Date:21/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/21/stories/2008042155661400.htm

International

Envoy, Prachanda discuss king’s exit?

Kathmandu: Maoist chief Prachanda on Sunday met Indian Ambassador to Nepal Shiv Shanker Mukherjee apparently to discuss a “graceful exit” for King Gyanendra after the party won the landmark Constituent Assembly election.

During the meeting, Mr. Mukherjee assured India’s continued support to Nepal after the Maoists’ stunning victory in the April 10 polls, said CPN-Maoist sources.

Mr. Mukherjee and Mr. Prachanda also discussed the “King’s graceful exit for the implementation of republic declaration through the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly,” the Kantipur online reported quoting a source.

CPN-Maoist sources said Mr. Prachanda discussed with the Ambassador the emerging political situation in Nepal, including matters relating to government formation. It was their second meeting after the historic polls and the first since the Maoist leader and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee spoke over phone on Tuesday. — PTI