KATHMANDU, Jan 17: Indian External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Friday said that he conveyed India’s disappointment to Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on their ongoing anti-India movement.
“I did convey to him (Dahal) based on reports and Maoist statements in last 10 to 12 days,” he told journalists at the Tribhuvan International Airport when asked if India was disappointed with the movement launched by the Unified CPN (Maoist).[break]
He further said that he told Dahal that India would deal all political parties equally.
“We have conveyed to the Maoist leadership that we would like to deal with them just like we deal with other political parties in Nepal with sense of respect and equality.” Krishna said. “We hope that they would realize the good intention of my visit.”
When asked about if India would support a Maoist-led government, Krishna added: “I register that India would like to continue good relations with all political parties including Maoist in Nepal.”
Krishna returned India on Sunday afternoon after completing his three-day official visit to Nepal.
Nepal, India to co-operate to end menace of terrorism, extremism
Earlier, issuing a joint statement, Krishna and Foreign Affairs Minister Sujata Koirala said that Nepal and India agreed to co-operate closely to end the menace of terrorism and extremism.
The two foreign ministers said that they have directed secretaries and discuss and review the 1950 Treaty of peace and friendship with a view to further strengthen bilateral relations.
“The two ministers discussed security concerns of the respective countries and agreed terrorism and extremism were of threat to both countries,” the 20-point joint statement read. “They agreed to co-operate to end this menace.”
The ministers also discussed ways to enhance bilateral security co-operation to control cross-border crime; agreed to take all necessary action to preserve law and order and maintain peace and tranquility along India-Nepal border and agreed to expedite the finalization of MoU for the construction of the Nepal Police Academy.
The joint statement also added that Krishna conveyed to Nepal the assurance that India was willing to provide all possible assistance to Nepali security agencies as per the Nepal Government’s request.
Krishna also remained concerned about the business environment in Nepal affecting Indian investment and joint venues and requested Nepal to address the issue urgently and effectively.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Koirala assured India that Nepal would not allow its territory to be used for any activity against India.
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