summits were held in Nepal and Pakistan despite the threat of Maoist violence and bomb blasts.
2. (C) Comment: The Awami League must be pleased, but we expect more generally a muted reaction given the general embarrassment and anger in Dhaka. GOI's decision will confirm to the PM and many in the Bangladesh military that India is Bangladesh's long-term adversary. End Comment.
THOMAS
