Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has shared the ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic missions in Nepal about the country's recent political developments, economic situation and his government's major priorities where he said that the government has renewed its resolve of consolidating the democratic gains and striving for socio-economic transformation.
He said the common minimum programme of the incumbent government is focused on strengthening and empowering democratic institutions; building a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive society; and achieving economic transformation. "To this end, our efforts will be directed towards institutionalizing the federal democratic republic system," according to the PM.
PM Prachanda said that the policies and actions of the government are guided by strong commitment to good governance, the rule of law and participatory democracy adding that the government upholds zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
Likewise, PM Prachanda reaffirmed his commitment to the conclusion of the peace process stating that "We are committed to bringing our successful, unique and home-grown peace process to a logical conclusion."
He said reaffirmed his commitment to conclude the remaining task of the transitional justice process and provide justice and reparation to the victims of the conflict. "The Comprehensive Peace Accord, the directives of the Supreme Court, and relevant international commitments, as well as the concerns of the victims, will guide our endeavors towards this end," the PM told the diplomatic community based in Nepal.
"I can assure our partners that Nepal can conclude the process of transitional justice in equally unique way based on the above parameters," the PM stated adding that the amendment Bill to the Enforced Disappearances Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act, has been tabled in Parliament and there is a consensus among major political parties to pass the Bill at the earliest.
The PM was of the view that the amendment proposal has adopted a victim-centric approach and recognizes reparation as a right of the victim and assured the diplomats that there will be no blanket amnesty in cases of serious violation of human rights.
Likewise, he said that with a view to revive economic dynamism, the government has introduced several measures on economic, fiscal, and monetary policy that include reducing unnecessary recurrent expenditures, spearheading revenue-generating activities, reducing bank interest rate, and offering refinancing and loan restructure facilities in productive and priority sectors.
Saying that the government was committed to ensuring a predictable, secure, and conducive investment environment to attract more foreign direct investment in priority areas, the PM promised to encourage investments in the areas of clean energy, tourism and infrastructures.
Likewise, PM Prachanda said that the Official Development Assistance, including grants and concessional loans, is still crucial for Nepal to address its economic and infrastructure challenges and a significant need for external financing in sustainable development, poverty reduction, and access to education and healthcare are imperative.
As Nepal is set to graduate from the LDC by 2026, we are graduating without meeting the income criterion, the PM said urging the international community for its support. "In this context, it is crucial for us to receive continued and focused international support measures from our development partners. Such support measures should include, inter alia, concessional and grant finance, preferential market access and technology transfer for an extended period of time even beyond graduation."
Furthermore, the PM briefed about the impacts of climate change that Nepal is bearing its burden of climate change. "The negative impacts of climate change on the lives and livelihoods of our people are increasingly visible in our mountains and plains."
PM Prachanda said, "Multiple crises and challenges compounded with the current economic situation has rendered realization of the sustainable development goals (SDG) even more challenging. We seek your continued interest in this critical area of our development priority."
On a separate note, the PM informed the diplomatic community that Nepal was close to the end of concluding periodic Mutual Evaluation under the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG-AML/CFT). Nepal’s compliance of FATF recommendations has been significantly improved over the years since we became member of the APG in 2002 and we remain committed to continuously improving our capacity to address the new and emerging challenges, he added.
Likewise, the PM said that Nepal pursues an independent foreign policy based on the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference, mutual respect and benefit adding that the Constitution of Nepal provides basic policy direction to the conduct of our international relations. "Our foreign policy is guided by the principles of Panchasheel, non-alignment, the UN Charter, international law, and norms of world peace."
"Currently a member of the Human Rights Council elected for the second term of 2021-23, we continue to serve the Council with determination and distinction. We promote an objective and apolitical approach to human rights issues based on our democratic values and commitment to human rights and fundamental freedom," according to PM Prachanda.
Source: National News Agency-Nepal