Donors' meet likely to gloss over ouster

JAN SHARMA

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s major donors gathering here on Friday are expected to voice only a “mild” reaction to last week’s royal intervention aimed at defusing the political crisis, according to diplomats and development partners.However, they would like King Gyanendra and political leaders to work together to tide over the trouble and hold parliamentary elections as soon as feasible and local elections soon after that. “We are anxiously waiting for the new government to take shape,” said a western diplomat fairly familiar with the chessboard of Nepali politics. “Who makes it to the government will tell a lot to donors and the world.” The key donors, who have noted the King’s pledge to work for democracy and constitutional monarchy, indicating he does not want to cling on to power, are unlikely to make major political statements at the meeting.The International Contact Group meeting takes place against the backdrop of dramatic developments in the country. The monarch has set a time frame for the installation of the new government but not for elections. Mike O’Brien, British foreign office minister, is arriving here tomorrow to chair the first follow-up meeting to the London conference, which Britain hosted last June. He had then pledged $ 45 million in development and military aid to Nepal for 2003. At that meet, donors pledged support for Nepal’s campaign to crush terrorism but at the same time called for “radical reforms” and good governance.” The situation in Nepal remains unsure but it is vitally important that any action taken to put in place a new government is consistent with Nepal’s constitution.