New Delhi, March 20 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday condoled the death of former Nepal prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala, saying that he was 'one of Nepal's tallest leaders and an elder statesman of South Asia'.

In a condolence message to Koirala's daughter Sujata, the prime minister said: 'It is with deep sadness that I learnt of the passing away of G.P. Koirala.'

'He was one of Nepal's tallest leaders and an elder statesman of South Asia. Beginning with his days in the trade union movement, he spent his entire political life championing the cause of the people,' Manmohan Singh said.

Koirala, the architect of the peace negotiations that ended a decade of Maoist insurgency, died Saturday after suffering from respiratory problems for nearly a fortnight.

Describing him as a 'mass leader and a statesman', the prime minister said his 'knowledge and wisdom guided the polity of Nepal in the right direction at critical junctures in the country's history'.

'He was first and foremost a democrat and his long struggle to usher in democracy in Nepal reached a successful conclusion when he became the first democratically elected prime minister of Nepal in 1991. He subsequently guided the destiny of the people of Nepal for a further three terms as prime minister.'

'His passing away marks the end of an era in Nepalese politics,' Manmohan Singh said.

'He had an enlightened vision of India-Nepal relations and worked sincerely to bring the people of the two countries closer together.'

The prime minister said he 'personally' had a long association with the departed leader and have 'benefited immensely from his wise counsel and advice not only on issues affecting our bilateral ties but also on matters affecting South Asia as a whole.'

'I convey my deepest sympathies and condolences to his family, friends and followers,' the prime minister said.