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| Kathmandu, Tuesday May 07, 2002 Baishakh 24, 2059. |
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Deuba’s US, UK trip
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s trip to
the United States of America and the United Kingdom may not be just another routine
exercise by junket loving politicians. This has come at a crucial time when Nepal needs
international support for its development initiatives and security. The serious attention
that Deuba’s trip has drawn in those countries shows that both countries are
concerned about Nepal’s situation and needs. But the absence of a consensus on
foreign policy matters among various political parties has quite often sent a wrong signal
abroad and even confused donors. This trend was visible on the eve of Deuba’s
departure too. This will, however, not minimise the relevance or outcome of Deuba’s
trip. The Prime Minister’s visit to the two countries and his scheduled meetings with
President George W Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair are part of a long drawn exercise.
Both countries had sent their high level teams to Nepal to assess its security situation,
devastation caused by the Maoists and financial assistance that it may need for
reconstruction. They have already made their initial assessment about this.
But it would have been much easier for Deuba to
speak on behalf of the entire nation - including its opposition parties - about Nepal’s
security perception, view on terrorism as part of the global campaign against the
perpetrators of violence and the areas that Nepal would want the US and the UK to be
involved in. As Prime Minister Deuba’s words will carry the same weight when he meets
the two leaders, but there is enough room for being criticised within the country for his
‘personal approach’ on such crucial matters. Being in the opposition does not
mean having no responsibility when it comes to presenting Nepal’s case abroad. The US
has promised training and other long-term assistance to modernise the Royal Nepal Army in
addition to the 20 million US dollar pledge. The US and the UK have also seriously
discussed ways to assist Nepal in restoring peace and carrying on with normal development
activities. Deuba’s visit to India more than a month ago was equally positive in
terms of India’s support to Nepal for the restoration of durable peace unhindered by
acts of terror.
Nepal’s campaign against the Maoist
violence has, no doubt, attracted international concern and support. But the support will
not be a blanket one. Alleged violation of human rights by the government will be raised
in international fora as human rights record of a particular country affects the aid
disbursement and other concessions. Formation of a three-member committee to look into the
complaints of any deliberate violation of human rights by security forces during the
operation shows that the government is aware of its obligations towards the Constitution
as well as the international community. However, a single visit by the Prime Minister will
not result in miracles and resolve all the pressing problems dogging the nation. That will
call for sustained and sincere initiatives within the country. But if Deuba indeed
succeeds in securing international support to keep up the ongoing campaign against
terrorism or in favour of peace, apart from further help for the rebuilding of ravaged
infrastructure, that will be considered a major achievement. |
