Krishna condoles passing away of former Nepal PM Koirala

New Delhi, March 20 : Union External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna has condoled the passing away of former Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, who died today at his daughter Sujata Koirala's residence in Mandikatar, Nepal.

In a joint message along with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Krishna said: "The immense contribution of Koirala to fostering and strengthening close and friendly relations between India and Nepal and his contribution and tireless dedication to the cause of peace and democracy in Nepal was recalled.'

A chronic patient of pulmonary diseases, Koirala was suffering from chest and urinary tract infection for months.

Born on 1925, Koirala 85, had been Prime Minister of Nepal four times, serving from 1991 to 1994, 1998 to 1999, 2000 to 2001, and from 2006 to 2008; he was also Acting Head of State from January 2007 to July 2008.

Koirala staked his political career on making peace with the Maoist rebels who waged a decade-long insurgency against the state.

He also played a crucial role in turning Nepal into a Republic through abolition of 240-year-old monarchy two years ago.

The body of the veteran leader will be kept at Dasrath Rangshala Stadium tomorrow from 8 a.m. to enable people to pay their last respects.