Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Kamal Thapa, on Wednesday expressed hope that the differences in his country which arose following the promulgation of the new Constitution could be dealt by timely amendments in the future.
Expressing his government’s desire to deal with the crippling ongoing blockade and inter-ethnic tension, Mr. Thapa said: “We are quite optimistic in view of our ability and competence to resolve our differences on our own for the national interest of the country.”
In his speech, in defence of the Nepali Constitution and human rights record, Mr. Thapa highlighted that the present government led by Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli has been holding a national dialogue with the Madhesi and the Tharu communities of the Terai region.
The speech at the UNHRC came as an elaborate defence of the Nepali constitution which was promulgated on September 20 and was followed by the prolonged blockade on the economic gateways of Nepal located on the India-Nepal border.
‘Avoid interference’
China on Wednesday called on Nepal to resolve the differences over the new charter without “outside interference,” a veiled reference to India amid the agitation by Indian-origin Madhesis.
“China is closely following the situation in Nepal,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, when asked about the stir.
