| Naresh_karki |
Posted
on 05-Oct-02 09:27 AM
India reacts cautiously to Nepal crisis
NEW DELHI, OCT 5 (PTI)
Treading a cautious path on the developments in Nepal, India today hoped that the present crisis there would be resolved soon within the framework of constitutional processes, paving the way for early elections.
India hopes that the "present crisis will be resolved soon within the framework of constitutional processes, paving the way for elections at the earliest and installation of a democratically-elected government in the interest of peace, stability and development in Nepal," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Nirupama Rao told reporters.
She was asked about New Delhi's reaction to Nepalese King Gyanendra sacking Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his entire Cabinet yesterday.
"Any interim arrangement should be based on consultation and consensus," she said.
Observing that it was "unfortunate" that elections in Nepal have had to be postponed, she said "the present crisis, the origins of which are well known, has been developing over some time".
The spokesperson said last week the Nepalese political parties had come to the conclusion that elections could not be held in the present circumstances and would have to be deferred.
"India has always believed that there are two pillars for stability in Nepal -- multi-party democracy and constitutional monarchy and both these pillars should remain strong," she said.
"We enjoy close and friendly relations with Nepal. It is only natural that we are in touch with Nepal at this time," she said.
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