PRESS RELEASE

In the morning of 9 February 2007, the Spokesperson of he Ministry of External Affairs of India has issued in New Delhi the following statement on the Address to the Nation by Prime Minister of Nepal Hon’ble Shri G.P. Koirala on 7 February 2007:

BEGINS

“We welcome Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala’s address to the Nepalese nation on Wednesday, 7 February 2007, addressing the demands of the Madheshi population of the country, and the fact that the address reflects a consensus among the eight political parties.

We are saddened by the loss of lives and violence in the Terai in the last few weeks. It is our hope that the Government and friendly people of Nepal will continue to resolve such issues through dialogue and peaceful negotiations. Significant milestones have been achieved in the process of democratic transition in Nepal by the political leadership in Nepal. As always, India stands ready to extend its full support to the efforts of the government and people of Nepal in this process.”

ENDS