Lu calls on Maoist Chair Dahal

Kathmandu, Nov 19: Visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu paid a courtesy call on Chairperson of CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Friday.

Talking to media persons following the meeting, Chairperson Dahal informed that his party was not for the withdrawal of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) project. “The money from MCC is for our development. They are ready to extend support and we’re also ready to accept it. There is no problem in principle. However, there is doubt.”

Discussion was held on how the doubt could be wiped out in a positive way, he said, adding that even after some amendment, there is doubt. Problem lies there. In the beginning there was no provision of endorsement from the parliament, which was added later, he said, informing that it was decided to call an all-party meeting to dwell on MCC.

On the occasion, the US Assistant Secretary Lu expected the conclusion on MCC by December 14. “We also make efforts to create positive environment,” Dahal added.

Moreover, Chairperson Dahal said the project was necessary for Nepal because it would create jobs within the country. Dahal also shared with the media that discussion on Nepal’s development process and potential was held in an amicable manner.

Lu reminded that he had visited Nepal frequently in the past and was aware that there was huge potential of clean energy here.

Leader Dahal also made aware the visiting US official that agriculture and industrial sectors were other areas that could employ youths in Nepal.