Nepal outfits appeal to China

Peeved at China's decision to extend military support to King Gyanendra's government, several Nepali groups have asked Beijing not to recognise the royal government and instead support democratic aspirations of people of the Himalayan Kingdom.

Just ahead of Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's visit to India, the Nepali groups-including including the Pravasi Nepali Sangh, Mool Prabha Akhil Bharat Nepali Ekta Samaj and Nepali Jan Sampark Samiti-- submitted a joint memorandum to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu expressing concern over Beijing's moves.

"We are concerned about the reports about extension of full diplomatic support by China to the unconstitutional move of the King (to seize power in a coup),"

the memorandum said.

The outfits urged the Chinese government to "support the democratic aspirations of the people of Nepal for sustained cordial and friendly relations between the peoples of the two countries and not to recognise the royal government."

The memorandum expressed particular concern over China's move to extend military and logistic support to the 'anti-people, autocratic, unrepresentative and unconstitutional government of Nepal.'