Koirala raises refugee issue with Bhutanese PM

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala held discussions with his Bhutanese counterpart Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk on the sidelines of the ongoing 14th SAARC summit, in Indian capital New Delhi, Wednesday morning.

According to reports, the duo focused their discussions on the Bhutanese refugee problem.

Prime Minister Koirala has urged his Bhutanese counterpart to resolve the refugee impasse at the earliest.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Khandu Wangchuk said that his government is positive towards resolving the refugee issue. He also assured of resumption of the ministerial level talks between the two countries to resolve the refugee impasse.

More than 108,000 Bhutanese refugees are languishing in seven UNHCR-administered camps in eastern Nepal since 1990s. 15 rounds of ministerial-level talks between Nepal and Bhutan have failed to resolve the impasse.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Sahana Pradhan also held discussions with Indian Foreign Minisiter Pranab Mukherjee about the Bhutanese refugee issue.

Reports say Pradhan urged Indian foreign minister for India's help in resolving the refugee crisis.

The 14th SAARC summit will conclude today after issuing New Delhideclaration. nepalnews.com pb Apr 04 07