The Hindu : `Nepal dialogue should be based on consensus'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 31, 2003

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`Nepal dialogue should be based on consensus'

By Our Diplomatic Correspondent

NEW DELHI Jan. 30. India today said it had noted the ceasefire announcements made on Wednesday by the Nepalese Government and the Maoists which could lead to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the Himalayan Kingdom.

The Foreign Office spokesman told presspersons that the process of dialogue should be based on national consensus, involve political parties and take place in an environment free from violence. India, he said, remained committed to the strengthening of its long-standing, close friendship and good neighbourly relations with Nepal. He said multi-party democracy and constitutional monarchy were the two pillars of stability in Nepal.

The External Affairs Minister, Yashwant Sinha, had had a productive visit to Tajikistan and would now commence the Kyrgystan leg of his tour to Central Asia. Mr. Sinha, who held meetings with the Tajik Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and other dignitaries, signed an agreement to set up a food processing plant, equipment for which would be supplied frees by India.

He said India and Tajikistan had also agreed to set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) on counter-terrorism. New Delhi had offered a Government-to-Government credit line of $75 million and a separate $25 million credit line for supplies. Tajik Air is expected to shortly commence commercial flights to New Delhi, which could lead to Tajikistan having a consular presence in the Indian capital. As of now, Tajikistan does not have an embassy in New Delhi.

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