Kathmandu, March 19:

The British parliamentarians, who arrived here today on a six-day ‘listen and learn’

visit, expressed their concern over terrorism, suspension of parliamentary democracy and increasing cases of violation of human rights here.

Sir John Stanley, member of the House of Commons and leader of the six-member delegation, told the media: “The deep concern of the British government (over Nepal) is shared in our Parliament and by all the political parties.”

He added: “Nepal is a sovereign country and the resolution of the problems the country is facing lies with the people of Nepal. However, if we can make some contribution to the peaceful re-emergence of stability and multi-party parliamentary democracy in Nepal, our visit will have been worthwhile.”

Stanley said they have “come here as friends of Nepal as the two countries have a unique relationship of over nearly 200 years.” “We are here to listen and learn, and we shall be reporting back to our government and Parliament on our return.”

Stating that Britain is the largest bilateral donor of Nepal after Japan, Stanley said that the Gurkha soldiers remain an integral and highly valued element in the British armed force.

He added: “Nothing symbolises Britain’s support for parliamentary democracy in Nepal more clearly than the fact that the Speaker’s Chair carved in oak in each House of your parliament were gifts from our parliament at to yours here in Kathmandu.”

The British MPs are scheduled to meet senior leaders of various political parties and government officials.

The delegation has requested to meet King Gyanendra as well.