Kathmandu, November 15

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today took strong exception to the recent India-UK joint communiqué, which made a reference to Nepal’s constitution drafting process.

“Nepal strongly views that the constitution making is an internal matter of the country and Nepal is capable of handling its internal affairs on its own,” said a statement issued by MoFA.

The reaction comes in response to the joint statement made by UK and India following a bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart David Cameron in London on Friday. “The two prime ministers stressed the importance of a lasting and inclusive constitutional settlement in Nepal that will address remaining areas of concern and promote political stability and economic growth,” the joint statement said.

The MoFA said the attention of the government had been drawn to the reference to Nepal in the statement.

Nepal has been able to promulgate a new democratic and inclusive constitution after a rigorous democratic exercise of about eight years, said the MoFA. “The promulgation of the new constitution marks the conclusion of the peace process initiated in 2006 and also institutionalises significant democratic gains and aspirations of the people,” the MoFA said.