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Kathmandu Wednesday February 20, 2002 Falgun 08, 2058.
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Cops and "tips"
I have been making yearly visits to your
beautiful Nepal for the last 17 years. I am now talking about my latest visit. I
understand the government is trying to meet the cost of the state of emergency by
increasing prices. But I did not know that there were other more devious ways of meeting
the extra security expenses. I am referring to the departure lounge at the Tribhuvan
International Airport where a policeman who inspected my hand baggage requested a tip, in
other words a bribe. He did not get one. This is definitely not the sort of farewell
gesture that will endear tourists to Nepal, and even someone like me, who is very aware of
the corruption culture in your country, was shocked to be asked for a bribe by a person
who is supposed to be protecting others.
Colin Powell obviously did not have a similar
experience but I do hope that the speech he made which included stamping out corruption
will be taken to heart by everyone for the sake of Nepal. May peace return to your country
very soon.
Joan Winstanley
via e-mail |
