KATHMANDU: At a time when the Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN) are demanding that the government provide dual citizenship and investment-friendly environment to the expatriates, leaders of Unified CPN-Maoist today said they were positive on the demand.

"We need their help to build a new Nepal," party vice-chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha 'Prakash' told a programme organised to honour the NRNs flocking to the capital from all around the world to participate in the fourth world conference of the NRN Association. He appreciated the NRNs for promoting the country the world over. "In order to develop the country and give a dignified identify of the Nepalis to the world, the skills, experiences and the resources of the NRNs are important," he said, adding that his party was expecting a lot from them in building a prosperous Nepal. "We are ready to address your concerns and create an environment conducive for you to invest," he told the NRNs.

UCPN-M general secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa 'Badal' said his party was for providing dual citizenship to those contributing to Nepal's development. Upendra Mahato, president, NRN Association, lauded the support of the former rebels to their cause ever since the inception of NRN.

"We are for a prosperous Nepal and suppose the Maoists are for the same," he said, stressing that the combined support of all the expatriates would change Nepal's fate. Upholding democratic norms, Mahato urged the parties to unite at least for the sake of the new constitution and the country's development.