New Nepal PM: Words From World Leaders
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Messages underscore hope that Nepal's political debacle will be resolved under Jhalanath Khanal's leadership
Congratulatory messages from world leaders and heads of governments from around the world are pouring in for the newly elected Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal. These messages emphasize bilateral relations, continued support for the peace process and a hope that Nepal's political problems will be solved under his leadership. A sample of the messages are below and more will be updated as they are availalbe online:
From Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations
The Secretary-General welcomes the election today of Mr. Jhalanath Khanal as Prime Minister of Nepal, ending a prolonged stalemate on forming a new government. He congratulates the Prime Minister-elect and reaffirms the support of the United Nations to all efforts to complete the peace process and to adopt a new constitution by the stipulated date of 28 May 2011
The Secretary-General commends the Parliament for this significant achievement and all Nepali parties and leaders for their efforts to form a new government. He believes this development will give a significant boost to efforts to fully implement their outstanding commitments under the Comprehensive Peace Accord and the interim constitution, notably the integration and rehabilitation of the Maoist combatants, democratization of the army and adoption of a new constitution. He reiterates his repeated calls on all parties and political leaders to work through consensus and compromise to achieve these goals.
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Dr Man Mohan SIngh, Prime Minister of India
Please accept my heartiest congratulations on your election as the Prime Minister of Nepal. Your election to this high office comes at a critical juncture of Nepal's history. On behalf of the government and people of India I have great pleasure in conveying our best wishes to Your Excellency as you build upon and consolidate the gains of democracy that have been achieved by the people of Nepal.
India attaches the highest importance to its relations with Nepal. We are close neighbours. Our relations are multifaceted and cut across a wide range of sectors. I look forward to working with you to carry our partnership forward in a way that benefits both our peoples and enables us to create a more prosperous and secure region. I have always held the belief that the potential for our cooperation is vast. India stands ready to partner Nepal to exploit this potential to its fullest on the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit.
I wish you good health and all success in the service of the friendly people of Nepal.
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US Embassy, Kathmandu
The U.S. Embassy congratulates people of Nepal on the election of the Prime Minister. We look forward to working with incoming Prime Minister Khanal and continuing the warm and constructive relationship between the United States and Nepal.
We are hopeful that today's election will give renewed momentum to the peace process and constitution drafting.
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John Tucknott, EU Local President for Nepal
The British Ambassador, John Tucknott, in his capacity as Local President of the European Union, made the following statement on behalf of Kathmandu-based EU missions (Denmark, EU Delegation, Finland, France, Germany, The Netherlands, United Kingdom). Norway and Switzerland also associate themselves with this statement:
"I would like to offer my congratulations to Jhalanath Khanal on his election as Prime Minister. We look forward to working with Mr Khanal and his government, and trust that the Prime Minister will seek to build a broad coalition. We encourage the new government together with the other parties to take immediate steps to advance the peace process, draft the Constitution and create the necessary conditions for increasing security, stability and prosperity for all Nepalis."
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Japanese Embassy, Kathmandu
"The future of Nepal, as never before, is contingent upon the concerted and constructive efforts of all the political parties."
"At this critical juncture, Japan sincerely wishes that, by overcoming differences among political parties through the dialogue based on concerted and constructive spirit, the writing of new constitution as well as Nepal's peace process will be completed in due course to achieve the aspiration of the people of Nepal,"
"...the government and people of Japan are ready to assist Nepal's efforts to this end."
Feb 03,2011, Kathmandu, AP/Kyodo wire
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