The Hindu : International / India & World : India's role in resolving Nepal crisis greater: Koirala

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Friday, Jul 15, 2005

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India's role in resolving Nepal crisis greater: Koirala

KATHMANDU: : Nepal's leading politicians have sought the involvement of the international community, including India, in initiating talks with the Maoists and bringing them to the political mainstream. This was conveyed to Lakhdar Brahimi, Special Advisor to United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, who is here to help find a solution to the insurgency that has plagued the country for 12 years and claimed over 12,000 lives.

Former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala told Mr. Brahimi that India's role in resolving the problem was greater, and the support from the international community was also necessary, Suresh Chalise, political adviser to Mr. Koirala, told PTI.

Mr. Koirala said third party involvement was necessary to end the political crisis, as the Maoists, the political parties and the King were all in a crisis of confidence. Nothing could happen even if the King, the Maoists and the seven-party alliance came together, said Mr. Koirala, who is leading the agitation against the royal takeover

Nepal Communist Party-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal told Mr. Brahimi on Wednesday that the United Nations should play a role in bringing the Maoists to negotiations, party spokesman Pradeep Nepal said. Mr. Brahimi sought opinion on a possible common ground for reconciliation between the King and the parties, and information about the moves by the parties and the Maoists to begin a dialogue.

"Our party has been asking for the involvement of the U.N. in facilitating the talks, and if India also wants to assist, we welcome that," Mr. Nepal said.

Mr. Brahimi met Tulsi Giri and Kirtinidhi Bista, vice-chairmen of the council of ministers, and leaders of other political parties.

Source in the U.N. office here said the aim of Mr. Brahimi's visit was to help the country get rid of insurgency.

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India's role in resolving Nepal crisis greater: Koirala