Kathmandu: Against the backdrop of increased
anti-India activities by Maoists, Nepal on Wednesday assured New
Delhi that its security concerns would be addressed and vowed
not to allow any activity from its soil directed at the
neighbouring country.
On its part, India affirmed its commitment to Nepal`s
peace process and voiced confidence that the Jhala Nath Khanal
government here would be able to draft a new Constitution by
the May 28 deadline to take the democratic process forward.
"Peace process and drafting a Constitution are the twin
responsibilities of the Prime Minister of Nepal and I am
confident that he will be able to fulfill his responsibility,"
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna, who is on a three-day
visit here, told reporters after meeting Nepal`s top
leadership.
Krishna, who met President Ram Baran Yadav, Premier
Khanal and Deputy Premier Bharat Mohan Adhikary, discussed
peace, security, bilateral cooperation and current political
developments in Nepal with them.
During the talks, Nepal assured India that it would
address its security concerns.
Instability and insecurity in Nepal would also pose a
threat to India, Khanal`s Foreign Affairs Adviser Milan Raj
Tuladhar said, briefing reporters about the talks.
"The Prime Minister has assured India that Nepal will not
allow any activity that would pose threat to India`s
security," he said.
India also pledged its support to Nepal`s endeavours
towards economic development.
"India has reached certain level of economic development
and we want to share our experience with our neighbour,"
Krishna said, adding India wants to build on its partnership
with Nepal.
Describing his meeting with Khanal as "very friendly and
purposeful", he said he was "completely satisfied" with the
discussions he had with the Nepalese leaders.
"The Prime Minister of Nepal referred to the unique
friendly relations between Nepal and India which we totally
identify with," Krishna said.
The relations between the two countries would be further
strengthened by frequent exchange of bilateral visits, he
added.
Tuladhar said that the Prime Minister spoke about the
progress made in the peace process and Constitution-drafting
during talks with Krishna.
"We have been discussing with the Maoists to work out
modalities for smooth integration of their combatants (with
the Nepalese army)," he said quoting the Prime Minister.
All political parties including the Nepali Congress have
inched closer to consensus on taking the peace process to a
logical conclusion, he said.
PTI
