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VOL. 03, NO. 07, Aug 28, 2009 (Bhadra 12 2066) |
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‘GOODWILL TOUR’
How Good Is The Will ?
Starting on a false note with a gloomy face, prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal seemed to race to the finish line on right track with a big smile. But it is premature to conclude if his five-day “goodwill” run in Nepal’s most important neighbour will speed up the beleaguered coalition that he hopes to lead up to the new elections under a still-to-be drafted constitution.
By SUSHIL SHARMA with SAROJ DAHAL
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| PM Nepal Leaving India: Goodbye |
Average Bollywood blockbusters run for a length of 2 hours and 30 minutes. So do their Kollywood counterparts, in Kathmandu.
A meeting half that length between the prime ministers of Nepal and India in Delhi has become a hit. According to those who accompanied prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal to Delhi last week.
The meeting between the executive chiefs of the two countries has been touted as a major highlight of Nepal’s “goodwill” visit to India.
The “one-to-one” meeting between the two prime ministers was attended by foreign, finance and home ministers of India.
From Nepal’s side, the prime minister’s foreign affairs advisor, Rajan Bhattarai, sat besides his boss on the sideline of a cosy room at Hyderabad house.
The meeting took place amidst the thundering criticism back home by the main opposition leader and the chairman of the Maoist communist party, Prachanda, who publicly dubbed the visit a total failure. He even boasted that the countdown of the government had begun.
Given that the Indian media virtually ignored the visit, no major agreements and treaties were signed (the much touted trade treaty was ‘initialled’ not signed) and that foreign minister Sujata Koirala opted out of the entourage at the last minute, critics were quick to dismiss the visit as a forgettable event.
Then came the “one-to-one trust-building” meeting between the two prime ministers.
Sources said that the atmosphere in the Nepali witnessed a dramatic change after the meeting.
The prime minister Nepal was ecstatic. So were his entourage members.
The reason? Prime minister Man Mohan Singh pledged “full support” to his Nepali counterpart in the former’s efforts to bring the peace process to a conclusion, draft a new constitution and hold fresh elections.
Translated: the Indian government fully supports to the continuation of the Madhav Nepal-led coalition. From the most influential neighbour and regional power. At a time when many had begun to count the days of the coalition.
The sense of satisfaction – and achievement – writ large on Nepal’s face, when he returned home.
“There had been all kinds of speculation (about the future of the coalition). But they have been put to rest,” said he.
Maoist leaders admit that the visit seemed to end on a happy note – politically.
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| PM Nepal Addressing Business community: Trading goodwill ? |
Said the new chief of the Maoist communist party’s international relations department, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, “the visit appears to be a political success for the prime minister who won support for him, but whether he managed to get support for the country remains to be seen.”
India’s “support” appears to be guided by its security concerns, concern at a Maoist revival and a dent in its influence by what it sees as a regional rival – China.
According to sources, India is not sure about the fallout of a possible fall of the present government. Hence the assurance of a continued support to what the Maoists say is “a foreign masters-installed government”.
At the same time, India is not sure if the present coalition can effectively address its concerns.
Prime minister Nepal’s foreign affairs advisor Rajan Bhattarai, “Nepal succeed in winning the trust of his Indian counterpart.”
He said that India’s main concern was stability on which, according to him, the prime minister was successful in taking his Indian counterpart into confidence.
But things are not that straight and simple. India has reiterated on mutual trust and confidence as a foundation of bilateral cooperation. This, according to foreign minister Ramesh Nath Pandey, could have several messages. One is, perhaps, that the deficit of trust has not been erased yet.
Said Pandey, “prime minister Nepal must have got the information that India is in a mood to reconsider its policy and strategy on Nepal, despite the assurance he got to become a dependable alternative in the increasingly critical national politics.”
India wants stability, but on its terms which is not easy given the stakes of other powers particularly China.
It is caught in two minds on how to go about. Accommodate the still-not-trustworthy Maoists who “pushed Nepal closer to the doors of Beijing” or see them mercilessly sidelined – if not brutally crushed the LTTE way in Sri Lanka.
