Minister Solheim held separate meetings with Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala, UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Peace and Reconstruction Minister Satya Pahadi. [break]
During the meetings Solheim discussed the ongoing peace process, constitution drafting and infrastructure development. Solheim also expressed concern over the stalled peace process.
According to Nepal´s aide Bishnu Rijal, Nepal informed Solheim that the peace process had failed to gain momentum as the Maoists lately began bargaining over the rank of Maoist combatants to be integrated in the army and decided to legalize war-era land dealings through a cabinet decision.
Nepal also told Solheim that constitution could be drafted within the deadline if the Maoists sincerely implemented the past agreements on the peace process.
Minister Solheim during his meetings stressed the need for implementating the November 1 seven-point agreement and cooperation among parties to accomplish the twin tasks of peace process and statute drafting process.
Likewise, during the meeting with Peace and Reconstruction Minister Pahadi, Solheim assured all kinds of support from Norway for the successful conclusion of peace process and overall development of Nepal.
According to the minister´s press advisor Sangita Khadka, Solheim expressed Norway´s willingness to invest in Nepal´s hydropower sector.
Minister Solheim is scheduled to meet Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, inspect PLA cantonments in Shaktikhor, Chitwan and hold a press conference before flying back home on Tuesday.
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