“Prime minister of India has sent me here as an envoy so that I can, along with excellency ambassador (Rakesh Sood), have extensive round of meetings with all the political leaders in the country to see if there is some way in which we can try to build consensus,” Saran told journalists upon his arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport. [break]
Saran´s arrival ahead the fourth round voting for the prime minister has been taken meaningfully in the political arena. He is meeting leaders of UCPN (Maoist), NC, UML and Madhesi parties.
“We have great interest, as neighboring country in the political stability of Nepal, and in the economic prosperity of Nepal,” Saran further said.
The former Indian ambassador to Nepal, Saran had played a key role within the Indian establishment in supporting the 12-point understanding that ultimately led to the signing of a peace agreement in November 2006 and abolition of monarchy.
Maoists, whose relation has soured with the southern neighbor after they stepped down in May 2009, have taken Saran´s visit cautiously.
“I hope he came here for a goodwill visit. We welcome it, but we will not accept India´s interference,” UCPN-M Vice Chairman Narayankaji Shrestha told myrepublica.com.
Shrestha said that Saran is due to meet UCPN-M Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Thursday morning. Saran will also meet Nepali Congress and CPN-UML leaders on Thursday.
An official at the Indian Embassy said that Saran is likely to return home on Thursday.
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