TRC for greater nat’l unity: PM Koirala

KATHMANDU, MAY 09 - Outlining his government’s policies and priorities, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has said that the transitional justice bill is aimed at greater national unity and reconciliation as envisaged in the peace accord.

After seven years in limbo, Parliament last month endors

ed the bill paving the way to set up two separate commissions—Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (CED).

“As the bill on transitional justice mechanism is also linked with the constitution drafting process, we feel that failure to conclude the peace process will have serious and long-term consequences for the country and our people,” said the PM in his first briefing to the Kathmandu-based diplomatic community on Thursday evening. Also in attendance were former prime ministers, ministers, senior bureaucrats and head of the security agencies.

During the reception hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PM Koirala also made his government’s position clear on national foreign policy focus.

“Our neighbouring countries are our top foreign policy priority,” the PM said.

“Recent years have witnessed profound changes in the dispersal of geopolitical and economic power in the world,” he said, adding that Nepal’s “great neighbours” India and China remain the focus of this unprecedented transformation.

PM Koirala said the focus of Nepal’s foreign policy has consistently been to prevent Nepali territory from being used to hurt the legitimate security interests of the neighbouring countries.

The event was also organised by the government to begin the practice of briefing the international community after the formation the new government and during every major political change in the country.

“Nepal’s proximity to two powerful ancient civilisations, which also happen to be the two fastest growing economies and rising global powers, gives it a great future ahead and vast opportunities to translate the rich potentials of hydropower, agriculture, tourism, and diversity in the trans- Himalayan region into concrete advantages for common benefit.”

Koirala continued, “Based on contemporary pragmatism and ground realities, we wish to work closely with our neighbours for unlocking the dormant potentials for common benefit.”

On the occasion, the PM also reiterated that the much-awaited new constitution will be delivered within a year, adding that things are moving in a positive direction to realise that goal.

Echoing similar views, Foreign Minister Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, said, “The Constituent Assembly has already commenced its business and the government is fully committed to facilitate the process in accomplishing this vital national objective in a timely manner.”