India suggests Army integration in Nepal through "consensus"

Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Nov 26 (PTI) Terming the issue of Maoist
combatants integration into security forces as Nepal's
internal matter, India's External Affairs Minister Pranab
Mukherjee Wednesday suggested that it should be carried out by
"consensus".

"Although the issue of Maoists' army integration is an
internal matter of Nepal, we can suggest that the process
which is being initiated by all the political parties should
be implemented through the political consensus," Mukherjee
said.

He made the remarks addressing a joint press meet before
his departure at the Tribhuvan International Airport
Wednesday.

The ultimate objective will be (to consolidate)
multiparty democracy through the process of consensus and
draft the new constitution which will fulfill the aspirations
of the people of Nepal, Mukherjee said adding "every
ingredient in that (army integration) process should be
adhered to through consensus."

The relationship between India and Nepal is unique and
there is no parallel to it, Mukherjee said when asked whether
New Delhi's relations improved or deteriorated after the
Maoists took in charge of the government.

"We are confident that this uniqueness of our relations
will be maintained and will be further strengthened," he
added.

Mukherjee's remarks on the issue of Maoist integration
into the Nepalese army comes a day after NC President Girija
Prasad Koirala said that the Maoists broke the culture of
consensus and collaboration in various matters including in
the process of integrating the Maoists' combatants into Army.

NC has abstained from joining the five member Army
Integration Committee citing Maoists' highhandedness in its
formation.

Foreign Secretary Shiv Shanker Menon also accompanied
the External Affairs Minister on the occasion.

In a question on regulating border, Mukherjee said
steps have been taken to evolve better results through which
there would be better border management.

In a question whether India is going to halt the
process of recruiting Gurkha Army, in the wake of the Maoists'
demand of ending the Gorkha recruitment, he said "We are
having regular recruitments."

"Such kinds of regular exchange of visits and
interactions have given fresh momentum to our relations and
many bilateral mechanisms have been reactivated," noted
Nepalese Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav.

Our friendship is based on shared value culture and
common aspirations, he said adding "we enjoy extensive and
multi-dimensional relationship with India. We have agreed to
further encourage Indian investment from public and
private sectors, he pointed out. We share our views on Nepal –
India border issue and cross border crime," he added.

It is our great satisfaction to note that during the
visit issues like Terai road projects, which is about to be
implemented soon, up gradation and extension of
Janakpur-Jaynagar rail way and repairing of the Koshi barrage
breach have come up, he noted.

Mukherjee met President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime
Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda", opposition leader and
Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala and other
important leaders during the three day visit.

Wednesday before wrapping up the visit, he undertook an
aerial survey of the Koshi area and visited Birgunj where he
inspected the world class infrastructure to facilitate
movement of goods and people across the border through a
modern Integrated Check Post constructed under Indian
assistance.