India, US, EU, Japan congratulate Nepal's newly elected PM

Kathmandu, Aug 16 (UNI) India, US, EU and Japan have congratulated Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on being elected as the first Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

''I look forward to working with you to further develop the bonds of good neighborliness that unite our peoples and nations, and to deepen the friendly relations that happily exist between our two countries,'' a press statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu quoted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as saying.

It said India will continue to stand by Nepal in consolidating peaceful democratic transition and developmental efforts.

Congratulating the newly-elected PM, the US said, ''We hope that election of the Prime Minister removes the last barrier to speedy formation of a government, constructive action on key issues facing Nepal, and a start on the difficult but necessary task of drafting Nepal's new constitution.'' The US said it will continue its strong support for peace, democracy, human rights and development in Nepal. Maoists party is still in the terrorist list of the US, a statement issued here by the US embassy said.

Likewise, European Union Heads of Missions in Kathmandu said the election of Prime Minister Dahal had brought to an end a period of uncertainty and paved the way for government formation.

''We look forward to the new government delivering to the people to meet their expectations for a prosperous future and taking forward the peace process, including through creating environment for drafting a constitution that secures peace, stability and democracy,'' said a press statement.

Japan said it wished that the peace process would continue through the concerted efforts of all political parties so that the happiness and prosperity of Nepalis would materialise at the earliest.

A press statement issued by the embassy of Japan in the city also expressed commitment to assist Nepal's efforts to draft a new constitution and expressed confidence that friendly and cooperative relations will be consolidated in the days ahead.

Mr Prachanda was elected with the support of all the political parties except the Nepali Congress.

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