 |
Kathmandu Wednesday January 02, 2002 Paush 18, 2058.
|
Unutterable anathema
The Zone of Peace (ZOP) proposal was at one
time the Moolmantra of Nepal’s foreign policy which everybody, from top to bottom, in
the officialdom chanted religiously. A support to the proposal used to be hailed as a
great achievement. Seeking support invariably formed part of the top agenda during
exchange of high-level visits. Likewise, our diplomat’s performance was judged, among
others, from the number of support one had been able to garner for the proposal
performance was judged, among others, from the number of support one had been able to
garner for the proposal.
In light of this backdrop, one is baffled
with the manner in which the reported (although scantily) support to ZOP extended by the
President of Mongolia was treated. It went almost unnoticed as a non-event, although this
was the first and only support received so far after the restoration of multiparty
democracy. This in itself was important. More importantly, it indicated the fact that in
the eyes of the outside world the proposal was very much alive.
One can easily surmise that the
President’s announcement of Mongolia’s support must have come as a surprise and
embarrassment to the powers that be, to whom the ZOP has all through been an unutterable
anathema. And they have always wanted to have it dumped in the dustbin of history.
Mongolia was apparently not aware of this. On the other hand, the votaries of the ZOP
missed a unique god-sent opportunity to resuscitate the ZOP from Aryaghat, courtesy
Mongolia, by having her support mentioned in a formal document like the joint.
In light of this backdrop, one is baffled
with the manner in which the reported (although scantily) support to ZOP extended by the
President of Mongolia was treated. It went almost unnoticed as a non-event, although this
was the first and only support received so far after the restoration of multiparty
democracy. This in itself was important.
Lastly, what prompted me to pen this letter
is my Lastly, what prompted me to pen this letter is my Lastly, what prompted me to pen
this letter is my utter disappointment at the fact that a mature and generally all seeking
eyes of M R Josse, a crusader of ZOP ever since it was mooted, somehow missed to mention
the Mongolian support in his regular column.
Ram Basnyat
New Baneswar, Kathmandu |
