Foreign secy wants peace and stability in Nepal

Although Saran refrained from making any comment with political overtones, he, sources said, managed to convey the message that occasional ‘‘pin-pricks’’ by Nepal, like procuring arms from China, would only complicate the relationship. Sharan’s visit took place in the background of Nepal’s procuring arms from China and coincided with the threat of a key advisor of the King, a retired Army chief, that China was always ready to help Nepal in all crises.

Sharan spent about one hour and 45 minutes with King Gyanendra and the three-para brief press note issued at the end of his visit apparently concealed many things that transpired. ‘‘In all my meetings, I have conveyed that restoration of peace, stability and economic recovery is not only in the interest of Nepal, but also in India’s interest’’, he said, adding that ‘‘India stands ready to support all efforts aimed at brining about a peaceful resolution to the problems confronting Nepal’’.

Deletion of the word democracy has apparently triggered fear in the minds of the pro-democracy forces here. Sharan, however, said in response to a question that unity and consolidation of constitutional forces was essential to achieve the goal of peace and stability in Nepal which was a reiteration of Indian position that the King should reach out to the political parties.

Despite his known antipathy towards political parties, the King is believed to have positively responded to the suggestion for a dialogue with the pro-democracy forces.