New Delhi
22 April 2006
Barely a day after she welcomed King Gyanendra's commitment to
constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy, India on Saturday was seen
throwing in her lot with the people of Nepal and leaving it to them to decide what kind of
future dispensation they envisioned for the Himalayan kingdom.
Virtually jettisoning the twin-pillar policy that appeared to have ran its course, Foreign
Secretary Shyam Saran said at an unscheduled news conference late on Saturday
evening that the ball was in the people's court. India, he said, would submit herself to
the wishes and sentiments of the people and stand by whatever decision they would
take in advancing the cause of democracy.
The briefing came hours after the seven-party alliance in Nepal rejected the King's offer
to transfer executive power to the people, naming of a Prime Minister by them and
elections.
There should be no ambiguity about India's position, he told reporters, before going on
to explain that New Delhi was firmly on the side of the democratic forces. His remarks
come within 24 hours of India welcoming the King's "intention to transfer all executive
power of the State to a government constituted by the alliance of the seven political
parties".
Within minutes of the King's televised address on Friday to the people of Nepal, the
Ministry of External Affairs had said, "This action by His Majesty the King of Nepal, who
has reaffirmed his commitment to multiparty democracy and constitutional monarchy,
should now pave the way for the restoration of political stability and economic recovery
of the country. he people of Nepal have undergone acute suffering and economic
hardship during the last several months, but have always kept their faith with democracy
and freedom. They deserve our respect and admiration."
"We sincerely hope that the aspirations of the people of Nepal can now be addressed by
enabling them to enjoy their rights through a democratic electoral exercise free from the
threat of violence .... India has stood by the people of Nepal in their hour of need and
now stands ready to render all possible assistance to enable Nepal to achieve political
stability and economic recovery at the earliest possible date," the statement issued by
the Ministry of External Affairs had read.
Apparently stung by criticism of its handling of the Nepal crisis, Mr Saran said it would
welcome Maoists coming to the negotiating table. "If negotiations to bring Maoists (to the
table) are undertaken on the basis of principles of multi-party democracy and
abandonment of violence, it should be welcomed," he said in response to a question.
Clarifying India's statement issued on Friday, Mr Saran said New Delhi should not be
seen as siding with one or the other party. he said it was not for India to "prescribe" a
solution and the statement therefore should not be seen either as an acceptance or
rejection of the King's proclamation. India, he added for good measure, consistently and
deliberately avoided going into the details, choosing to confine herself to talking to the
politcal parties and the Royal palace.
No comments:
Post a Comment