British minister disappointed with Maoist move

A visiting British minister has expressed disappointment over the Maoist decision to pull out of the government.

Speaking at an interaction with local eight party leaders in Biratnagar, on Tuesday, Shahid Mallik, British International Development Minister, said, "I am a little bit disappointed."

Terming the turn of evens as unfortunate, Mallik said he hoped a new understanding would soon be reached among the political parties.

Mallik reached Biratnagar on Tuesday. He had arrived in the capital on Monday on a three-day visit.

On Monday, Mallik had told reporters that he was here to express UK support for the constituent assembly elections slated for November 22.

During his stay here Malik will meet Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, other key political leaders and representatives of the civil society.

Before setting out for Nepal tour he said in a statement, "I hope that all Nepalis, regardless of their caste or ethnicity, will benefit from peace and greater security, but also from more jobs and greater investment in healthcare and education. I'll be talking to Dalits, Janajatis, Madhesis, religious minorities, women and others who have been excluded in the past. And I'll be talking to the Government about steps they are taking to include them." nepalnews.com sd Sep 18 07

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