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Coming with draft to replace 1950 treaty: Prachanda

Prachanda

KATHMANDU: Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) has said a draft has been readied to replace the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship between his country and India.

“We have already prepared a draft which I am carrying to India,” he said in an interview to the state-owned The Rising Nepal.

Mr. Prachanda, who begins his “first political visit” to India on Sunday, said: “When talking about putting forth a new draft for the treaty, I am against the idea that India should accept whatever we propose. Rather, it should be done in such a way that the points to be included in the treaty are worked out following the formation of a special task force of Nepalese and Indian officials in the respective countries to finalise the draft through mutual consultations and understanding.”

The 1954 Kosi Treaty would also be reviewed during Mr. Prachanda’s visit. But, he said, he would not sign any new treaty.

His primary focus would be “to remove the crisis of confidence between Nepal and India at a political level.”

“I feel that the lack of confidence is the result of lack of a steadfast and clear dialogue with India. This visit will create such an environment that it would do away with all the causes of mistrust and build ground for signing new treaties and agreements that are mutually beneficial and standing on equal footing. I hope once there is such an atmosphere, there will be a situation in which we can reach new agreements, including on water resources, confidently and without any apprehension.”

Mr. Prachanda appreciated India’s role in helping the Maoists sign the 12-point agreement with the then Seven Party Alliance, which included the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML).

“I am visiting India as a powerful PM of republic Nepal. Hence I am confident that I can firmly represent national sentiment and that of the needs of the country, and India on its part should come forward to help without any hesitation in Nepal’s peace process and prosperity.” During his four-day visit, Mr. Prachanda will meet the President, the Vice-President and the Prime Minister.

On Saturday, Mr. Prachanda met the former Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala. Talking to journalists later, he said: “He [Koirala] has a lot of experience about foreign dealings, so I met him,” he said. “He has advised me to put forward our issues with ease.”

However, at another programme, Mr. Koirala said the present government had no authority to sign any new treaty with India; its primary function was to write the Constitution and maintain political stability.

PTI reports from Kathmandu:

Mr. Prachanda assured Indian joint ventures and other multinationals in Nepal of enhanced security. His government was committed to building an atmosphere conducive to investors by maintaining industrial security and peace.

He said Kathmandu would seek New Delhi’s help in drafting the Constitution as also to give a boost to the landlocked country’s economy.

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Coming with draft to replace 1950 treaty: Prachanda

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