The visiting EU Troika delegation head Andreas yesterday made these comments after he held a meeting with Foreign Adviser Iftekhar A Chowdhury at the foreign ministry on the third day of their four-day visit.

The comments mark a significant shift in the Troika delegation's tone, who on the first day of their visit said they would like to see elections and withdrawal of ban on 'indoor politics' as soon as possible.

"If free and fair elections are held in 2008, the European Union would be content," said Michaelis, who is a director general of the German Foreign Ministry.

Recounting yesterday's meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Michaelis said they achieved an "important result" by the CEC's assurance to announce a "key roadmap" for the elections by July 15.

Michaelis said from the meetings he had with the law adviser, army chief, and select members of the civil society, he understands that a practical set of reforms, such as political party reforms, need to be "finished and accomplished."

The European Union is ready to politically and financially support the Bangladesh government to ensure these reforms are undertaken, Michaelis said.

He added that the foreign adviser reassured him that Bangladesh is ready and willing to meet international standards while the interim government is in place.

The five-member EU Troika delegation is set to meet Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed tomorrow and later hold a press conference.