Oli thanks Senator Leahy for his inspiring support to democracy



Foreign Minister KP Oli (file photo)

Foreign Minister K.P. Sharma Oli met with US Senator Patrick Leahy and conveyed thanks and appreciation of the government and the people of Nepal for his "important, valuable and inspiring" support to the democratic movement in Nepal.

In Washington DC, Oli met with Senator Leahy on September 27 to convey the appreciation and inform him about the need for "external support and assistance for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and rebuilding of the damaged infrastructure."

According to a press statement by the Nepalese Embassy in Washington DC, Senator Leahy remarked that Nepal was a most beautiful country with wonderful people and reiterated his support for democracy in Nepal.

Senator Leahy was one of the most outspoken critics of King Gyanendra's autocratic rule. He spoke against the King's rule and in support of democratic movement in Nepal frequently in the US Senate. In fact, it was Senator Leahy who had proposed restrictions on military aid to Nepal in the aftermath of February 1, 2005 move by the King.

During the meeting with Leahy, minister Oli was accompanied by MPs Ananda Prasad Dhungana, Mahendra Pandey and Tek Bahadur Chokhyal. Oli had gone to Washington DC from New York where he attended the UN General Assembly meet.

Meanwhile, Oli also met with Congressman Jim Leach, chairman of the House International Relations subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific; Congressman James T. Walsh; and Congressman Brian Baird separately in Washington DC. He discussed recent political developments and ongoing peace process with them.

Oli also had an interaction with Nepali community organizations, students and professionals from the Washington metropolitan area. nepalnews.com sd Sep 28 06