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UML asks govt to withdraw nominations, urges Maoists not to head for collision course

The CPN (UML) has asked the government to rescind its decision to appoint ambassadors in 14 Nepali missions and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

A meeting of the UML’s Standing Committee held today at party’s central office, Balkhu, decided to ask the government to withdraw its recent nominations, UML spokesperson Pradeep Nepal told Nepalnews. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is also a Standing Committee member, did not attend the meeting despite being invited to clarify on the ambassadorial nominations.

“The UML has decided to ask the government to withdraw the nominations in diplomatic missions and the NHRC. We have also called upon the Maoists not to head for collision course,” Nepal said.

He added, “Our party has time and again pointed out that the government has been infracting the coalition ethics. As the diplomatic missions had been vacant for seven months, the government should have waited for few more weeks when the Maoists join the government.”

“All disputes should be settled in a peaceful manner. The violent protests of the Maoists only complicate things,” he said.

The UML spokesperson claimed that the party was not consulted when the cabinet decision was taken, adding that DPM Oli, who is said to have played an active role in finalising the names of ambassadorial candidates, also “didn’t have much to do regarding the decision”.

A special meeting of the Council of Ministers on Monday had decided to appoint ambassadors in 14 diplomatic missions and the NHRC. The decision has not only angered the Maoists but has also created differences within the ruling SPA.

The rebels, who called a general strike in the Kathmandu Valley and outside on Tuesday to protest the government nominations, have given an ultimatum to the government to withdraw the decision before December 31. nepalnews.com mk Dec 21 06