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“Blame Game Is Not An Answer: Mukherjee”
While saying that India was ‘very concerned’ about the situation in Nepal , Indian ambassador to Nepal , Shiv Shankar Mukherjee, added that ‘the situation has gone out of the point where finger-pointing is an answer.’ He was referring to the continuing allegations and counter-allegations among the parties and the palace, which has been obstructing prospect for real reconciliation.
“If the stalemate continues, if the gap continues and becomes unbridgeable, we are in for more violence,” said Mukherjee, in an interview to Vijaya Kumar of Frontline talk show in Kantipur Television on Sunday. “We applaud anybody breaking the ice. I personally think His Majesty’s Government should start peace process (without further delay),” he added. Mukherjee said that the constitutional monarchy should remain the symbol of unity, continuity and integrity of the nation and should not compete with the political parties for political space.
Mukherjee said the withdrawal of unilateral ceasefire by the Maoists last week was “unfortunate.” “To our mind, ceasefire should have been extended, reciprocated by the government and made permanent. If everybody wants peace, they should stop the blame game.”
According the topmost priority to ‘peace,’ the envoy said that everything else, including political settlement, would come out of such peace. Reacting to queries regarding municipal polls, Mukherjee said that though elections are ‘fundamentals of democracy,’ it may not be ‘credible’ in a situation where political parties are calling for its active boycott. “The most sane, non-violent and practical way out is for the palace to reach out to parties and together bring Maoists to mainstream,” said Mukherjee.
When asked about alleged role of India in bringing the seven-party opposition alliance and Nepali Maoists together, the Indian envoy said ( India ) did not have any role in it. He, however, said, “We don’t want to interfere in contacts developing between parties and the Maoists.” Responding to a query on the Indian embargo on arms supply to Nepal , ambassador Mukherjee said, “We had helped Royal Nepalese Army to battle insurgency. After February 1, 2005 , it was no longer the previous situation.” Ambassador Mukherjee refused to buy the argument that Nepal was trying to use “ China card” against India . He, however, said, “We expect all members of the international community, including China , not to add to complications.”
When asked about reports that India might impose 1988-89 kind of trade embargo on Nepal when the now extended bilateral transit treaty expires in the next three months, ambassador Mukherjee said those reports were unfounded. “We always have been and will be positive on issues that are linked to Nepalese economy,” he added.
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