Thapa seeks foreign support to implement new constitution

Kathmandu, January 12

The government has sought international help to implement the new constitution as well as carry out post-earthquake reconstruction and recovery.

Briefing Kathmandu-based diplomatic community at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa today said their support would be crucial in both fronts.

“I am confident of receiving your continued support, which is crucial for the implementation of this constitution,” Thapa said during the briefing, when all Kathmandu-based ambassadors and head of missions, including that of the US, China, France, Germany, Japan, and the UN were present.

Charge d’Affairs of the Indian Embassy and British Embassy represented their ambassadors, according to a source at MoFA.

In the close-door briefing, DPM Thapa also sought more financial aid from the donor community to accomplish the vital task of reconstruction after the devastating April 25 earthquake.

He further asked donors to extend such assistance through the official channel in identified areas of priority sector. “We would like to request all donor countries to use the government channel for their support and firmly recognise the national leadership and ownership in development efforts rather than channelising such precious resources through non-transparent agencies, NGOs and other entities,” Thapa added.

He also warned that corrupt practices and misuse of resources would be fostered if such support was made through improper channels.

DPM Thapa stated that there was “no alternative” to promulgating the new constitution to “logically conclude the peace process that began in 2006”.

Some of the envoys had inquired as to how the ongoing impasses would improve and supply ease as Nepal had been facing difficulties since the adoption of the new Constitution.

Saying no constitution of any country in this world was perfect, he said Nepal’s new Charter encompasses the main features of a democratic and inclusive polity.

DPM Thapa referred to the positive developments in different fronts  India’s welcoming of Nepal’s constitution amendment bill to address the Madhesi parties’ concerns, the ongoing dialogue, clearance of all southern border routes except Raxual-Birgunj  as signs of gradual normalisation of the situation, according to MoFA spokesperson Tara Prasad Pokhrel.

He also hoped that the disruption at the Raxual-Birgunj check-point would end in a few days. He reiterated Nepal’s policy of maintaining international relations on the basis of sovereign equality.

He shared Nepal’s full commitment to further strengthen relations with neighbouring countries, and the policy of friendship with all and enmity with none.

Recalling his recent visits to both India and China, he said: “Both with India and China, understanding has been developed for long-term economic relations based on mutual benefit.”

He also appealed to the envoys to encourage the private sector in their respective countries to invest in Nepal.