China is positive in Nepal's peace process: UN Rep

Kathmandu, Mar 4: United Nations Secretary-General's SpecialRepresentative to Nepal Ian Martin said China is extremely supportiveof the peace process in Nepal.

''So far as China is concerned, it has been extremely supportivefrom my perspective of the UN's role,'' the Kathmandu Post quoted MrMartin as saying in New York.

The previous royalist government led by King Gyanendra hadexaggerated while saying that it had garnered Chinese support, whenIndia was too critical of the government, he said.

''They [King Gyanendra's government] wanted to project themselvesas having support countering the criticism that they were receivingfrom India and other governments,'' said Mr Martin.

''But now, China is fully supportive of the process.'' Somegovernment officials have claimed that China has been displeased withthe UN officials not giving it enough space - with regard to holdingconsultations - as has been given to India, in the ongoing peaceprocess, the paper said.

''This is a peace agreement that was negotiated between theprincipal Nepali actors, and yes it was smiled upon by India, where keynegotiations between the Maoists and the political parties took place,but in no way was it mediated by India,'' he said.

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