Prime minister Man Mohan Singh advised Nepal to seek a consensus with all parties including the Maoists.
The Indian establishment has not given up the idea of engaging the Maoists yet, despite the latter “not behaving properly” when in power for nine month.
The Maoists, for their part, too have been in touch with what they call “foreign masters” to return to power at home.
Prachanda’s recent mysterious tour to Europe a day after his party launched to topple the government was part of efforts to keep in touch.
In London, he is believed to have held important meetings with Delhi’s interlocutors.
Said Mahara, “until recently there had been suggestions that we should be crushed, but India has reconsidered that suggestion and wants to see us accommodated.”
If that claim comes out true, as some believe it will, new political developments can not be ruled out.
Maoist chairman Prachanda’s suddenly cutting short his whirlwind country tour last Monday to meet the Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala is being seen as a move in that direction.
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| FM Koirala: Defiant |
Interestingly, a day later, the Nepali Congress parliamentary party gave a clean chit to foreign minister Sujata Koirala who snubbed prime minister Nepal through an “illness” induced list-minute cancellation of her India tour.
The “villain of the piece” till the other day waiting the party’s axe to fall on her, saw herself dramatically resurrected as a leader who could silence “the bold heroes” in Ram Chandra Poudels and Gagan Thapas with a simple clarification.
Bollywood and Kollywood items most often flatter to deceive. A bumper initial is not a guarantee for a movie to not end up a dud. The 75-minute “hit” meeting with Man Mohan Singh is not a guarantee that the Madhav Kumar Nepal show will go on.
“We Are Negotiating With India”
- KRISHNA BAHADUR MAHARA
Unified Communist Party of Nepal Maoist (UCPN-M) leader KRISHNA BAHADUR MAHARA is a well-known name in the party. Having served in various capacities in the party, Mahara is now leading its foreign department. Mahara spoke on a range of issues with KESHAB POUDEL AND SAROJ DAHAL, focusing on Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal’s current visit to India. Excerpts:
As a leader of the main opposition party, how do you assess the outcome of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal’s recent visit to India?
After reading the joint statement, what I can say is this is just a goodwill visit of Prime Minister Nepal. I don’t know anything about any secret understandings between the two countries since they are yet to appear in the public. I have not heard anything about a secret meeting between Nepalese and Indian prime ministers. Looking at the 34-point joint statement, I have not seen anything objectionable. Joint statements are like joint press conferences which avoid controversial issues.
Are you sure he did not sign any secret treaty with India?
I do not give a clean bill to India. How do I know whether he signed any kind of secret treaty or not? If Nepal has made any secret agreement with India, it will ruin his political career.
After his visit, do you see any change in the Indian policy towards Nepal?
I have not seen any indication for that. As long as India’s interest is fulfilled, it will not react. The visit is merely a formal way for interaction.
But PM Nepal claims that his government has support from all over the world?
Every government wants to show that it has wider international support. Nepal’s claim is no exception. International support is necessary but ultimately it is the people who decide the fate.
Do you mean the visit to India has no political importance?
Being a close neighbor of Nepal, such a visit has political importance. I am not trying to minimize it either.
If that is so, why do your party leaders oppose it?
As long as the visit focuses on formal goodwill aspect, we don’t have any objection. We will object in case this government surrenders Nepal’s interest. Our party has made it clear that we will not oppose the visit inasmuch as its aim is to improve the bilateral relations and understandings.
How can you say that the visit is limited to goodwill when Nepal held one-on-one meetings with the Indian prime minister and India’s foreign, defense and home ministers?
Such meetings are normal. Our leader Prachanda also met them when he visited India last year as a prime minister.
How do you look at India’s response to peace process and constitution making?
The peace process and constitution making are stalled now because of our dispute over the integration of the Maoist army into the Nepal army. Peace process and constitution making are both important for us. By looking at the joint statement, India seems to be supportive to peace process and constitution making. India seems to have realized that they cannot ignore Maoists any more.
