Kathmandu: That France, a very powerful member of the developed Western community and a member of the European Union, is also watching the Nepal events closely came to the fore when France preferred to send its special emissary, Chambard Olivier, to Kathmandu to take stock of the prevailing situation in this Himalayan Kingdom specially after the announcement of the ceasefire in between the Maoists rebels and the government.
“As incharge of South Asian affairs at the South Asia desk at the French foreign ministry, I have come here to listyen and meet the Nepali people from diverse sector including the media men, politicians and the civil society members to get first hand information about the obtaining situation in this country”, said Chambard Olivier while talking to the chief editor of this newspaper.
During the course of the interaction, the French foreign ministry official disclosed that his country favored the recent positive developments seen in Nepal and that stability and development must follow even if it were in stages.
“We back it firmly”, continued Chambard Olivier.
To a query of the Telegraph weekly, the French dignitary opined that his Kathmandu trip had coincided with the possibility of a dialogue in between the Maoists and the government.
“All political parties should be working in order to restore peace and bring the electoral process back so that the country moves in a democratic spirit”, expressed Olivier.
“I think initiation of the peace process is a precondition to restore normal political life back and the policy of entering into negotiation is very important”, added Chambard Olivier.
To yet another query of the Telegraph weekly, Monsieur Olivier forcefully stated that the political parties who wish to take part in the peace-process must not be marginalised.
“The way out to the present deadlock are ultimately the elections and to have the elections to take place in a peaceful manner, one needed secured environment and to regain security one has to appreciate the peace process and contribute to the successful happening of the now yet to be held dialogue in between the Maoists and the government authorities”, explained Chambard Olivier.
He also disclosed that a very high level French delegation might make a trip to Kathmandu either by the end of this year or early next year. He hinted that the visit might take place as a return visit of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala at the Prime Ministerial level.
To a question on Iraq, Olivier Chambard pledged his country’s support at time of the reconstruction of Iraq under the aegis of the United Nations.
Mr. Chambard Olivier also hinted that if Nepal needed the French assistance in rebuilding its already devastated infrastructures at time of the war with the Maoists rebels, France will be more than willing to show its presence amidst the comity of international donors and friendly countries.
” France is committed for that assistance. You will see France standing in the donor chain should Nepal come forward with such a proposal”, concluded Chambard Olivier.
The French official came Nepal last Friday and left Kathmandu for Delhi this Sunday.