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In their interaction with our party, there is no interference. If the state is weak, it becomes vulnerable to interference. Right now Nepal is in a special situation, so international assistance is of utmost importance. But Nepalis have to make sure our country does not become a playground for foreigners. The international community's will have more confidence in us if our actions show that there are no activities against them here.
The prime minister meets foreign envoys before making big decisions, and the parties are also meeting foreign ambassadors.
I cannot answer why the prime minister is meeting the envoys. But I can say that our party is not being pressured by foreigners or seeking unsolicited advice. We may have failed to react when the envoys commented on internal affairs, especially relating to the Bhutani refugee issue, or on our resources. But whatever we do, we have to make sure it is benefits the nation.
What was India's role in the 12-point agreement?
I don't know what India's role was. I did not tell anyone in India I was talking with the Maoists. We did consult many groups in India before the meeting to make sure we would not be arrested during our meetings with the Maoists. In that sense, India helped us but the agreement took place because of our own initiative.
Why are politicians so dependent on New Delhi?
When we are weak we have to get the approval of the international community even for small changes. Sometimes we are compelled to listen because we maybe did not use our bargaining power. We also think foreigners are smarter, stronger, and better decision-makers than us.
Was your recent trip to New Delhi in search of support?
If I have the support of Nepali people, the rest of the world will have to agree.
The UML used to call India and the US imperialist and expansionist.
This is not the time to call names. We are heading towards an election, we have to cooperate, work hard to gain support. We do not want to have preconceived ideas about anyone. We will evaluate the way foreigners behave with us in a global context.
