Menon meets with leaders; stresses on timely polls
Hours after he arrived in Kathmandu on a two day visit on Saturday afternoon, Indian foreign secretary Shiv Shankar Menon started his consultations with political leaders.
He held separate meeting with UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, Nepali Congress (Democratic) president Sher Bahadur Deuba, Maoist chairman Prachanda and Rastriya Janashakti Party (RJP) president Surya Bahadur Thapa on Saturday evening.
Following his meeting with the visiting Indian official, Nepal told reporters that Menon had stressed on timely polls. "The Indian position on republic/monarchy is that they will respect the decision of Nepali people. They have stressed on timely election, which can ensure credibility and other things," said Nepal.
At the meeting with Prachanda, the latter mentioned 'positive' role played by India post 12-point agreement in November, 2005, which was signed in New Delhi. Prachanda said his party expects similar positive role by India in the coming days as well. Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, who was also present at the meeting, said the role of international community will be significant since Nepal's politics was in crucial phase.
Earlier, upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Menon told media persons that he would discuss issues of bilateral concern and the Indian assistance for upcoming constituent assembly election.
Menon is expected to meet with prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala, speaker Subas Nemwang and foreign minister Shahana Pradhan during his stay here . nepalnews.com sd Sept 16 07
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