Do you think Indian leaders discussed special issues with Prime Minister Nepal?
We have yet to know what views India holds on the integration of Maoists into Nepal Army. Nothing has come out yet. Prime Minister Nepal must keep in mind that the peace process cannot end without participation of Maoists.
Do you think Nepalese prime minster is able to garner India’s support in constitution making and peace process?
I think India is more positive now than in the past. If Nepal made efforts to change India’s mindset, that is good.
How do look at the present politics of Nepal?
There is an equal possibility for conflict and compromise. We have seen certain changes in Indian policy regarding Maoists.
Do you have any contacts with India following the fall of your government?
We have been constantly negotiating with India on various issues. We want to have good relations with all the countries of the world, including India, but we don’t want to bow down before any power like India. We are negotiating with India through informal channel. This is natural in politics .
If you are negotiating with India in formal and informal ways, why is your party termed anti-Indian?
In diplomacy we need to maintain good relations with everyone. You cannot avoid the negotiations. There is also a change in India regarding Maoists. India holds the view that Maoists need to be considered together with other parties.
Have you made similar contacts with China?
We have good relations with all international powers and China too is our neighbor.
What do India and China want in Nepal?
They want their security to be protected in Nepal. They also know that chaotic and anarchic Nepal cannot serve their security interests. This may be the reason India is making efforts to woo us.
So what do you say of this visit?
This visit is successful at the level of goodwill.
What do you think of the establishment of academy for Nepal Police?
I don’t understand this. Since the country is in the process of peace making and writing the new constitution, such activities will create more misunderstandings.
Your party warned Prime Minister Nepal not to sign any treaty with India that held long term implications in bilateral matters. What do you say now?
We strongly opposed the treaty of Pancheshwor and certain clauses of the trade treaty which deny our right to conduct trade with third party countries. In the name of controlling unauthorized trade, India is trying to screw Nepal further and make it India dependent.
Since India is Nepal’s largest trading partner, what is wrong with signing such a treaty between Nepal and India?
As India and China economical grow and com closer, Nepal can get a lot of benefits as a transit point between their trades. Maoists have a clear stand on this. We cannot depend upon the Indian market only by signing a treaty which will curtail our right to decide the fate of business.
How much did Nepal’s prime minister resist such efforts by India?
We are yet to know many things. Looking at the joint statement, I have not seen any objectionable issues.
But, it does mention Pancheswor?
Pancheswor is a controversial agreement. It is impossible to start the project without settling issues of Kalapani.
Do you mean your party has seen nothing objectionable in Prime Minister Nepal’s visit?
I am not saying that. What I was saying is we have to read the agreements and understandings.
Do you think Prime Minister Nepal was able to protect the country’s interests?
One of the important things about foreign relations is to protect national interests. Every country has their own interest and no one can compromise on their legitimate interest. If India does not compromise on its interest, how can it ask Nepal to do so? It will take a few more days to know about this.
What are the political implications of the visit?
Of course, an India visit has always some sort of political implications. But, the prime minister has done nothing to boost Nepal’s interests. Even India has not given any importance to him. No Indian media gave any attention to Nepalese prime minister’s visit.
Any benefits of Prime Minister Nepal’s visit?
We have to wait until the implementation of the treaty.
‘India Wants Nepal’s Stability'
RAJAN BHATTARAI is foreign affairs advisor of the prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal. He was at the much talked-about 75-minute meeting between Nepal and his Indian counterpart, Man Mohan Singh. He spoke to SAROJ DAHAL on the highlights of the meeting:
How do you assess the prime minister’s visit to India?
It was a goodwill visit aimed at boosting the goodwill, understanding and mutual confidence. It has been a huge success on that front. It has succeeded in establishing a high level of understanding at the highest level. The two leaders got to understand each better.
What about the political achievements?
The two prime ministers met for one hour and fifteen minutes. The Indian prime minister stressed on three points: taking the peace process to a logical conclusion, issuing a new constitution on scheduled time and holding new elections. He assured full cooperation to the present government on all these fronts.
