The Hindu : Nepal leader meets Vajpayee

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 10, 2002

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International

Nepal leader meets Vajpayee

By Our Special Correspondent

New Delhi June 9. The Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, is believed to have advised the Nepali Congress leader, G.P. Koirala, that the party must sort out its internal differences in the larger interest of Nepal.

Mr. Koirala called on Mr. Vajpayee yesterday and briefed the Prime Minister on the recent developments in the kingdom.

The Indian thinking, as conveyed to Mr. Koirala, is that internal unity in the Nepali Congress was the key to stability in the Kingdom. Only a strong and united Nepali Congress, the visitor was told, would be able to mobilise opinion and support against the Maoists who have mounted the most severe challenge to the monarchy and democracy in Nepal.

The Vajpayee Government, like its predecessors, is committed to a strong and resilient monarchy in Nepal. The Prime Minister, therefore, was keen on impressing upon Mr. Koirala that the democratic forces must not fritter away their energies in squabbling against one another and, instead, must close ranks to face the Maoist challenge.

It was also understood that the Indian Government would not want to be seen as siding with this or that faction within the Nepali Congress. There is no inclination to meddle in the party's internal affairs.

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Nepal leader meets Vajpayee