Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Dr. Som P Pudasaini, Nepal

Background:

A major refocusing and strengthening of Nepal's foreign policy and its diplomatic apparatus is long overdue in view of the momentous changes that have occurred in security, diplomatic arid economic environments across the globe. Foreign policy paradigm shift is now a must for building an inclusive post-Janaandolan-II and post- conflict Nepal with due international economic and diplomatic support.

Our foreign policy and diplomatic apparatus has been staggering in the absence of proper direction, unstable leadership, neglect and poor coordination. Economic diplomacy, post-conflict support, Bhutanese refugees; among others; have failed to receive focus. Adhocism and business as usual continues to be the rule. Lack of adequate institutional strengthening and appointment of ambassadors on patronage than competence continues to inflict damage. No consensus has been developed on foreign policy. Contentious border and water resources issues have been handled poorly. Donors and well-wishers are on “wait and see” mode on how to support emerging Nepal.

A major paradigm shift in foreign affairs is long overdue. A number of Task Forces constituted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the years have submitted reports for redirecting foreign affairs, including the High Level Committee formed by the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) government headed by Girija Prasad Koirala. There have been two key problems associated with the Task Forces and the report prepared by them. Firstly, the Task Forces were never broad enough to accommodate expertise of government and independent professionals in the fields of diplomacy, economy, security, human rights and peace building to be able to produce a broader and pragmatic report. Most of the Task Forces have been represented by professionals trusted by the government in power in limited fields. Secondly none of the reports submitted have been effectively implemented to redirect foreign affairs.

Continuity with Change:

Foreign policy shift must balance continuity with changes to benefit from fast moving neighbors, India and China, and the rest of the world. Preserving national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity; enhancing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with nation states and international organizations, and building good image will have to be the central objectives. In addition, attracting adequate resources to build sustainable, inclusive and prosperous post-conflict Nepal will be equally crucial

With the collapse of bipolar superpower world and economics prevailing over political ideology Panchaseel and non-alignment has lost much of its brilliance. Indo-China relations have been warming. Nepal as a “Yam between two boulders” deserves continuity but with necessary fine tuning based on the reality that both the Yam and the boulders are drastically changing under the weight of endogenous and exogenous politico-economic developments. We must further consolidate our relations with other countries vital to our wellbeing in the changed context.

National Consensus and Broad Policy Issues:

The foremost need is to build a national consensus on foreign policy. National security, water resources, river-linking, energy, border demarcation; including Kalapani and Susta; and regulating illegal activities at the international borders demands consensus and greater clarity in the new paradigm to be adopted. Proper review of implications of treaties and conventions signed in the past and development of proper framework as well as provision for adequate national debate for undertaking any treaties and agreements in the future must be assured. Policy for arranging more work for surplus security forces, including the Maoists to be accommodated, in UN peace keeping and other security purposes should be built in the new initiatives. Consistent and clear positions must be initiated to deal with the Bhutanese refugee problem and the Tibetan refugees and intruders.

Terrorism, insurgency, migration, internally displaced and their implications to national and global security, stability and development are at the heart of serious contemporary concerns. We must develop well defined policies and our diplomats must be informed of the policies on conflict resolution, peace building, cross boarder terrorism and proliferation of arms; particularly those concerning Nepal; as they have strong implications to our international image and support.

Means and mechanism for lobbying for important UN and International Agency positions; including the non-permanent UN Security Council seat; donor funding, investment, Bhutani refugee repatriation, etc are important for the missions based in UN and capitals of important nations. Millennium development goals, environment, indigenous populations, girl trafficking and gender are serious foreign policy matters. Rights based approaches are at the heart of contemporary developmental and diplomatic debates. Human rights standard is now important foreign policy issue to be addressed properly. Violations by the government and the Maoists have serious implications.

Economic Diplomacy:

With globalization and free trade looming large in the horizon with tremendous potential for poverty reduction and development as well as significant uncertainties and risks, economic diplomacy rust receive high priority. First, extract maximum benefits from WTO, SAARC, EU, US and dynamic economies of our neighbors, India and China; including being the true ‘transit point” between them. Second, attract significant foreign direct investments, particularly in water resources, tourism and infrastructure. Third, promote gainful foreign employment for ever increasing labor force. Fourth, promote tourism & market for Nepali products, poverty reduction strategies, trade and commerce, carpets and garments. Fifth, mobilize appropriate and adequate foreign technical and financial assistance, particularly grants. Also, draw support for post-conflict rebuilding, including relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Merit Based Appointments and Institutional Strengthening:

Many Ambassadorial positions are left vacant for extended periods and even key Ambassadorial appointments are based on patronage. Today Nepal has no dearth of well qualified people within and outside MFA. Clear criteria should be built in new policy for appointing ambassadors and honorary consuls. Provisions must be made to offer easy consular services and develop adequate contact with Nepali community by the embassies. Effective trainings and orientations of newly appointed staff, ambassador and spouses must be designed under new policy. Number and locations of embassies must be reviewed to ensure suitability and adequacy for the implementation of new vision. Clear cut criteria such as strategic, political, economic and socio-cultural factors may be used to determine the importance of countries to our national interests and priorities may be set in establishing and strengthening relations with them.

Proper institutional strengthening and linkages will be critical for the successful implementation of the new foreign policy paradigm. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) and the Missions abroad will have to work closely for better policy focus, backstopping and feedback. IFA needs major professionalization and restructuring to be an effective think-tank and training resource on foreign affairs. Missions abroad must be assessed for their potential and resources needs. MFA is overstretched in terms of resources, competent manpower and think tank capacity.

Concluding Remarks:

It is hoped that the new Nepal Government catapulted to power by the mandate of Janaandolan-II does not fail to redirect foreign policy and attain necessary paradigm shift in foreign affairs to enhance international relations to help build a democratic, inclusive and prosperous post-conflict Nepal with support from the friendly nations and international institutions in this changed and changing world. Given the lackadaisical attitude and performance of our governments it is crucial that political leaders and professionals help shape up a pragmatic foreign policy consistent with the need of the country and the reality of the contemporary world. Due timely pressure must also be brought to bear on the government to ensure that it quickly adopts and implements it without undue delay.

Dr. Pudasaini has served UN in Sri Lanka, Yemen and the Maldives and is Coordinator of the International Relations, Human Rights and Peace Committee of the Nepal Council of World Affairs (NCWA)-ed.