That could mean isolating the Maoists, right?
No, India emphasized on a political consensus in Nepal. India wants the government to hold talks with all parties and forge a consensus.
Did the visit exceed the expectations, then?
No, no. The prime minister had said that it was purely a goodwill visit. And it indeed turned out to be a truly goodwill visit. It has enhanced mutual confidence. Prime minister Man Mohan Singh is confident that the prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal’s government can give.
Joint Press Statement on Official visit of Rt. Hon. Madhav Kumar Nepal, Prime Minister of Nepal to India (18-22 August 2009)
The Rt. Hon. Madhav Kumar Nepal, Prime Minister of Nepal, paid an official visit to India from August 18-22, 2009 at the invitation of H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India. The Prime Minister of Nepal was accompanied by Hon. Mr. Sharat Singh Bhandari, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation; Hon. Mr. Rajendra Mahto, Minister for Commerce and Supplies; Hon. Mr. Surendra Pande, Minister for Finance; Hon. Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Minister for Energy; and Hon. Mr. Mahendra Prasad Yadav, Minister for Industry. The delegation included Members of the Constituent Assembly, senior officials of the Government of Nepal, a business delegation and a delegation of media representatives.
2. On August 19, the Prime Minister of Nepal called on H. E. Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the President of India, and on H.E. Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari, the Vice-President of India.
3. The Prime Minister of Nepal had a meeting on August 19 with the Prime Minister of India, which was followed by delegation level talks led by the two Prime Ministers, on issues of mutual interest and concern. The Prime Minister of India hosted a banquet in honour of the Prime Minister of Nepal and Mrs. Gayatri Nepal. Hon. Shri S.M. Krishna, External Affairs Minister; Hon. Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Finance Minister; Hon. Shri P. Chidambaram, Home Minister, called on the Prime Minister of Nepal. The Prime Minister of Nepal had a meeting with Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and the President of Indian National Congress.
4. An interaction with the Indian business community was jointly hosted by ASSOCHAM, CII and FICCI in honour of the Prime Minister of Nepal and his delegation on August 19, 2009. During his stay in India, the Prime Minister visited Mumbai from August 21-22, 2009.
5. The Prime Minister of India extended a warm welcome to the Prime Minister of Nepal. The two Prime Ministers warmly recalled their meeting in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on July 16, 2009 on the sidelines of the 15th NAM Summit. They expressed their satisfaction regarding the age-old, close, cordial and multi-faceted relations existing between Nepal and India and agreed to expand these further. The talks were held in an atmosphere of utmost cordiality and warmth.
6. The two Prime Ministers expressed their satisfaction at the state of bilateral relations between the two countries and resolved to work together to further strengthen and enhance cooperation consistent with the wishes and aspirations of the people of both the countries. Reiterating the importance of the cordial and multi-faceted relationship between Nepal and India, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their determination to consolidate and expand the areas of cooperation with a view to taking the relationship to a new height on the basis of mutual respect, understanding and mutual benefit.
7. The Prime Minister of Nepal stressed that bringing the peace process in Nepal to a positive and meaningful conclusion in coordination and cooperation with all concerned parties, writing a new Constitution within the stipulated time frame and accelerating the pace of economic development are the main priorities of the Government of Nepal. The Prime Minister of India expressed full support for the ongoing peace process and efforts to bring about economic transformation in Nepal.
8. The two Prime Ministers agreed on the need to reinvigorate bilateral relations in all areas and directed that all the established institutional bilateral mechanisms should function effectively, in time bound manner and lead to concrete outcomes for the benefit of both countries.
9. The two sides agreed that enhancing trade between Nepal and India was a priority for both countries. Both sides agreed that the Inter Governmental Committee (IGC) at the level of Commerce Secretaries should look into the relevant issues with a view to promoting trade, investments and industrialization in Nepal, expanding complementarities of bilateral trade on a sustainable basis and further removing barriers to trade and investment. The two Prime Ministers directed that the IGC should meet within the next two months.
