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VOL. 28, NO. 22, Feb 20, 2009 (Falgun 09 2065)
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"We Oppose Any Move To Interfere In The Internal Affairs Of Nepal By Any Force"
Liu Hongcai
Vice Minister of International Department of the Central Committee of CPC, LIU HONGCAI recently visited Nepal to take part in the general convention of CPN-UML in Butwal While attending a reception organized by China Study Center, Hongcai addressed the meeting. Excerpts of his statement compiled by KESHAB POUDEL
On visit to Nepal?
It is a privilege to attend the reception hosted by new and old friends. Actually, I have been looking forward to coming back to Nepal ever since my last visit to your country at the end of 2006. I deeply love this country since Nepal is a neighbour and friend of China. What especially touches me is the intelligence and bravery of Nepalese people. That is why I was able to make my second visit to Nepal quite soon and I am happy about that.
On the purpose of the visit
My purpose was to attend the eight national congress of Communist Party of Nepal United Marxist and Leninist. We flew to Butwal, Lumbini yesterday (Monday) afternoon and we just came back to Kathmandu this afternoon. I had very good conversations and discussions with main leaders of CPN-UML and also attended the inaugural ceremony of eighth national convention, which was attended by huge number of people. The attendance of the people left me a deep impression.
On China's Views to Nepal
China always supports Nepal's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Whoever may be in the government in Nepal, China's stand is clear on Nepal. We oppose any move to interfere in the internal affairs of Nepal by any force.
On the recent Change
This visit also provided me with very good opportunity to make extensive contacts and exchange views with Nepalese friends from various social circles and classes. It has provided many opportunities to engage in in-depth discussion with many of friends here on bilateral relations and on the relations between CPC and major political parties of Nepal. I also discussed with them about regional and international situation. Ever since my arrival in Kathmandu I have conducted many meetings with the government as well as party leaders of various political parties. In the last two days, I met with various ministers and leaders of political parties of Nepal.
On his observation
First of all coming back to Nepal after two years I have seen that everything has changed in your country but my personal opinion is that everything is changing in more positive direction. For example, the peace process is on going in full swing and the election of the constituent assembly has been successfully completed I have also seen many signs of political, economic and social progress in the country.
On Peace Process
Of course, on our way forward, there are always many hurdles, twists and turns. What I have always believed is that the joint efforts by various political forces as well as the people of Nepal is going to see very sturdy and smooth peace process and we are also going to see that economic, social and political development of Nepal will move on more stable track.
On Stability
We believe that as long as all political forces in Nepal bear in mind the stability and development of the country and try to solve all the problems through consultations and peaceful means and think to remove obstacles in the developments, we are going to see smooth development of peace process and we are going to see new constitution made very successfully and we are also going to see lasting stability as well prosperity in the country.
On Government Views
During my meetings with government leaders and political parties in previous visits, I had always stressed the principle that China will always remain a very firm supporter and promoter of peace process in Nepal.
On Nepalese People
Ever since my arrival here I have been very deeply impressed by the fact that it is sincere wish and willingness of all political forces as well as the people of Nepal to develop and maintain friendship with China and build traditional good neighbourly partnership with China.
On China's Policy
No matter what has changed in the world or what has changed inside the country, the good neighbourly and friendly relationship between China and Nepal has always remained intact and developing. Through my conversations with many ordinary people in the streets in Nepal, I have the feeling that the friendship between China and Nepal has really won the hearts and minds of Nepalese people.
On Nepalese government Policy
Communist Party of China and government of China are also very grateful to the successive governments of Nepal as well as various political parties of Nepal for their firm support for one China policy and greater support to us in many issues such as Tibet and human rights. Even prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda reiterated his strong commitment to one China policy saying that his government will not allow any anti-China activity in Nepal from any quarters.
On Chinese expectations
We hope that in the new circumstances China and Nepal could continue to engage in practical cooperation so as to push cooperation and friendship in very comprehensive and in-depth manner. Chinese people are willing to share in your endeavour for development and peace process. We also like to invite Nepalese people to share jubilation of 60 years of founding of People's Republic of China.
On economic implications of global economic crisis to China
Ever since the latter half of last year, Chinese economy is increasingly exposed to the international financial crisis which originated in United States. Many of our friends know that Chinese economy is heavily dependant upon the export sector. Because of the slump in the major economies of the world such as the USA, EU and Japan, this has seriously affected China and many factories are closed down and many workers have lost the job. Additionally, in the beginning of the year, we also suffered from many natural disasters like Ice storm and quakes.
China's response
Our government and CPC took very decisive steps. Despite all these negative factors, Chinese economy maintains a high economic growth of 9 percent for the year 2008. Fundamentals of Chinese economy are very sound and we have achieved a bumper harvest in the last five years. This year we have set growth rate of 8 percent. It might be the lowest growth rate for China in recent years. The economic activities in January and February have encouraged us that we will overcome the economic crisis.
