‘Report on allegations against envoy being studied’

Kathmandu, December 30

Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali today said the ministry was studying recommendations of the report submitted by a team formed to investigate the allegation of human trafficking levelled against Nepal’s Ambassador to Australia Lucky Sherpa.

Ambassador Sherpa’s former driver Wongchhu Sherpa has accused her and her husband of human trafficking saying he had collected money for them from some people promising them safe passage to Australia.

Ambassador Sherpa arrived in Kathmandu on December 8 after the ministry summoned her as part of the investigation being carried out by the ministry’s three-member team. She is presently in Kathmandu.

The team presented its report to the ministry three days ago, according to Gyawali. “We have just received the report and are studying its recommendations,” he told The Himalayan Times.

When asked why the ministry was delaying its decision in the matter, Gyawali said it was imperative take a decision only after carefully studying such a sensitive issue.

“It will not be wise to take a decision when the team is studying the matter. Now that it has submitted its report, we will soon reach a conclusion,” he said. Ambassador Sherpa has maintained that Wongchhu’s allegation against her and her family is fabricated.

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