Date:24/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/24/stories/2008082455921200.htm

International

Ties on basis of Panchsheel: Prachanda

Prerana Marasini

KATHMANDU: In his first address to the nation, Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) said on Saturday Nepal’s bilateral ties with other countries would be based on the five principles of coexistence, the Panchsheel.

Mr. Prachanda said, “We will follow the Panchsheel in building our relations with all the countries including our neighbours.”

Foreign investments

He also said the government would encourage foreign investments in agriculture, tourism, water resources and infrastructure.

Nepal is the second richest country in the world in water resources and tourism is the main industry.

A majority of the people are dependent on agriculture for livelihood.

Mr. Prachanda said, “We will fulfil their [people’s] aspirations by working in a planned manner and we have outlined a number of national-priority issues.”

Mr. Prachanda also expressed his commitment towards periodic elections, press freedom, the rule of law and democratic values.

Responding to the criticism over mobilising Maoists’ army for the Prime Minister’s security — people say it “discounts the credibility of Nepal Army”— Mr. Prachanda said, “I appeal to Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police to forget the bitterness of the past and extend their support for national unity. There will be no prejudices from our side.”

During the 10-year armed struggle of the Maoists 14,000 people died and thousands of policemen and soldiers were killed by the militants.

Visit to China

Though in Nepal’s history, elected Prime Ministers always visited India first, Mr. Prachanda left for China on Saturday.

Though Mr. Prachanda said his only purpose was to take part in the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, leaders here, however, looked at it differently.

Nepali Congress leader Bimalendra Nidhi said the visit at a time when thousands of people had been displaced by the Koshi floods could not be taken positively.

He said, “It has raised a question of his sensitivity towards the people.”

Soon after his election, Mr. Prachanda received wishes from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and an invitation to visit India. Meanwhile, India’s Ambassador Rakesh Sood was absent at the airport while diplomats from other countries saw off the Prime Minister.