Nepal move on statute an 'important step': India

India on Saturday described the introduction of a Constitution Amendment Bill earlier this week in Nepal's Parliament as an "important step".

"As part of the ongoing efforts, the registering of a Constitution Amendment Bill in the Nepali Parliament on November 29 is an important step," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in response to a question.

"We hope that all sides will remain closely engaged and the ongoing efforts would be concluded successfully," he said.

India's statement assumes significance as the Bill has been framed to address the grievances of the Madhesi Front.

The Bill has however been opposed by both the main opposition Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) and the Madhesi Front and and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has been at pains to convince different sides.

Swarup said that India's consistent position has been that peace, stability and progress of Nepal was in the interest of both India and Nepal.

"We have therefore been supportive of initiatives of the Government of Nepal to meet the aspirations of all sections of its society through dialogue and constitutional processes," he said.

"As a close and friendly neighbour of Nepal, India will continue to extend all support for Nepal's peace, stability and accelerated economic development in accordance with the priorities of the people and government of Nepal."

--IANS

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