Mukherjee starts political parleys
Immediately after landing in Kathmandu Monday evening, Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has started high-level political parleys.
Within a couple of hours after his arrival, Mukherjee met CPN (UML) general secretary Jhala Nath Khanal and discussed issues of bilateral concerns including Nepal's current political situation. The meeting took place at Hotel Soaltee, where Mukherjee is staying.
The Indian External Affairs Minister is here for a three-day official tour. During the visit, bilateral talks would be held on a range of issues including the ongoing peace process, economic cooperation and review of treaties and agreements. Issues of flood control, repair and maintenance of Koshi embankments and joint venture investment are also likely to figure in the talks.
He is scheduled to hold separate meetings with President Dr Ram Baran Yadav, Vice President Parmananda Jha and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Tuesday. He will also take part in a meeting with his counterpart Upendra Yadav on the same day.
Mukherjee is the senior-most Indian leader to visit Nepal after the formation of government led by Maoists.
Meanwhile, an advisor to Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav has said Nepal will raise issues such as trade transit, border problem, control of cross-border crimes, investment in water resources and Koshi inundation problem during the meeting with the Indian External Affairs Minister.
Speaking at a function in Kathmandu, Foreign Minister's advisor Shyama Nanada Suman said talks will also focus on finding political solution Kalapani and Susta encroachment issue.
He added the two governments will also discuss effective implementation of the agreements reached during the visit of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to India.
Speaking at the same programme, former minister of state for foreign affairs and Nepali Congress leader Dr Ram Sharan Mahat criticised the government for not making the agendas of discussion public. Stating that the government is working irresponsibly, Mahat complained that his party has not been consulted over the agendas.
Likewise, Janashakti Party leader Dr Prakash Chandra Lohani asked the government to make clear what Nepal expects while reviewing the friendship treaty of 1950. He also suggested the government to take up the issue of implementing trans-Himalayas railway project that connects India and China through Nepal.
Surendra Pandey of CPN (UML) said Nepal must strengthen relation with India to take advantage of the growing economic achieved by the southern neighbour. nepalnews.com mk/ia Nov 24 08
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