PM hopes govt formation process in Nepal would proceed smoothly

Bagdogra, May 17 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today hoped the process of the formation of a new government in Nepal would proceed smoothly and said India would use its influence to sort out all problems that had arisen among the major political players in that country.

Addressing a press conference here on his way back to Delhi from a two-day visit to Bhutan, Dr Singh said the government was in touch with the Maoists, who had emerged as the single largest party in the recent Constituent Assembly elections and were planning to form a coalition government.

He said the Maoists had assured India that they were in a new phase of their existence and would work within the framework of a democratic system.

Dr Singh said all political parties in Nepal had an obligation to make the democratic experiment a success.

"Our good wishes are with them for ushering in a democracy," he added.

UNI SA RP KN2148