Tuesday, April 25 2006 18:33 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India today (Apr 25, 2006) hailed restoration of Parliament in Nepal saying it was a victory for the people who have displayed their faith in democracy.

Developments in Nepal in the wake of King Gyanendra's last night's announcement and the seven-party alliance decision today to name veteran leader Girija Prasad Koirala were discussed at the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, presided over by the Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee deputising for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"We await the convening of the revived House of Representatives and the installation of government as indicated by the seven-party alliance (SPA)," Mukherjee told reporters here after the meeting lasting for 40 minutes.

"This is a victory for the people of Nepal who have displayed extraordinary courage and reaffirmed their faith and commitment to freedom and democracy," Mukherjee said.

He said the future of Nepal is in safe hands.

The meeting was attended by HRD Minister Arjun Singh, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad as also Cabinet Secretary B K Chaturvedi, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran, Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutta and Home Secretary V K Duggal among others.

Mukherjee said India was conscious of challenges that lay ahead for Nepal as it embarked on the journey towards restoring political stability, economic recovery and finding a peaceful solution to the armed conflict and added that these will require 'positive contribution of all concerned, drawing upon the support of the Nepalese people.

"As a close friend and neighbour, India has all along stood by the people of Nepal in their unrelenting struggle for the restoration of their democratic rights," he said, asserting that New Delhi is ready to render 'unstinted' support to the people of Nepal in whatever manner they wish.

Mukherjee said, "India wishes to see the emergence of a peaceful, stable and propsperous Nepal and will contribute to this end to best of its ability and resources."

There were reports that the CCPA meeting may be put off but it was held as scheduled.