Former diplomats and foreign policy commentators have billed the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to the US and UK as "important" and an "indicator of growing importance of the country when the world is fighting a battle against terrorism."

"The visit is a path-breaking one. More so since Prime Minister Deuba is meeting the US President in the Oval Office," said Hiranya Lal Shrestha, a CPN-UML foreign policy think-tank, while speaking on the importance of the visit scheduled through May 7-13 at the Reporters’ Club on Saturday.

"But what is crucial is what will he take up with the US President," Shrestha queried, stressing the need to use the opportunity to solicit both technology and resources for rapid socio-economic development of the country rather than inviting US forces here.

"Point should be made to keep the country free from influence of any one country," Shrestha suggested, referring to the geopolitical demands of the country.

Shrestha also interpreted the visit as part of unannounced coalition against disruptive forces. " But the utility of the visit lies in what comes forth out of it. There is a need to have logistical back up support for rapid deployment of forces to fight out the rebels," Shrestha said, hinting at the need for military choppers.

Shrestha also laid equal stress on the need to be aware of the national interests while seeking cooperation to meet the immediate demands of the country. " A second generation leader is going to the US. He should be sensitive to national interests," he said.

Outgoing ambassador to the US Damodar Prasad Gautam lamented the possible lack of preparedness for the visit. "Visits like this demand enough preparedness for any tangible benefits," Gautam said, laying stress on the need to have "heart to heart" talks rather than putting up rambling demands.

Gautam also said that the relations between countries must move along natural course to avoid undue complications especially in the context of a country like Nepal with two powerful and antagonistic neighbours.

However, former ambassador to the United Nations, Dr. Jairaj Acharya, claimed that the visit was taking place more out of the US interest rather than the other way round.

Pointing out the expediency to stick to one’s own agenda rather than following others’, Dr. Acharya said there are chances of the Bush Administration clubbing any additional assistance to Nepal with transparency and good governance.

He claimed that the Bush Administration may go by the book on the issue and insist that the corruption is ruled out and good governance ensured before doling out assistance needed to fight out the rebels, and arrest the worsening scenario in public finance.

Earlier, Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, who is advisor to the Prime Minister, said that the visit could go a long way in garnering international support in fight against terrorism. "Apart from ensuring moral and logistical support needed to fight the rebels, the US visit will dwell on bilateral economic assistance," Dr. Mahat said.

He, however, discounted the claims that the visit will centre on inviting US troops in Nepal.

As he further said since Prime Minister Deuba will be meeting US Secretary of State Colin Powel and leading Congressmen and Senators, there are every chances of Nepal’s concerns and demands getting outlined at the right quarters.

He also said that the talks, which may last about half an hour, will also dwell on removal of US restriction placed on Nepalese goods like carpets and garments.

Linking the Prime Minister Deuba’s India visit with the planned visit to the US and UK, Dr. Mahat said, visits to China and Russia were also on the card, although he did not disclose the dates. "They are also part of the efforts launched to seek international cooperation in fight against terrorism."