Monday, May 16 2005 19:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Declaring that it will support all efforts to restore political stability in Nepal, India today (May 16, 2005) said that the common programme announced by major Nepalese political parties to address the challenges facing the Himalayan Kingdom was a "good basis" for commencement of a dialogue between political parties and the monarchy.

"Government of India will support all efforts aimed at restoring political stability and economic prosperity in Nepal," External Affairs Ministry spokesman said in New Delhi.

The programme has been launched by seven political parties comprising Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, NC (Democratic), Nepal Sadbhavana Party (A), People's Front Nepal, Nepal Workers and Peasants Party and the United Left Front.

The political parties have rejected claims by the Nepalese Government that the first 100 days of the King's rule were "remarkable". On the contrary they were "a total failure with record human rights violations," the parties contended.

The spokesman said, "Government of India welcomes the common programme announced by major Nepalese political parties to address the challenges facing Nepal.

Together, the seven political parties represent about 95 per cent of the erstwhile Pratinidhi Sabha of Nepal."

He said the common programme underlined the key goals of restoration of multi-party democracy and resolving the violent conflict in Nepal. It presents a road map with detailed steps required to attain these objectives.