President Bush and Ambassador Chalise at the credentials function. Photo courtesy: Embassy of Nepal, Washington DC
US President George W Bush has said that his country salutes the progress that the people and the government of Nepal had made in the ongoing transition to democracy.
“Nepal has undergone profound changes, moving from a monarchy to an emerging democracy, with an emerging economy,” he said, while at the same time commending Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala for his role in leading Nepal’s political parties toward successful Constituent Assembly elections.
President Bush made these remarks while accepting the credentials of Ambassador of Nepal to the United States of America Dr Suresh Chalise at the White House, the official Residence of the President, in Washington DC Wednesday.
He further said that “the United States encourages the Government and Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) to work together to ensure that Constituent Assembly elections are held by mid-April”, while stressing the need for taking steps towards addressing the concerns of Madhesis and marginalized groups in order to restore harmony in the nation.
On the occasion Bush also reiterated the US Government’s support to Nepal’s efforts in its journey towards democracy and assured that the United States would “continue to work with the Government of Nepal and with the international community to foster environment conducive to peace”. nepalnews.com ag Jan 24 08
