Sunday, July 24 2005 15:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Leaders of major political parties in Nepal have asked the royal Government to back India's bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC), saying that the importance of New Delhi could not be ignored in the present global context.

They also said that there was a need to reform the UN in the changing global context when many countries were forging alliance against terrorism and moving towards globalisation.

Nepal Government should back India's bid for the UNSC permanent seat, Bhim Rawal, Central Committee member of Nepal Communist Party (UML), told an interactive programme yesterday (July 24, 2005).

The changing global power equation should also be reflected in UN Security Council, he said, adding Nepal should not ignore the importance of India in present global context.

Nepali Congress (Democratic) central member Prakash Sharan Mahat said that since Nepal expressed its willingness last year to back India and other G-4 countries seeking permanent seats in UNSC, it would be regretful if it now uses its support as a "bargaining chip" in case of New Delhi.

Hridayesh Tripathi, leader of Nepal Sadbhavana Party (A), said Nepal should not ignore the importance of a neighbouring country like India.

UN reforms came up for discussion during the three-day visit of Minister of State for External Affairs Rao Inderjeet Singh to Nepal, which concluded yesterday. Singh met Nepal King Gyanendra, Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey and opposition leaders before returning home.

Regarding the mounting international pressure on Nepal to restore democracy, the political leaders said democracy and human rights were global concerns and should not be taken otherwise.