Kathmandu, September 20:

Minister for Foreign Affairs Ramesh Nath Pandey has told the Nepalis living in the United States that permanent peace could be achieved only through dialogue and the government does not nurture any fear of talks. He, however, added that the government would not negotiate under fear either. Pandey also blamed those who have wilfully deviated themselves from respecting the unalterable provisions enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution for creating obstacle in the way of bringing together all constitutional forces. In an interview to the Washington-based Radio Dovaan yesterday, he appealed to all Nepalis living abroad to work for enhancing Nepal’s image and esteem and not to be swayed away by deliberate propoganda of a handful who don’t believe in nationalism.

He had held a brief conversation with the Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, Christina Rocca, when he attended a reception hosted by the US Secretary of State Condolezza Rice. Pandey, who is participating in various programmes organised by the Nepalis living in the US, also said the monarchial culture in Nepal continues to inspire all Nepalis to come together. According to Nepal’s Permanent Mission in New York, minister Pandey expressed hope that those who believe in real exercise of democracy would find appropriate to participate in the forthcoming municipal elections.