Parliament ratifies SAWEN statute

KATHMANDU: The Legislature-Parliament has ratified the statute of the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN).

Minister for Forests and Soil Conservation Agni Prasad Sapkota presented a proposal seeking the ratification in the Parliament meeting today.

Responding to questions raised by lawmakers during a discussion on the statute, Minister Sapkota argued that the ratification of the statute was necessary to curb wildlife trafficking.

"It is necessary to ratify the statute to deter the poaching and trafficking of wildlife and their parts," he said.

The SAWEN provides a platform for the member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation to work together in the fight against the burgeoning wildlife crime. It focuses on harmonisation of policies and laws; strengthening institutional capacity; sharing of knowledge, experiences and technologies among the member countries; and promoting collaboration with national, regional and international partners to enhance the wildlife law enforcement in the region.

Security Council Bill tabled

Meanwhile, the National Security Council Bill, 2073 BS, dealing with the overall national security of the country has been tabled at the Legislature-Parliament for discussions.

Presenting the Bill in the today's meeting of the Legislature-Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Bhim Bahadur Rawal explained that the Bill was drafted to manage the comprehensive security of the country and it was focused on how to steer the Security Council ahead.

The Constitution of Nepal has made provision for setting up the National Security Council for the purpose of giving suggestions to the government regarding mobilisation and control of the army. The Council is mandated to recommendthe government for army mobilisation if needed.

Before this, the Parliament rejected the protest notifications filed by Nepal Workers and Peasants Party lawmakers Prem Suwal, Dilli Prasad Kafle and Anuradha Thapa Magar registered against the Bill.