Brussels, 11/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the European Commission decided to suspend its election observation mission (EOM) to Bangladesh covering the parliamentary elections on 22 January, and to recall the long-term observers already on the ground. The mission was due to be led by German MEP Alexander Graf Lambsdorff (ALDE). Explaining its decision, the Commission said there had been several serious failures in preparations for the election. “We are very concerned about the development of the situation in Bangladesh over recent weeks,” said External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner. “Major efforts have been undertaken by the EU and other international partners, calling on all parties and stakeholders to work urgently and cooperatively towards an election process which meets the rights and expectations of the people of Bangladesh, and which satisfies international democratic standards. Unfortunately these have not been successful to date. In view of this and also because of the decision of major parties to withdraw from participating in the 22 January elections, … we cannot pursue the EOM as we had hoped,” she said in press release. If the parties involved reach agreement quickly on conditions for “democratic and credible” elections, the Commission stands ready to swiftly re-start the EOM, she went on. (hb)