China is Nepal’s spanner to Kabul’s entry

A surprise attempt by Nepal to link China’s application for observer status in SAARC with Afghanistan’s case of membership has put...

A surprise attempt by Nepal to link China’s application for observer status in SAARC with Afghanistan’s case of membership has put a question mark on the latter’s case.

Afghanistan’s inclusion was almost decided when Nepal sprang the surprise. At the ministerial meet, which went on till late last night, Kathmandu said it saw Afghanistan’s membership and China’s quest for an observer status as ‘‘related issues’’. At this point, sources said, Bangladesh suggested India and Nepal resolve their differences. The Indian delegation took exception to this, saying it stood by the consensus that was emerging on including Afghanistan.

On China, however, India said there was no precedent of an observer or a dialogue partner. Instead India suggested that a MoU for cooperation be reached with China.

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This did not change Nepal’s position. Nepal King Gyanendra, in his address, did not raise the issue but offered to make Nepal a ‘‘transit point’’ between India and China.

The Nepal King also explained his decision to assume power, which he said was needed as successive governments in Nepal had failed to ‘‘contain ever-emboldening terrorists and maintain law and order’’.

He re-emphasised commitment to hold general elections by April 2007 adding at he has asked the Election Commission to start making arrangements.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal

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