Kathmandu, September 23

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ met with president of the United States of America George W Bush Tuesday morning (Nepali standard time) at Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York and discussed about bilateral relations between the two countries.

Madhu Raman Acharaya, permanent representative of Nepal to the UN Mission, informed on phone to our sister publication the Gorkhapatra, that US president Bush wanted to know about political changes in Nepal and the new political development during the meeting.

Responding to his queries PM Prachanda told president Bush that political process in Nepal had progressed much ahead, that the country was in the process for economic transformation and that there was need of the US support and help.

Referring to the meeting during the reception hosted by the US president Bush, Acharya said that US president expressed commitment to continue help for Nepal. He added that the meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere.

Our correspondent in New York added quoting a member of the Nepali delegation that the PM informed the delegation members that he had a good response from US president Bush as he had expected.

PM Prachanda also participated in the breakfast hosted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Tuesday morning (US standard time).

PM Prachanda attended the opening ceremony of the 63th session of the UN General Assembly Tuesday, which was addressed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and US president George Bush.

In his address to the General Assembly, UN Secretary General Ki-moon related success of ongoing peace process in Nepal as a result of the role of the UN while referring to challenges to peace and security around the world.

"We should never underestimate the power of the UN’s good offices, particularly in preventive diplomacy. We see the fruits in Nepal, Kenya, and, we can hope, Zimbabwe."

He pointed at different problems in the world that ranged from climate change to reform of the UN.

PM Prachanda reached New York Monday afternoon. He was received by Madhu Raman Acharya, permanent representative of Nepal to the UN, and Dr. Suresh Chandra Chalise, Nepalese ambassador to the USA at the JFK airport in Washington, DC. PM Prachanda is scheduled to address the Assembly on Friday.