Nepal says it's aiding India to rescue flood victims

New Delhi, Aug 31 (PTI) Brushing aside reports that the country did not cooperate with Indian authorities in helping the victims of the Kosi river wreckage, Nepal Sunday said both the countries were working together to come out of the crisis.

Nepalese Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav said almost 70,000 people have been affected due to the Kosi floods in the Himalayan nation and that both countries have the responsibility in resolving the crisis.

"It is untrue that Nepal did not cooperate with Indian authorities in dealing with the flood situation. Flood is a natural calamity," he told reporters after meeting former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda at his residence here.

"Both countries are working together to come out of the crisis as soon as possible," he said.

Yadav said people of India and Nepal should "move
forward, respect each other and solve the problems faced by
both the countries."

Asked about the Nepal army recruiting cadres from the
People's Liberation Army of Maoists, he said, "it is a
political and internal issue. I don't want to comment about
it."

Gowda, who was instrumental in signing the Mahakali
Treaty with Nepal during his tenure as P.M., said both the
countries should strengthen their ties in all sectors.

"Both India and Nepal should strengthen their ties and
all problems should be sorted out amicably," he said.

Asked about his meeting with Yadav, Gowda said: "I
discussed with him about his visit to India and his meeting
with leaders here."

Vast areas of Bihar have been inundated by floods
following a breach in the embankment of the river, which
originates in Nepal. The state government and some political
parties have been asking the central government to take up the
matter with Nepal. PTI