Nepal agreement on CA elections 'encouraging development':India

New Delhi, Dec 24 (UNI) India today described as ''encouraging development in the right direction'' the 23 Point Agreement reached among the seven parties in Nepal to hold Constituent Assembly (CA) elections by mid-April 2008.

''This is an encouraging development in the right direction,'' the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement here late this evening.

The statement, while noting that the agreement had given the elections central importance, said the exercise of the people's right to elect a Constituent Assembly in a free, fair and fearless manner was the best way to enable the people of Nepal to choose their own future.

''We hope that all concerned will work towards maintaining the new deadline for CA elections,'' it said.

The statement also reaffirmed India's readiness to assist in every possible way, Nepal's transition to a democratic, stable, peaceful and prosperous State.

UNI