Koirala's India visit significant: Nepali politicians

Kathmandu, June 5 (UNI) The ''goodwill visit'' of Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to India, starting from tomorrow, is a ''significant'' step to strengthen friendly ties and promote economic development in both the countries, according to the political leaders here.

Mr Koirala will fly to New Delhi tomorrow on a five-day goodwill visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

''The goodwill visit to India would be significant for Nepal from the political as well as economic point of view,'' a State-run daily newspaper, The Rising Nepal quoted leader of the Nepali Congress democratic party Dr Narayan Khadka as saying.

It would help cement the ties between the two neighbours, he said.

''India's role would be vital in restoring permanent peace in Nepal, observing the enforcement of truce code of conduct signed between the government and the Maoists and assisting in organising the Constituent Assembly elections in a peaceful manner,'' Dr Khadka said.

India could play a decisive role to invite and involve the United Nations as an observer for weapons management, the leader said, adding that India could play an important role in bringing Maoists to competitive politics.

The repatriation of the Bhutanese refugees was another issues that necessitated India's cooperation, he observed.

Former Nepalese ambassador to India, Prof Harsha Narayan Dhaubadel said Mr Koirala's visit would be significant from diplomatic point of view.

He said the Nepalese government should request India for its support to build peace and expedite economic development.

Prime Minister Koirala and his Indian counterpart should discuss all the bilateral issues in light of the unfolding situation in Nepal, he said.

Former Finance Minister Prakash Chandra Lohani said the people of Nepal were now busy in the institutionalisation of the historic victory achieved through the popular people's movement.

''To consolidate this endeavour, Nepal needs the support of India,'' he noted.

Nepali Congress leader Sujata Koirala said the visit would primarily centre on consolidation of mutual ties between the two nations. ''It will also focus on Nepal's economic development,'' she said.

She hoped the visit would help solve the outstanding issues between the two nations.

UNI XC VJ HS1330