People should decide the future of monarchy in Nepal: India

Kathmandu, Oct 12 (UNI) The future of the monarchy in Nepal should be decided by the people of Himalayan nation rather than declaring the country a republic through parliament, Indian Prime Minister's special envoy to Nepal Shyam Saran said here today.

Speaking in a press conference before leaving for India, Mr Saran said, ''People's fresh mandate through elections would be the best option to decide on such important issues'', adding that major political decisions should involve the people's verdict.

If the Constituent Assembly (CA) elections were delayed, then questions on the legitimacy of the government would arise. All the leaders were positive on holding the election soon, he added.

The free and fair CA polls were essential for the success of the peace process and strenghthening of democracy, the diplomat further said, mentioning that India always wanted peace, prosperity and development in Nepal.

Mr Saran is on three-day visit to Nepal and during his stay he held meeting with top leaders of major political parties, including Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Maoist chairman Prachanda, UML general secretary Madhav Nepal, former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba, RJP chairman Surya Bahadur Thapa and chief election commissioner Bhoj Raj Pokhrel.

UNI