Saturday, May 21 2005 15:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Nepal Government has expressed its "concern" over India welcoming the seven major political parties' common agenda to restore democracy and constitutional rule in the Himalayan Kingdom.

During a meeting with Indian Ambassador to Nepal Shiv Shanker Mukherjee yesterday (May 20, 2005), Nepalese Foreign Secretary Madhuraman Acharya conveyed him Nepal Government's concern on India's stand, a high-level Nepalese Foreign Ministry official said today (May 21, 2005). Acharya "explained" to the Ambassador about Nepal Government's position on the issue, the official said.

India and European Union had issued separate statements welcoming the common position announced by Nepal's seven-party alliance to restore democratic process in Nepal.

They also urged King Gyanendra and the political parties to initiate a dialogue to restore democracy and civil rights on the basis of the common position announced by the parties, who represent over 90 percent of dissolved parliament.

Acharya conveyed Nepal's message to British Ambassador Keith M Bloomfield, who currently heads the European Union Presidency in Nepal, during a separate meeting with the Foreign Secretary yesterday. The seven party alliance has announced fresh stir beginning May 22, 2005 to restore democracy and fundamental rights urging King Gyanendra to reinstate the Parliament and form an all party Government.