In a condolence message, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh described Koirala as one of Nepal´s tallest leaders and an elder statesman of South Asia. [break]
"I have personally had a long association with Koirala and have benefited immensely from his wise counsel and advice not only on issues affecting our bilateral ties but also on matters affecting South Asia as a whole," he said.
"Beginning with his days in the trade union movement, Koirala spent his entire political life championing the cause of the people. He was first and foremost a democrat and his long struggle to usher in democracy in Nepal reached a successful conclusion when he became the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Nepal in 1991," he added.
Dr Singh further said Koirala subsequently guided the destiny of the people of Nepal for a further three terms as Prime Minister. "He was a mass leader and a statesman, whose knowledge and wisdom guided the polity of Nepal in the right direction at critical junctures in the country´s history," he added.
The passing away of Koirala marks the end of an era in Nepalese politics, he said. "I convey my deepest sympathies and condolences to his family, friends and followers," Dr Singh added.
Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Speaker of Lok Sabha Meira Kumar, and other senior leaders will reach Kathmandu Sunday to attend the official funeral function of Koirala, the Indian embassy in Kathmandu said.
Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in Nepal has informed that a seven-member delegation consisting of members of the Communist Party of China, which arrived in Kathmandu Saturday morning, will be attending the funeral procession on Sunday. The team is led by party secretary of Xiangji province of China, Zhao Jile. The delegation is in Kathmandu to meet senior leaders of major political parties.
Similarly, the US government also extended its condolence. A statement issued by the US embassy in Nepal on the passing of Koirala said that the best way to honor Koirala´s legacy is to accelerate the peace process and finalize the new constitution as quickly as possible.
Stating that the US stands with Nepal as it mourns the loss of a statesman, the statement said that throughout his long career, Koirala struggled for democracy and peace in Nepal. He led the 2005-2006 peace negotiations that ended Nepal´s brutal 10-year civil conflict and laid the foundation for lasting peace.
The statement expressed sympathy and solidarity with the people of Nepal on behalf of the American people upon the death of Koirala. It also extended condolences to the family and friends of Koirala, especially his daughter, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also mourned the death of Koirala, saying it was a "huge loss."
"Mr Koirala´s death is a huge loss for Nepal and its ongoing peace process. As a friend of the United Nations and a staunch believer in its ideals and principles, Mr. Koirala will be remembered as a strong voice of multilateralism and global cooperation," a statement from Ban´s office said Saturday.
Ban said Koirala "fought fearlessly and at considerable personal sacrifice for justice and democratic rights in his country." He said he was grateful for "Koirala´s unwavering support to the United Nations for its role in the peace process as well as its development and human rights work in Nepal."
Also, the representative of the Secretary-General, Karin Landgren, has expressed deep sorrow on the death of Nepali Congress President Koirala, on behalf of UNMIN and the UN Country Team.
A statement issued by UNMIN reads: With his passing, Nepal has lost a towering figure in its political history. Girija Prasad Koirala was instrumental to the peace process in Nepal which ended 10 years of conflict. He brought his political skill and credibility to bear in persuading the parties to begin the dialogue that led to the 12-point Agreement, and later to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement itself.
Koirala had spoken with urgency about the peace process 10 days ago in his meeting with UN Under Secretary-General B Lynn Pascoe.
The statement also added that Koirala served his country and the cause of peace. The greatest tribute to Koirala would be to take up the spirit of his conviction, bringing fresh dedication to concluding the process of preparing a new constitution and consolidating a lasting peace in Nepal.
(Compiled by Akanshya Shah)
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