December 02, 2003
KATHMANDU: India has expressed “regrets” over UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal’s recent meetings with the Maoist top brass in the Indian city of Lucknow, Premier Surya Bahadur Thapa told journalists at Kathmandu airport upon his arrival back from Pakistan Tuesday.
“India has some reservations with regard to the meeting,” Prime Minister Thapa said citing the Lucknow meet. “During my meeting with the Indian PM and President, they said it would have been better if MK Nepal had informed them in advance.”
Fielding a query whether India has been providing shelter to Maoist leaders in its territories, the PM said, “We, Nepal and India, share an open border. It has helped the Maoists to move here and there.”
Asked whether India offered any “package” to curb Maoist activities in Nepal, the PM said, “In case one offers something, the other side must accept it. Otherwise, it is meaningless. However, India is ready to extend necessary help, whenever Nepal needs it.”
On the issue of Indian PM Atal Behari Vajpayee’s recent statement, PM Thapa said the statement has not said any new thing. “The statement has repeated the old viewpoint of India that there should be a greater understanding between the King and the political parties,” PM Thapa said. He further said the Indian statement has not violated Nepal’s sovereignty.
Assessing his marathon visit to the four SAARC members — India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Pakistan — the PM said it was “positive” and “fruitful.”
“The visit proved to be beneficial for us,” the PM said. “First, our neighbours took our visit very positively. Second, we received an opportunity to exchange our views on bilateral matters as well.”
The PM, specially recalled his visit to Bhutan. He said, “We received a grand welcome there.”
On Bhutanese refugee issue, the PM said the Bhutanese King and the PM are quite positive in resolving the longstanding imbroglio. “The refugee problem should be resolved honestly,” PM Thapa quoted Bhutanese King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, as saying, during their meeting.
“Bhutan is also interested in increasing the frequency of Druk Air flights,” the PM said. “Bhutan further wants to share Nepal’s expertise in WTO (World Trade Organisation)-related matters.”
PM Thapa visited the four nations, from November 23 to December 2, in capacity of the current chairman of SAARC. Pakistan is hosting the 12th SAARC Summit slated for January 4-6, 2004.