The two sides completed negotiations and initialed the revised Treaty of Trade and Agreement of Cooperation to Control Unauthorized Trade, which would contribute to further enhancing bilateral trade.
10. To facilitate Nepal’s foreign trade, India agreed to the utilization of its port at Vishakhapatnam for movement of transit traffic to and from Nepal. It also expressed willingness to favourably consider request for usage for trade purposes of an additional sea port on its western coast.
11. The Nepalese side expressed satisfaction for the Indian assistance to control Goitre and other forms of Iodine Deficiency Disorders. The Foreign Secretaries of India and Nepal signed an MoU regarding continuation of Indian grant assistance for the Goitre control programme in Nepal.
12. The Nepalese side informed that the Government of Nepal will take further necessary measures for the promotion of an investor friendly and enabling business environment to encourage Indian public and private sector investments in Nepal, and a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement would be concluded and signed at an early date. The Indian side would encourage its business and industrial community to increase investment in Nepal. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the growing commercial relationship between the two countries but agreed that there was much untapped potential. In order to further deepen the economic engagement and utilize the full potential for such cooperation that exists between the two countries, it was agreed that a new Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation would be concluded and signed at an early date.
13. The two sides discussed security concerns relating to the open border between the two countries. The Nepalese side assured that it would not allow its territory to be used for any activity against India and the Indian side also gave the same assurance to the Nepalese side. It was agreed that the Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues and the Home Secretaries of the two countries will meet within two months to enhance bilateral cooperation to effectively address all issues concerning security, including cross-border crime, and establishing effective communication links between and along the bordering districts to further facilitate the exchange of information. The two sides agreed to consider steps to further facilitate cross-border arrangements in order to resolve border related issues and to assist local populations in the border areas on both sides. The two sides also stressed on the need for strengthening the legal framework, in order to counter their common cross border security challenges.
14. To enable the Nepal Police to meet the emerging challenges and help it build its capacity to train police personnel, the Government of India agreed to the request of the Government of Nepal for the development of infrastructure and construction of buildings of the proposed National Police Academy at Panauti, Kavre in Nepal at an estimated cost of Indian Rs.320 crores.
15. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the progress made by Nepal-India Joint Technical Committee (JTC) in preparing and finalizing the boundary strip maps. The Government of Nepal agreed to take further necessary steps to facilitate the early signing of the strip maps.
16. The two Prime Ministers directed the Foreign Secretaries to discuss and review the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship and other bilateral agreements with a view to further strengthening the bilateral relationship.
17. The Government of India will continue to assist the Government and the people of Nepal in their economic development and reconstruction. The areas of assistance would include infrastructure, human resource development, health and education.
18. The Nepalese side expressed appreciation of India’s contribution for the development of BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences at Dharan and its support in providing Indian faculty with Indian Rs 5 crores for a further period of two years.
19. The Nepalese side highlighted the need for human resource development, particularly vocational training in the Central region. The Indian side conveyed that they would commence the construction of a polytechnic at Hetauda at a cost of approximately Indian Rs.22 crores.
20. For implementing an effective and integrated border management system, development of border infrastructure along the India-Nepal border will be undertaken immediately. Indian side conveyed that construction of two Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) at Birgunj-Raxaul and Biratnagar-Jogbani at an estimated cost of Indian Rs.200 crores will commence soon. The early completion of these modern facilities would contribute considerably to facilitate people-to-people contact and trade.
21. To enhance connectivity of feeder and lateral roads in the Terai (hulaki roads), twenty roads of a total length of about 660 kms would be undertaken with Indian assistance in the first phase at an estimated cost of Indian Rs.805 crores. Both sides will strive to complete the work expeditiously. Both sides also agreed to expeditiously implement the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar Link Road as per bilateral discussions.
22. To improve rail connectivity between the two countries, two cross-border rail links would be constructed with Indian assistance at the following two points along the India-Nepal border at an estimated cost of Indian Rs.680 crores:
(i) Jogbani-Biratnagar ( 18 Kms)
(ii) Gauge conversion of Jayanagar to Bijalpura (51 kms) and extension of the same to Bardibas (17 kms).
