Kathmandu, October 17:

Ian Martin, personal representative of the UN General Secretary and Samuel Tamrat, senior officer at the UN Department of Political Affairs, in their New Delhi visit discussed how India could help Nepal in the ongoing peace talks between the seven political parties and Maoists.

“We were there to discuss some matters that have to be decided in New York once the agreement between the seven political parties (SPA) and the Maoists is reached,” Martin told journalists at the TIA today. Martin and Tamrat returned to the capital today after meeting senior Indian government officials in New Delhi. Martin said that the UN was preparing to carry out monitoring work in Nepal once the concerned parties define the team’s role, adding he would continue discussions with the political parties. Tamrat had left for New Delhi on Sunday while Ian Martin yesterday.

A report from New Delhi said Indian envoy to Nepal Shiv Shanker Mukherjee, who arrived in Delhi on Friday, held a series of meetings with Indian PM Dr Manmohan Singh, Union Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, national security advisor MK Narayan today and discussed with them the ongoing peace process in Nepal.

A source said Ian Martin and Tamrat held meetings with India’s Foreign Secretary, Shiv Shanker Menon. Mukherjee met Menon yesterday. During his meeting with the Indian PM and Pranab Mukherjee, he briefed them on the latest political developments in Nepal.