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VOL. 03, NO. 04, July 16, 2009 (Shrawan 01 2066) |
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‘We Can Seek India’s Support To Form Our Government’
C.P.GAJUREL
With the fall of Unified Communist Party of Nepal Maoist (UCPNM) government, Maoist leaders have been accusing external forces for the downfall of the government. Senior leader C.P. GAJUREL is one of the many who have been vocal in raising the foreign factor. He is the head of the party’s International Affairs Department. Gajurel spoke to KESHAB POUDEL on the subject and the party’s international perspectives. Excerpts:
So, you have not overcome yet the foreign master (bideshi prabhu) theory behind the fall of your party’s government?
When our government took a nationalist stand and pursued nationalist policy, expansionist, revisionist and colonial powers and feudal reactionary forces joined together to pull down the government. We saw the open interference of the US and India.
There was no interference in the past?
In the last few years, our southern neighbour Indian has been openly interfering in internal affairs of Nepal. Along with interfering in our internal politics, they too encroached our border. In a country like Nepal, this kind of foreign interference will continue for long time to come.
Why?
Foreign interference has become part of Nepal’s politics since long time but it was covered up during the period of monarchy. During that period, it was confined to selected elites in power. Following the abolition of monarchy, it is open at the people’s level also.
Then what is the status all CA members whom your party also claims are elected representatives of sovereign Nepali people?
What we can say for sure is that this government was constituted with the blessings of foreign government. Even Indian newspapers termed this government pro-Indian.
When your leader and former prime minister Prachanda was in the final stage of paying official visit to Nepal’s northern neighbour China, what had prompted him to remove the army chief. The resignation of your prime minister led to the postponement of the prime minister’s visit to China for indefinite period. Is not it against Nepal’s interest?
Of course, prime minister Dahal had completed all his home work to pay official visit to China. Had the Prime minister visited, there were so many agenda and proposals to discuss. Nepal would have gained a lot from signing various agreements and treaties.
If that is show why did not he wait a week to take such a sensitive decision?
After the series of violation of order of the government by army chief General Katuwal, a situation was created which compelled us to remove him.
Was it the only reason to cancel the visit?
If prime minister had not cancelled the visit, there were possibilities of a military government or a military coup. He cancelled the visit to prevent a military coup.
How did your party visualize that threat?
It was leaked through various channels including the media. The situation was created in such a way that prime minister was compelled to cancel the visit. It is very unfortunate.
When your party decided to take action against General Katawal, all the coalition partners were behind you. Do you see the sudden withdrawal of their support to your government and cancellation of the visit?
Not only the ruling coalition but even a faction of Nepali Congress supported our proposal to remove General Katuwal. However, all withdrew their support at the last minute. Given the situation, I can say that it was a well planned conspiracy to pull down the Maoist government hence the cancellation of the China visit of the prime minister.
At a time when your party leaders are accusing foreign element particularly India, Maoist leader Dr. Baburam Bhattarai in his recent interview to Indian newspaper requested the Indian government for support to form Maoist government.
Diplomatically, we can ask Indians for support since India is our neighboring country like China. As a neighboring country, it is natural to seek support. In diplomatic language, it is alright. But it does not mean that we can support their interference.
Is there any change in your party’s foreign policy after the fall of the government led by your party?
Our foreign policy remains the same. When we are in the government, we shall have to respect certain diplomatic norms. Thus, the statements given by our minister were little different. So far as our party’s foreign policy is concerned, it remains unchanged. Even during the period of our government in power, we took our stand firmly. After the fall of the government, we don’t have any diplomatic compulsion.
What is the foreign policy of your party vis-a-vis Nepal’s two neighbours?
Our party wants to have equi-distant relations with two neighbours India and China. We want good and friendly relations with them. Our aim is to protect the national interest. On the basis of national interest, we can establish our international relations. Situated between two big neighbors, Nepal has a very unique geostrategic position and our party has a clear vision.
What about the relations with the rest of the world?
We want friendly relations with other countries also. By paying an official visit to European countries and United States, Prachanda has shown that our party wants cordial relations with all the powers of the world. But our relations are based on Panchasila.
How do you improve your relations with India where most of your party workers reportedly spent their time during insurgency?
We have very good relations with the people of India but we have certain misunderstandings at official level.
People also say that the Maoists harp on the nationalist stands but the result turns out to be anti-national.
It is merely a propaganda. Our party has a clear stand on Nepal’s national interest. We oppose the hegemonic and expansionist policy of any power of the world including India.
How do you see the recent activities of pro-Dalai Lama elements in Nepal?
It is very unfortunate event. We need to respect the sensitivity of Nepal’s both neighbours. If we allow Dalai Lama’s illegal act, it will create more trouble to us. We must stick to one China policy and our party oppose any move to use Nepal’s soil against Nepal’s neighbour.
A few MPs met exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, Dalai Lama. Does not make it difference?
Meeting with Dalai Lama is not just a religious matter but it is very much political. With the support from the United States, India and many other western countries have been backing Dalai Lama. Although his posture seems to be that of a religious leader, Dalai Lama is mainly a leader of Free Tibet Movement. As a member of Constituent Assembly, they knew all these factors. Interestingly, those who visited Dharmasala to meet Dalai Lama are not even Buddhists but all of them are Hindus from Nepal’s southern plains. The visit is guided by political mission. This will create suspicion in China.
Your party is also raising the issue of border encroachment by India when Indian foreign secretary in his recent visit to Nepal said that 98 percent of border disputes between Nepal and India have already settled.
I also met Indian foreign secretary Menon during his recent visit. I put these views in front him saying that the issues of border encroachment are not a Maoist agenda but an issue raised by common people of Nepal. I have requested Indian foreign secretary to investigate such kinds of provocative incidents. I said that India can benefits a lot from getting goodwill of Nepalese people.
What was his reply?
He said that the Indian government does not have any intention to indulge in Nepal’s internal matters. On border issues, he said that India is ready to negotiate with Nepal.
