As confusion galore regarding the future of peace negotiations in the country, ambassador of India to Nepal, Shiv Shankar Mukherjee, and British envoy, Andrew Hall, called on Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala at the latter’s residence separately on Tuesday morning.

Indian ambassador to Nepal Shiv Shankar Mukherjee

Indian ambassador to Nepal Shiv Shankar Mukherjee
(File photo)
Talking to reporters after the meeting, British envoy Hall said discussions focused mainly on recent political developments and peace process in Nepal. He reiterated the British government’s stand that Maoist rebels should not be included in the interim government unless they give up their arms.

The Indian envoy did not speak to journalists. When contacted by Nepalnews, spokesperson at the Indian embassy in Kathmandu, Gopal Bagley, said ambassador Mukherjee discussed current political situation in Nepal during his meeting with premier Koirala. He said he did not have details about the meeting.

British ambassadors to Nepal Dr Andrew Hall (Photo source : britishembassy)
Envoys of two important countries called on premier Koirala a day after top Maoist leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai warned that peace talks with the government were on the verge of collapse. He also blamed so-called “unseen force” for trying to derail country’s peace process. He did not elaborate.

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff of the Nepali Army, General Pyar Jung Thapa, called on premier Koirala, who also holds defense portfolio, this morning and briefed him about the security situation in the country, according to reports.

Details were not immediately available.

Defense advisor to premier, Ramesh Jung Thapa, and Defense Secretary Bishnu Dutta Upreti, were also present on the occasion.

General Thapa is to retire next month. Reports said he is likely to go on a month-long leave prior to his retirement as per the Army’s tradition.