Nepal delegation seeks Indian support in peace process - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Representatives of a Nepal delegation currently on a visit here has sought Indian Government's help to maintain peace and stability in that country. The delegation said that they were keen to seek New Delhi's assistance in countering a possible Maoists' resurgence. The delegation revealed that it had meetings with External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna and Foreign Secretary Nirupama Roy. The delegation wanted to explore the contribution India could make to ensure a smooth peace process in Nepal. After meeting the Indian ministers, the Nepalese delegation was convinced that India wouldn't shy away from playing the role of a friend for people of Nepal. "We are encouraged with the warmth of External Affairs Minister and Foreign Secretary and at the commitment they have [shown] towards Nepal and peace process. Though the Foreign Minister did not make any explicit statement but that government of India stands in full support and stand by people of Nepal in a manner they want," Prakash Rimal, the News Editor of The Kathmandu Post stated at Delhi's Indian Council of World Affairs about the delegation's meet with Indian ministers today in the national capital. Asked on the brewing turmoil in Nepal, Rimal expressed his dismay at the expected deadline of May 2010 for writing of the Constitution of Nepal. "Nepal will not be able to meet the deadline. It's a project next to impossible. [It's] tragic that the government doesn't have guts to give a new deadline," Rimal remarked. Asked about counterfeit currency rackets and its export to India via porous border, Rimal supported Nepal government's commitment towards preventing it. "This also affects the Nepal's economy and Nepal wouldn't want to be seen as a source of fake currency deals." Rimal confided in Foreign Minister of Nepal assurance on curbing the fake currency rackets in Nepal and said: "Government of Nepal is doing every possible bit to tackle the situation and have nabbed a few people in the last two months in relation with fake currency rackets." "Credible information needs to be available for such arrests," Rimal added. Maoists seem to be making attempts to thwart establishment of peace in the country by stepping up pressure on the 22-party coalition to declare two new "autonomous" regions and increase the total number to six from four in a bid to set up a parallel government in their country.