New Delhi, September 11
Feeling the heat from domestic as well as diplomatic quarters, Nepal’s King Gyanendra has cancelled his fortnight-long visit to the United Nations General Assembly as well as a number of important cities in the US. The visit was to begin on September 14.
This is the first time since the February 1 royal coup when the King has reversed his decision in view of his increasing isolation internationally and a difficult political situation triggered by the coming together of the seven-party alliance and the Maoists, diplomatic sources said today.
It is understood that major international powers declined to entertain requests from the Nepalese Foreign Ministry for a meeting with King Gyanendra on the margins of the UNGA. Besides, a “royal” embarrassment awaited the King as pro-democracy activists from Nepal unveiled their plan to host a big rally in New York’s Dag Hammarskjold Park on September 16. They had already made it clear that they would go ahead with the rally irrespective of the fact whether the King visits New York or not.
The Opposition parties have hardened their position on the King’s plans to visit New York for attending the UNGA and a few days ago, the alliance of seven opposition parties appealed to the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, not to recognise the incumbent government of Nepal.
In a joint letter sent to Annan through the UN system in Kathmandu on September 6, top leaders of the seven opposition parties outlined major activities of the government after the royal takeover and accused it of pursuing military solution to the problem of Maoist insurgency. They accused the King of trying to ‘mislead’ the world community by portraying the political choice in Nepal as being one between peace and terrorism. They said series of actions of the government after the royal takeover had made the chances for the peaceful solution of the violent conflict even more remote.
Though the King’s New York visit was never officially announced by Kathmandu, the royal itinerary was a talk of the diplomatic circles. The King planned to address the UNGA on September 16 and also visit a number of American cities, including Los Angeles, Boston and Hawai.
Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey is now expected to lead the Nepali delegation to the UN General Assembly.
