Kathmandu, March 26:

Minister for Information and Communications Krishna Bahadur Mahara said Nepal shares a good relationship with both India and China but should not lean towards any particular country.

Talking about PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s agenda for China visit at a programme in the capital today, Mahara added Nepalwould not be influenced by others. “We would not accept anything that goes against our neighbours, be it India or China,” he said, adding that though the agenda for the PM’s visit was yet to be set, the government would seek support from China for the economic, social and cultural uplift of the country.

Accusing the past governments of setting nationalism and democracy on the wrong focus, he said, “The Maoist-led government places Nepalis at the centre of democracy and nationalism.” He reiterated that Nepal accepts Tibet as an integral part of China. Chinese ambassador Qui Guohang appreciated the government’s effort in controlling anti-China protests in Nepal.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai said preparations were underway to operate the industries, which were closed due to various reasons in the nation.

Talking to journalists ay Simara airport, he said the government was not only collecting tax from the industries but was also preparing to operate the closed industries. Dr Bhattarai arrived here to inspect the Birgunj Customs Office.

Saying that the government was seriously concerned about the effects on industries caused by the ongoing power outage, he said that decisions had been made to provide essential materials to the industries including petroleum products in subsidised rate.

He also informed of the principle level of agreement reached between the political parties to restrict bandhs and strikes in industrial and transport sectors.

He said the order of the apex court not to terminate the tenure of the brigadier generals of the Nepali Army was an effort of the regressive forces to foil government’s progressive plans.