India wants peace and stability in Nepal: Saran

December 13, 2005
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Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Sharan talking to journalists at the end of his three-day visit to Nepal at Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, Tuesday, Dec 13 05. nepalnews.com/rh

The visiting Foreign Secretary of India, Shyam Saran, has said that India wants peace and stability in Nepal.

Speaking at a press conference at the end of his three-day long tour to Nepal Saran said, “I have conveyed that restoration of peace and stability and economic recovery in Nepal is not only in the interest of Nepal, but also India’s interest.”

“Unity among constitutional forces that is the monarchy and political parties is essential to achieve the goal of peace and stability in the country,” Saran added.

In his 10-minute long press conference, Saran said India stands ready to support all efforts aimed at bringing about a peaceful resolution to the problems confronting Nepal.

On the military assistance to Nepal that remain stalled following the February 1 royal move, Saran said, “Arms is not coming to Nepal at the moment but other aspects of our cooperation to Nepal including the RNA is continuing. For example, training for RNA is still continuing.”

While answering reporters’ queries, Saran said India and China were not competing in Nepal, but both want a stable and prosperous Nepal.

Indian foreign secretary described his Nepal visit as a follow up to the cordial and friendly meeting between King Gyanendra and Indian Prime Minister Manamohan Singh in Dhaka during the SAARC summit.

Saran added, “Both leaders had agreed that given the long-standing as well as wide-ranging relations that exist between our two friendly neighbouring countries, it was important for us to remain in touch regularly, at different levels, in order to consolidate and expand our relations.”

Earlier, His Majesty King Gyanendra had granted audience to Saran at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace this morning. Saran did not talk about the issues discussed during the audience with the King but said His Majesty had expressed his commitment to multiparty democracy and constitutional democracy.

Saran also said that India believes that democracy should be restored to bring the country on track of economic recovery.

After the audience with the King, Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey and Saran had a lunch meeting at Pandey’s residence.

Saran met cabinet vice-chairperson duo Dr Tulsi Giri and Kriti Nidhi Bista, Home Minister Kamal Thapa on his three-day trip to Nepal.

Sharan said he held discussions on a range of issues of mutual interest and concern with cabinet members and leaders of various political parties.

Saran however did not talk about the 12-point agreement between opposition political parties and the Maoists, which was made in India.