Releasing journalist Rishi Dhamala´s documentary on Nepal-India Relations and Development on Friday, the envoy said the parties would eventually arrive at consensus despite great differences. [break]
“I am hopeful that these two processes will move forward simply because there is no alternative,” he said. “I think time is running out. The political elite of this country is conscious of this.”
The envoy argued the differences between the parties on various issues would gradually be resolved. “The very fact that you have a Constituent Assembly means that there is a convergence of views that Nepal needs to have multiparty democracy,” he said.
Envoy Prasad clarified that 11 Maoists cadres were acquitted recently from Bihar Jail after public prosecutors intervened.
“Most of the cases that were filed in Indian court had charged people with conspiring to wage war against the government of a friendly country. That situation no longer obtains,” he said. “However, if there is any other infringement of Indian laws related to Indian groups or related to any unlawful activities subscribed by Indian criminal court, then it becomes a different issue.”
“I am personally not familiar with the details of other cases. I was officially requested by the government of Nepal to intervene in the cases that lay before the Patna court,” he further said.
He also said both India and Nepal are working for Indian prime minister´s visit to Nepal. “We have not had any discussions about the precise time. But the government of India and the government of Nepal are working toward a visit by our prime minister. And we hope that it will take place as soon as possible,” he said.
The envoy also dismissed reports that the agreemo of envoy-nominee to India Ram Karki has been rejected by the Indian government. “…as an embassy we are still trying to seek agreemo from government of India. And I cannot say how long that response will be.”
Asked if Nepal could be a dynamic bridge between India and China, the envoy said, “Why not? Why are you so skeptical about every aspirational statement made by any leaders of Nepal? You know the biggest role Nepal would be playing is to develop Nepal. Nepal is potentially the richest country in South Asia. And that dream of becoming a dynamic bridge between India and China will be a reality when Nepal begins to realize that potential.”
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