UML asks for rationale behind decision to send special envoys

KATHMANDU: The main opposition party, CPN-UML, on Sunday questioned the logic behind government decision to send two deputy prime ministers as special envoys of the Prime Minister to India and China.

Seeking special time to put forth his views at the Parliament meeting today, UML Vice-Chairman and former Deputy Prime Minister Bhim Rawal said there was no any ground as per the principles of United Nations and other diplomatic values including the panchasheel principles.

He was of the opinion that governments send special envoys to other nations whenever there is some emergency like war or famine.

Meanwhile, Rawal also sought clarifications from the government over a reported letter sent by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

Earlier, it was reported that DPM Bimalendra Nidhi during his recent meeting to India had handed over Dahal's letter to Modi, in which the Nepal PM had expressed his commitment for Constitution amendment to address concerns of agitating Madhesi parties.

While DPM Nidhi had visited India as PM Dahal's emissary, the government had sent another DPM Krishna Bahadur Mahara to China, to what it said improve bilateral ties with the neighbours and let them know the new government's priorities.

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Nidhi's answer

Meanwhile, DPM Nidhi informed the Parliament today about his recent India trip.

Responding to Rawal's concern, Nidhi said the letter sent by Dahal to Modi did not have anything secret, but it was just to inform that PM Dahal had sent him (Nidhi) as a special envoy to share thoughts about plans and programmes of the new government and ensure top-level bilateral visits in the changed political context.

The letter had mentioned that the Nepal government had prioritised relationship with the neighbours, according to Nidhi.

Nidhi claimed his visit was successful enough to improve bilateral relations and explore bilateral cooperation further.

He informed the House that he had invited Indian President Pranab Mukherjee for a Nepal visit on behalf of President Bidya Devi Bhandari.

Concerns on Constitution implementation

Meanwhile, UML lawmaker Agni Kharel asked what the government was doing to make the Constitution all-acceptable.

The erstwhile government led by his party Chairman KP Sharma Oli, which Kharel was also a part of, had prepared a calendar to implement the Constitution.

Kharel today questioned if the new government was implementing that.

Meanwhile, lawmakers of various parties expressed their concerns over contemporary political issues at the Parliament meeting today.

(With inputs from the Rastriya Samachar Samiti)