India expresses "great concern" over situation in Nepal
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, April 18, IRNA
India-Nepal-Dialogue
As the situation in Nepal acquires a dynamic character of its own, India expressed "great concern" over developments in the country and has asked King Gyanendra to immediately initiate dialogue with political parties aimed at reconciliation and evolving a national consensus.
India's "concerns" and views were conveyed to Gyanendra when Indian Ambassador to Nepal Shiv Shanker Mukherjee met the monarch in Kathmandu on Monday to discuss the current political situation in the Himalayan kingdom.
During the meeting, Mukherjee underlined the need for immediate initiation of dialogue between the royal government and political parties, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Navtej Sarna said.
"The monarchy and political parties should work together for reconciliation and develop a national consensus," he said.
Sarna said India was monitoring the situation in Nepal very closely and, in this regard, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held a high-level meeting here Monday night to review the latest
developments in the neighboring country.
Meanwhile, the Indian ambassador to Nepal Monday met top opposition leader and former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala and briefed him about his discussions with King Gyanendra.
The current political situation in the Himalayan kingdom, where an indefinite strike called by a seven-party opposition alliance has paralyzed life, was discussed also in the meeting between the Indian ambassador and the Nepalese king yesterday in Koirala, Nepali Congress sources said.
Mukherjee also met some of his diplomatic colleagues in Kathmandu.
India has joined the international community in voicing concern for restoration of democracy in Nepal.
The royal government has launched a crackdown against the pro-democracy movement in the country which began on April 6.
As part of government actions, police have been using force, including resort to firing, against activists.
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