Khanal seeks India’s support

Ram Kumar Kamat

NEW DELHI: CPN-UML chairman Jhalanath Khanal met Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at the latter’s residence here today.

During the 45-minute meeting, Khanal told the Indian PM that Nepal needed the support of

international community in general and India in particular so as to take the peace process to a logical conclusion.

He told The Himalayan Times that Dr Singh wanted harmonious inter and intra-party relations in Nepal so that the Himalayan nation could overcome current political challenges.

The behaviour of Nepal’s Maoists also figured in the meeting. “We can not tolerate if Nepali Maoists indulge in anti-India activities but we have no objection if they do things in Nepal in a democratic manner,” Khanal quoted Dr Singh as saying.

Khanal assured the Indian PM that Nepal was committed not to allowing its soil against its neighbour.

Dr Singh also wished Nepal all success in its endeavour to restore peace and achieve the goals of development.

When asked about the chances of Maoists joining the Madhav Kumar Nepal-led government in order to break the current political deadlock, Khanal said he would be able to answer that only after holding discussions with other political parties in the country.

When asked if he was visiting India to garner the southern neighbour’s support in his attempt to become the next Prime Minister, Khanal said he only wanted the completion of the peace process and new constitution on schedule.

Khanal said his visit was aimed at enhancing goodwill and friendship between Nepal and India and not at finding any package solution to political problems.

Khanal was all praise for the Indian PM. He called Dr Singh ‘a man of intellect and vision.’ He said Dr Singh has a good understanding of bilateral, regional and international issues and also the issues of development.

Khanal will return home tomorrow morning.