Speaking at an interaction program organised in New Delhi by IPCS (Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies), a local think-tank, Prasad said, “There could be major political storm in Nepal if elections are derailed or delayed.” “And if elections are held on time, I am confident that there will be a new constitution in Nepal this time around,” he said to a question posed by Republica.[break]
Stating that “unfinished tasks will have to be completed in Nepal,” Prasad said, “India wants to see a “peaceful, stable, prosperous, and democratic Nepal,” adding, “Stability in Nepal depends on holding the elections and writing the constitution.”
Giving the valedictory address in the program, he said, “The desired outcome in Nepali politics is to go for polls and India desires to see the successful completion of the elections.” He also said that the recent visit of India’s foreign secretary and visit of Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid to Nepal during his tenure show the importance that India accords to Nepal.
On the poll support, he said, “India has already offered all logistical support to the government of Nepal for the upcoming polls.”Emphasising that Nepal should become economically strong, Prasad said, “There are many sectors where Nepal has out-performed India.
Poverty reduction, child malnutrition, infant mortality, and maternal mortality are four important elements of the MDGs where Nepal has performed very well.” Stating that India is willing to assist Nepal in every way possible, Prasad said India is willing to build a Police Academy in Nepal, bring Lumbini in to the Buddhist circuit, among others. He also informed that India is willing to set-up an immigration check-point in the Indian side of the border to help tourists to visit Lumbini more easily on the request of the government of Nepal.
The IPCS had organised a one-day seminar at IIC in New Delhi on the topic ‘Nepal Elections 2013 and the Future of India-Nepal Relations.’ Rtd Maj Gen Ashok Mehta, an old Nepal hand in India, and K N Adhikari, Charge’ d’ Affaires a. i., Nepal embassy chaired the sessions during the seminar.
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