WASHINGTON (PTI): President George Bush and Bangla premier Khalida Zia have in a joint statement there deplored the actions of the Myanmar Formerly Burma) government leading to the massive influx of Myanmar refugees into Bangladesh.

President Bush has also announced that the United States will provide three million dollars in funding from the emergency refugee and migration assistance funds to help Bangladesh cope with the refugees.

Secretary of state James Baker was also present at the meeting between the two leaders in the oval office.

Outside the white House about two dozen demonstrators carried placards demanding the release of former Bangla dictator Ershad and expressed support for the party founded by Ershad.

Article extracted from this publication >> April 3, 1992