Both sides will strive to complete the work expeditiously.
23. For accelerated development of financial markets in Nepal the Government of India would provide technical assistance for establishment of a Central Depository System (CDS) in Nepal at an estimated cost of Indian Rs.9.2 crores towards consultancy, development of application software and training. Relevant stakeholders in Nepal such as the Nepal Stock Exchange Limited (NEPSE) are to provide the necessary infrastructure for the System. Completion of the project is envisaged within a year.
24. In response to a request from the Nepalese side for enhancing scholarships in order to further assist with human resource development in Nepal, the Government of India agreed to double the number of scholarships. The Government of India also agreed to increase the number of slots for training and exchange programmes for Government of Nepal officials, including police personnel, to further strengthen capacity building and expand interaction between the civil servants of the two countries.
25. The Nepalese side expressed satisfaction that India has responded promptly to Nepal’s request to send an expert to advise on the development of National Museums in Nepal.
26. In response to a proposal from the Nepalese side to keep the Bagmati River and its tributaries clean and safe, the Indian side agreed to send a technical team to Nepal to study the Bagmati Civilisation Project.
27. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the timely completion of the technically challenging task of the closure of the breach of Kosi embankment last year. They stressed the need for constant vigil and continuous maintenance, as well as other necessary measures so as to avoid the recurrence of such incidents in the future. They decided to take up preventive measures for the Gandak and other barrages under the existing bilateral arrangements. The two sides also discussed the problem of inundation in the border areas between Nepal and India and agreed that the Joint Ministerial Commission on Water Resources should address these issues regularly, and the agreed work would be implemented expeditiously.
28. In order to accelerate the implementation of Pancheshwar Multi-purpose Project, the two Prime Ministers directed the Joint Ministerial Commission on Water Resources and Joint Committee on Water Resources to expedite the finalization of Terms of Reference for Pancheshwar Development Authority and the Detailed Project Report of the Pancheshwar Project.
29. The Prime Minister of Nepal conveyed that the Government of Nepal planned to generate 25,000 MW of hydro-electricity in the next twenty years, and sought India’s active participation in the development of this potential. The two sides agreed to facilitate increased Indian public and private sector involvement to harness Nepal’s hydropower potential. Both sides also agreed to expedite progress on the Sapta Koshi High Dam and Sunkoshi Diversion Project and the Naumure Project as per bilateral discussions. Both sides also agreed to expedite the construction of Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur 400 KV cross border transmission line for which the modalities are to be developed. In order to facilitate power trade in the short run, Indian side agreed to examine the Nepalese request for improving the transmission lines in three border areas.
30. The two sides agreed to further extend bilateral cooperation on culture, science and technology, tourism and sports. The Nepalese side said that they would welcome more Indian tourists to visit their country and explore its immensely rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Experts of both sides would meet to study and explore the potential areas of cooperation in this important sector.
31. Parliamentarians of both sides can make valuable contribution in sharing experiences, exchange views on strengthening democratic norms and for generating fresh ideas to promote bilateral relations and understanding. The two Prime Ministers agreed that there should be regular exchange of Parliamentary delegations. They also agreed to establish Young Parliamentarians Forum.
32. In response to a request from the Nepalese side for the removal of ban on the export of essential commodities from India to Nepal, the Indian side conveyed that the issue would be considered on receipt of specific proposals.
33. Climate change is an issue that directly affects the ecological resources of India and Nepal. Glacial meltdown in upper reaches of Himalayas and the gradual ecological degradation of the Chure-Bhawar range are leading to natural disasters in the form of floods which are a common threat to both our countries. Both sides agreed to undertake joint scientific collaboration between India and Nepal in hydrological and glaciological study of the impact of climate change for mutually beneficial cooperation.
34. The Prime Minister of Nepal renewed the invitation to the Prime Minister of India to pay an official visit to Nepal at an early date. The Prime Minister of India accepted it with pleasure. The dates of the visit will be decided through diplomatic channels.
New Delhi,
August 22, 2009
