Govt committed to conclude peace process in line with CPA: FM

Govt briefing to Diplomatic Community

Kathmandu, Feb. 1: The government has said that the present leadership had the capacity and willingness to conclude the remaining work of the peace process with a renewed commitment.

It also urged the representatives of the friendly nations to trust the government commitment, willingness and capacity to close this chapter forever in the spirit of the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA).

"If Nepali leadership could resolve unthinkable hardcore political issues to arrive at this stage, there is every reason to believe that the leadership has also the ability and willingness to complete this final leg," said Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali at a briefing to Diplomatic Community on Friday.

Mentioning that the government noted that the concerns expressed in certain quarters for the expeditious conclusion of this process, he said that the government believed that the internal matter could be resolved with its own commitment and efforts.

"You all are aware that the peace process has been fundamentally concluded and we remain committed to addressing the remaining component of transitional justice in the best interest of this country and people," said Gyawali.

According to him, the government has made it clear to all stakeholders that there will be no blanket amnesty to serious violations of human rights and it was committed to ensuring that justice is provided to the victims.

But, we want to ensure that the process of reconciliation is smooth and sustainable, the whole process of ‘dealing with the past’ is credible, he said.

The government has urged the friendly nations to walk together with Nepal in order to ensure economic progress in the country.

It asked for their support in the upcoming International Investment Summit slated for 29-30 March this year.

"Nepal needs to modernise agriculture, build infrastructure, tap the energy potentials, promote tourism, develop human resources and generate employment opportunities for our people. For this, we need huge financial resources – both from within and outside the country," said FM Gyawali.

"Investment in productive sectors will be critical to realise our goal of economic transformation. That is why, we are hosting the investment summit in order to invite foreign investors to Nepal. This is the topmost priority for the government."

According to him, only the legal, policy and institutional reforms boost the confidence of the investors and the government was effortful in making visible reforms so that potential investors see the difference when they come to attend the Summit in March.

"We will make all possible efforts to ensure a predictable, secure and attractive investment climate in Nepal," he said.

Gyawali also said that it was in the interest of both Nepal and development partners to make this event a success to contribute to Nepal’s socio-economic development at a faster pace.

"We are effortful to advance ‘economic-orientation’ throughout the country. We strive to achieve socio-economic development and prosperity, building on the dividend of political transformation," he said.

He emphasised that the government and international partners must create a success story together ensuring that valuable resources are best utilised in priority sectors of development and reach the real needy people through established budgetary system.

He said that the mainstay of today’s diplomacy was the pursuit of economic agenda and expressed commitment to strive to promote vital economic interests through activities aimed at attracting more foreign investment in our national priority sectors, expanding country's export trade and promoting tourism, among others.

"We will continue to closely work together with our fellow Member States of SAARC, BIMSTEC, ACD and SCO for achieving regional peace, progress and prosperity. Efforts will be made to revive the stalled SAARC process," he said.

He underscored the need of constructive multilateralism to achieve the collective interests.

Minister for Finance Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada updated the diplomats with the policy reforms implemented in the past years and said that the government would ensure the safety of investment and maintain a favourable investment climate.

The briefing, organised to share the Government’s major policies, priorities and diplomatic engagements, was the third of its kind since the present Government was formed about a year ago.

Govt serious about investment safety: PM

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has assured the diplomats that the government was serious in protecting foreign investment and ensure a business-friendly environment.

"The government is ready to facilitate the investors in every possible way," he said to the international community in the Capital.

He said that the policy reform process was underway.

Commenting on Nepal's foreign relations, the PM said that Nepal always gave priority to its national interest, while giving equal attention to the sensitivity of the friendly nations.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 2 February 2019.