Do More With Reuters
Partner Services

UPDATE 2-Myanmar stops disputed gas exploration -Bangladesh

Thu Nov 6, 2008 6:13pm IST
 
Email | Print | | Single Page
[-] Text [+]

(Updates with Myanmar reaction)

DHAKA, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Myanmar stopped oil and gas exploration in deep-sea blocks in disputed waters in the Bay of Bengal on Thursday, a day after Bangladesh asked China for help over the row, officials said.

"They have stopped exploration, but are yet to remove vessels and equipment from our (sea) territory," a Bangladesh navy official told Reuters.

In Yangon, a Foreign Ministry official said Myanmar had only "paused" its exploration activities in the disputed waters.

"We don't have any reason to change our stance on this matter because it is located in our exclusive economic zone," said the Foreign Ministry official, who declined to be identified.

"We will continue it soon and move somewhere else within our zone when it's finished," he said of the exploration work.

Bangladesh sent a naval patrol to the area on Sunday after Myanmar began exploration in the blocks, raising tensions in the area thought to be rich in gas reserves.

Yangon summoned the Bangladesh ambassador on Sunday to protest against the actions by Dhaka, which later sent a diplomatic team to the former Burma this week.

The two impoverished countries have been holding talks for years to demarcate their border in the Bay of Bengal. This week Bangladesh said it wanted a diplomatic solution to the dispute to avoid any confrontation.  Continued...

Russian Finance Minister Alexey Kudrin poses with his G20 colleagues and central bank leaders during the family photo at the G20 Finance Ministers meeting at a hotel in St. Andrews, Scotland. REUTERS/POOL New
Pledge to support economies

G20 financial leaders pledged to prepare strategies to end emergency support for their economies, but to keep the aid flowing until recovery was assured.  Full Article | Related Story 

special coverage

Photo
Central Banks Cautious

Reuters tracks the policies of the world's top central banks as the debate over global economic recovery rages on.  Full Coverage 

Market Update

  • IndiaIndia
  • USUS
  • UKUK
  • Asia
  • Most Actives

SHOWCASE

Sanjay Sinha
Balancing Act

In India, it is a tough choice between growth, managing inflation and financial stability.  Full Article 

 
Nipun Mehta
Road to Recovery

There needs to be an acceptable balance created between education and healthcare and infrastructure spend, says Nipun Mehta of SG Private Banking.   Full Article 

 
Robot Asimo

Snapshots of Honda Motor's humanoid robot Asimo  Slideshow 

 
Marketing Strategy
Marketing Strategy

Companies are now using direct marketing methods to sell their products.  Full Article 

 
Exit Plans
Exit Plans

Factbox - Stimulus exit plans for Asia-Pacific's big 5 economies  Full Article