Regional convention of Socialist International begins in Kathmandu
The Asia pacific regional convention of the Socialist International (SI) began in Kathmandu Saturday.
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala was scheduled to inaugurate the convention but could not attend the programme due to his bad health. Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narsingh KC informed the organisers that PM Koirala was unable to attend the programme.
Koirala's foreign affairs advisor Dr Suresh Chalise read out the written message from Koirala at the beginning of the convention.
Representatives from 40 countries in the region are participating in the two-day convention.
The Socialist International is a worldwide organisation of social democrats. Nepali Congress is also the member of the organisation.
The two day convention will concentrate its discussion on peace and democracy. SI general secretary Luis Ayala had earlier said the convention was being organised in Kathmandu to express solidarity to the ongoing peace process and democracy in Nepal. nepalnews.com ia Feb 10 07
