KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 09

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Vice President of Compact Operations, Fatema Z. Sumar arrived in Kathmandu to specifically affirm that the MCC grant program has no military component and that it will not impede on Nepal's sovereignty.

She also reiterated that Nepal's Constitution will prevail over the agreement, according to a press statement released by the US Embassy here today.

In her meeting with various government officials, and business and community leaders, she also discussed the required next steps to implement the 500 million USD MCC-Nepal infrastructure program and address the clarification questions provided by the Ministry of Finance while also hearing from the people of Nepal.

It may be noted that prior to negotiating and signing the compact in 2017, the Government of Nepal designed the five-year grant program to provide more reliable electricity and lower power and transportation costs for all Nepalis, adds the statement.